Easy hikes and walks around Plaistow
4.5
(1104)
8,218
hikers
619
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Plaistow offer a variety of gentle routes through the West Sussex countryside. The area is characterized by its network of canals, woodlands, and rural paths, providing accessible outdoor experiences. With over 350 easy hiking trails available, Plaistow is well-suited for casual walks and family-friendly excursions. The terrain generally features minimal elevation changes, making it ideal for those seeking less strenuous days outdoors.
Best easy hiking trails around Plaistow
- The most popular easy hiking route is Loxwood…
Last updated: June 30, 2026
4.0
(2)
47
hikers
6.03km
01:33
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(6)
22
hikers
7.30km
01:52
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
12
hikers
6.36km
01:38
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
7
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
3
hikers
6.80km
01:47
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The Wey and Arun Canal, finished in 1816, established a crucial link between the Wey Navigation near Guildford and the south coast via the River Arun. This canal played a pivotal role in the inland transportation network designed to ensure secure passage from London to Portsmouth, facilitating the transportation of goods to sustain the dockyards during the Napoleonic Wars. Despite its initial success in efficiently transporting a substantial volume of cargo, the advent of railways ultimately led to the formal closure of the canal in 1871.
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On this navigable stretch of the Wey and Arun Canal, Brewhurst Lock was restored in the 1990s and is in full working order.
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Baldwin's Knob lock has been restored and was the first lock to have been refurbished on the disused Wey & Arun Canal. It opened in its current form in 1994 and originally in 1816.
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The Drungewick Aqueduct carries the Wey and Arun Canal over the River Lox which feels like quite a unique experience as you walk alongside one waterway to look down over another. The canal itself fell into disrepair but the Wey and Arun Canal Trust is working on restoring it to a navigable waterway again.
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Oak, ash and hazel create a fantastic habitat for birds and animals here, and in summer it's buzzing with life. In spring, the forest floor is full of colour with bluebells, wood anemone and daffodils. Willow warblers and nuthatches call the copse their home, so keep an eye out and you might spot them.
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In 1905, the Wey and Arun Canal was split at Loxwood after a road bridge was dismantled. The road then ran through where the canal should have been as a replacement bridge wasn’t on the cards. To restore the canal, it would need to run beneath the road. The canal was dropped and a new lock put in – Loxwood Lock – to allow for boats and pedestrians to pass underneath the road. The canal was reopened at this section in 2009, and a boat passed through for the first time in over 100 years.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are available around Plaistow?
Plaistow offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails, with over 350 routes specifically designed for less strenuous walks. These trails are perfect for casual outings and family-friendly excursions through the West Sussex countryside.
What kind of landscape can I expect on easy hikes in Plaistow?
The easy hiking trails around Plaistow are characterized by a mix of canal paths, woodlands, and open rural landscapes. You'll find gentle routes following the historic Wey and Arun Canal, as well as peaceful paths through nature reserves and countryside.
Are there easy circular walks in Plaistow?
Yes, many of the easy trails in Plaistow are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Loxwood Lock – Baldwin's Knob Lock loop from Loxwood is a popular option, offering a pleasant walk along the canal.
What do other hikers say about the easy trails in Plaistow?
The easy hiking trails in Plaistow are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 900 reviews. Hikers often praise the peaceful canal paths, the beauty of the woodlands, and the accessibility of the routes.
Are there any easy routes that follow the Wey and Arun Canal?
Absolutely. The Wey and Arun Canal is a prominent feature of the area's easy hiking. A great option is the Wey and Arun Canal – Loxwood Lock loop from Plaistow, which provides a peaceful walk alongside the water and views of the historic locks.
Can I find easy trails through nature reserves or woodlands?
Yes, Plaistow offers easy trails that lead through natural areas. The Fir Tree Copse Nature Reserve loop from Sidney Wood farm is an excellent choice, taking you through a tranquil woodland and nature reserve.
Are there any interesting viewpoints or natural features to see on easy hikes?
While the immediate easy trails focus on canals and woodlands, the wider area around Plaistow features several notable viewpoints and natural monuments. You could explore highlights like Temple of the Wind Viewpoint or Black Down Summit and Viewpoint, which offer broader vistas.
Are there any lakes or ponds accessible via easy walks?
Yes, the region around Plaistow includes several beautiful lakes and ponds. While not directly on every easy trail, you can find highlights like Forked Pond or View of Upper Pond in the vicinity, offering serene waterside spots.
Are the easy hiking trails in Plaistow suitable for families?
Absolutely. The easy trails in Plaistow are generally flat with minimal elevation changes, making them ideal for families with children. The canal paths and woodland routes offer safe and enjoyable environments for all ages to explore.
Are there any easy routes that pass by historical sites or churches?
Yes, some easy routes incorporate local landmarks. For example, the St Nicholas Church, Alfold – Secluded Pond loop from Loxwood offers a pleasant walk that includes views of the historic St Nicholas Church.
What is the best time of year to enjoy easy hikes in Plaistow?
The easy hikes in Plaistow can be enjoyed year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, summer offers lush greenery, autumn showcases vibrant foliage, and winter provides crisp, quiet walks. The well-maintained paths along the canal are generally accessible in most conditions.
Are there any easy routes that offer a mix of canal and countryside scenery?
Many routes in Plaistow combine different landscapes. The Fisher Lane Farm Studio loop from Fisherlane Wood is an example of an easy trail that takes you through woodlands and open rural areas, offering a varied experience.
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