20 Sussex Vineyard Walking Trails

By Paul Dennison & Maddie Blackburn.

The Romans knew Sussex was special when they first cultivated grapevines on its sweeping chalk Downs. Now, from West Sussex to East, our winemakers receive global acclaim, producing more fine wines than any other county. Walk with us through the vineyards that create them and the glorious landscape in which they flourish. This unique walking guide takes you on 20 meandering rambles through a diverse range of Sussex vineyards: an intoxicating mix of gentle walks through spectacular downland countryside paired with exceptional estates, delicious tastings and fine wines.

All walks are relatively easy and can be enjoyed in a day, with complete independence from the wineries. There’s no better way of becoming acquainted with the land than walking through it and there’s nothing like a glass of wine to enrich your soul and refresh your spirit of adventure.

“‘I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to the food.” W. C. Fields, 1880–1946

*          Twenty original walks exploring the vineyards of Sussex.

*          Includes a history of local wines and winemaking.

*          Authored by experienced and enthusiastic walkers, with simple maps and points of interest along the way.

*          All walk sites accessible by public transport.

*          Part of a uniquely collectable series devoted to the special county of Sussex.

Dr Paul Dennison MBA was born in New Zealand and studied at Otago University. Paul is an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Greenwich and a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) in York. He has been a long-distance walker and mountaineer most of his life. Paul is married to Maddie and they love walking the Sussex vineyard routes.

Dr Maddie Blackburn OBE grew up in Yorkshire where she loved walking the moors and dales. She studied and worked in London as a solicitor, senior health professional and academic with a background in nursing, midwifery, health visiting, policy development, research, law and inspection. She is an Honorary Research Scholar at Nottingham Trent University and was awarded an OBE for services to people with life-shortening conditions.