Sand cliff

The cliffs here aren't what you'd expect from Sussex. Golden sand and clay face the sea in a way that feels almost out of place on the south coast, where you're normally confronted with chalk. It's a proper geological oddity, and that alone makes the walk worthwhile.

You're looking at a viewpoint rather than a destination with facilities. There's no café, no car park with a view, no visitor centre telling you what you're seeing. Instead, you get the raw thing itself - a vantage point over the landscape that changes depending on light and season. Walkers love it, particularly those exploring the South Downs way or heading down from Patching. The views stretch across fields and down towards the coast, and on a clear day you can really see the lie of the land.

It's free, obviously. Allow an hour or so if you're making it part of a walk rather than a quick stop. Winter's actually good for this - fewer people, sharper light, the cliffs show their colours better when the sun's low. Summer means more foot traffic but the longer days help.

If you're camping at Washington or one of the other parks dotted around this part of Sussex, Sand Cliff works as a proper country walk rather than a tourist tick-box. It's best combined with exploring the wider Downland footpaths - treat it as part of something bigger rather than a destination on its own. Real Sussex walking country.