Here is a list of places that are a short walk or drive away for some good views, picnic spots, hiking and running areas for friends, families, or a solo adventurer. Some places on this list, like the Angmering Park Estate, have private areas but these are always signposted.
1. Arundel Park
Head up to Arundel Cathedral and take a right turn. Straight away good views are already available but lots of people are bound to be around. If you hike towards the very eastern edge of the park, an amazing view appears out of nowhere, with Houghton and Amberley in sight. This is an entire 180 degrees of beauty, you can see the two 'cliffs’ near Amberley, the River Arun meandering through the countryside and even spot the river at South Stoke. It is an amazing view if you can deal with walking up the steep parts of Arundel Park.
2. Blakehurst
Just off the A27 eastbound from the Crossbush traffic lights is a small country lane called Blakehurst Lane heading north. This leads to an amazing bit of countryside just outside of Littlehampton. A series of footpaths leads you to various areas, like Wepham Woods, ideal for family walks. For mountain bikers, there is also a small track complete with jumps and a bowl carved into the forest floor, ideal for beginners. Keep in mind. however, you are in the Angmering Park Estate so do not stray into signposted private areas. Other footpaths will lead you to a massive valley and if you are lucky you can catch a view of Littlehampton and see the Body Shop and Amazon warehouses, the gasometer and certain other landmarks. Various other hills are accessible by biking or hiking in this area and there is parking where Blakehurst Lane makes a sharp left turn.
3. Burpham and Wepham
Just down the road from Crossbush and opposite Arundel railway station is Crossbush Lane, a road which leads up to the hamlets of Burpham and Wepham. There is a criss cross of footpaths here. You can access Wepham Down by walking along a ridge accessible from Burpham Road. Walking along this ridge will offer stunning views of Burpham and the hills beyond and on a clear day you can catch views of more of the South Downs, the River Arun, Glatting Beacon and various other landmarks.
4. Fairmile Bottom
Just off Whiteways Lodge Roundabout to the left, accessible via the A29, are some lay-bys which are suitable for parking. To the right is Madehurst, Houghton Forest and its surrounding area, and to the left are the Rewell Woods. These woods are very steep and can get muddy but offer some great scenes of natural beauty with lots of wildlife around. This is a good place to walk the dog or bring the family but be very wary of traffic from the A29, especially when crossing. Fairmile Bottom - Just off Whiteways Lodge Roundabout to the left, accessible via the A29, are some lay-bys which are suitable for parking. To the right is Madehurst, Houghton Forest and its surrounding area, and to the left are the Rewell Woods. These woods are very steep and can get muddy but offer some great scenes of natural beauty with lots of wildlife around. This is a good place to walk the dog or bring the family but be very wary of traffic from the A29, especially when crossing.