9k Run Shoreham-by-Sea: Scenic Loop Along the River Adur

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 8.8km loop offers a flat, fast-paced escape through the heart of the Adur Valley, starting at the historic Old Toll Bridge. Guided by the tidal rhythm of the River Adur, runners will traverse a mix of hard-packed riverside trails and soft grassy paths that are remarkably accessible with zero elevation gain. Moving anticlockwise toward Botolphs, you’ll enjoy expansive views of the Sussex skyline and the rolling foothills of the South Downs. It is an ideal route for tempo sessions or a steady recovery run, providing a refreshing coastal breeze and a tranquil, vehicle-free environment that showcases the natural beauty of the Shoreham countryside.

Steeped in maritime and agricultural history, Shoreham-by-Sea serves as a captivating backdrop for this run. The Old Toll Bridge itself is a Grade II listed structure, dating back to 1781, once serving as a vital link for horse-drawn carriages crossing the estuary. As you head toward the tiny settlement of Botolphs—home to a Saxon-era church—you are running through land that has been shaped by the salt trade and river commerce for over a thousand years. Keep an eye out for local birdlife such as herons and egrets, which are frequent residents of the salt marshes, adding a sense of wildness to this historic Sussex landscape.