Egret's Way

7.1 miles (11.5 km)

This walk or cycle follows the Egret's Way from Newhaven to Lewes. The 7 mile route begins in the Riverside park in Lewes and then heads north along the River Ouse to Piddinghoe and Southease.
The route follows the lower Ouse Valley through one of the most attractive stretches of the South Downs National Park.... Created as a largely traffic-free walking and cycling route, the trail links Lewes and Newhaven with the villages of the lower valley while providing access to riverside landscapes, historic settlements and important wildlife habitats.
A highlight of the route is the section through Southease, where walkers can visit the village's historic church with its distinctive round tower, one of only a handful in Sussex. The nearby Southease Swing Bridge is another notable landmark, carrying the route across the River Ouse and connecting with the The South Downs Way National Trail.
The riverside section between Southease and Piddinghoe is particularly attractive, passing through open floodplain scenery with views of the surrounding chalk downs. The route takes its name from the little egret, a bird now regularly seen feeding along the river and wetlands of the Ouse estuary. Other wildlife frequently spotted along the trail includes herons, cormorants, ducks and a variety of wading birds.
Approaching Lewes, the route enters one of Sussex's most historic towns. Visitors can extend their outing to explore the town's castle, medieval streets, riverside areas and independent shops.