Wonderful Waterside Walks!

There are some beautiful lakes and reservoirs in Sussex, offering wonderful waterside trails. Here are our tried and tested favourites!

LAKE WOOD

Uckfield, East Sussex

This circular lakeside trail (approx. 1 km) offers a unique combination of shady woodland walking, huge sandstone rocks and tranquil water-side views. Possibility to extend your walk on footpaths through adjacent fields.

What it's Great For:

* Stunning lake, filled with lily pads in the spring and summer

* Explore the tunnel cut through the rock

* Venture into the cave beside the water's edge

* Climb the rocky outcrops for ultimate views over the lake

Click here to find out more.

SWANBORNE LAKE

Arundel, West Sussex

This beautiful lakeside walk (1.1 mile circuit) is suitable for the whole family. The lake is home to a variety of waterfowl, which children will enjoy feeding (with seed purchased from the ice cream kiosk). Possibility to extend your walk on public footpaths through Arundel Park's 1,200 acres of open downland.

What it's Great For:

* Feeding the ducks and spotting fish in the crystal clear water.

* Great views of 18th century folly Hiorne's Tower

* Rowing boat hire during summer months

Click here to find out more.

ARDINGLY RESERVOIR

Ardingly, Nr. Haywards Heath, West Sussex

A lovely gentle linear walk (1.5 km each way), offering spectacular views across the water throughout.

What it's Great For:

* Well way-marked route (follow the Kingfishers!)

* Watch the birds from the hide and use the information boards to help

you identify each species

* Free parking

Click here to find out more.

BEWL WATER

What it's Great For:

* Walk or cycle as little or as far as you like (full circuit is 12.5 miles!) - you can even get a water taxi back to the beginning!

* Huge grassy slope overlooking the water - great for picnics!

* Brilliant ship themed play area, with sand

* Large cafe with views across the water

Click here to find out more.

Wadhurst, East Sussex

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the well-maintained waterside trail at Bewl - the largest stretch of open water in the South East.

DITCHLING COMMON NATURE TRAIL

Ditchling, Nr. Hassocks, West Sussex

Follow “Dizzy the Ditchling Dragonfly” to discover a range of habitats - from open water to grassland and mature woodland - on this lovely nature trail.

What it's Great For:

* Circular trail (1 mile) incorporating stone paths, grassland and boardwalks

* Shorter lakeside loop (0.5 miles), suitable for little legs and new cyclists

* Information boards to help children spot and identify pond life

Click here to find out more.

ARLINGTON RESERVOIR

What it's Great For:

* Stunning scenery - views towards the Long Man at Wilmington

* Young ornithologists! Observe wildlife from the bird hide and use the

information boards to learn more about each species.

Click here to find out more.

Arlington, Nr. Polegate, East Sussex

A gentle circular walk (pushchair + wheelchair friendly), with superb waterside views!

ALEXANDRA PARK

Hastings, East Sussex

This enormous, yet beautiful Victorian park spans 2.8 km end to end and (unusually) includes several water reservoirs - a picturesque backdrop for a family walk, scoot or cycle.

What it's Great For:

* Extensive network of smooth, scootable paths in a beautiful setting

* Fish and duck food sold in cafe

* Children's adventure playground and boating lake

Click here to find out more.