Berwick to Eastbourne Walk
A reservoir, then the South Downs Way past pretty villages (Jevington and Wilmington) and a ridge walk.
History
This is a list of previous times this walk has been done by the club (since Jan 2010). For more recent events (since April 2015), full details are shown.
Date | Option | Post | # | Weather |
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Sat, 07-Dec-24 | Berwick to Eastbourne | |||
Sun, 09-Jun-24 | Berwick to Eastbourne | |||
Wed, 05-Jul-23 | South Downs to the coast: Berwick to Eastbourne | 7 | sun cloud showers and very strong wind on top of the Downs | |
Sat, 21-Aug-21 | Berwick to Eastbourne | 6 | slight drizzle mainly dull | |
Sun, 06-Sep-20 | A Sunday Saunter and Swim via a Smugglers’ lair? | 9 | bright and sunny skies | |
Sun, 25-Aug-19 | Tickle the giant's toes - Berwick to Eastbourne | 13 | hot and sunny | |
Sat, 05-May-18 | Berwick to Eastbourne | 14 | glorious | |
Sat, 26-Aug-17 | Berwick to Eastbourne | 13 | ||
Sat, 18-Jun-16 | Berwick to Eastbourne | 11 | dull | |
Sun, 04-May-14 | Berwick to Eastbourne Walk | 0 | ||
Sat, 11-May-13 | Berwick to Eastbourne Walk | 8 | ||
Sat, 16-Jun-12 | Berwick to Eastbourne Walk | |||
Sat, 25-Jun-11 | Berwick to Eastbourne Walk | |||
Sat, 23-Oct-10 | Berwick to Eastbourne Walk | |||
Mon, 30-Aug-10 | Berwick to Eastbourne Walk | |||
Sat, 13-Jun-09 | Berwick to Eastbourne Walk | |||
Sun, 15-Jun-08 | Berwick to Eastbourne Walk | |||
Sat, 24-May-08 | Berwick to Eastbourne Walk | |||
Sun, 15-Jul-07 | Berwick to Eastbourne Walk | |||
Sat, 07-Jul-07 | Berwick to Eastbourne Walk | |||
Sat, 17-Feb-07 | Berwick to Eastbourne Walk |
Saturday 07-Dec-24
Sunday 09-Jun-24
A South Downs walk, that first visits Arlington Reservoir (good for ducks etc.), then Wilmington, famous for its hillside figure (the Long Man) and its churchyard yew. The church has a charming "bee and butterfly" window. After tickling the Long Man's toes, you're off across the downs, through Jevington, a historic smuggling village, and eventually down to the sea at Eastbourne.
It is possible to do a shorter (11.6 km 7.2 ml) walk, finishing in Polegate. It is also possible to catch a bus to Eastbourne after about 10 miles.
Trains 9:47 Ore train from Victoria (Clapham Jct 9:54, E Croydon 10:03) to Lewes, change there to the Eastbourne train (arrive 10:54 platform 1, depart 11:13 platform 3) arrive Berwick at 11:24.
Return direct from Eastbourne at xx:00. Get a return to Eastbourne.
Return from Polegate at xx:07.
Lunch The Long Man in Wilmington (0)1323870207 advisable to book .
There is a later option in Jevington, the Eight Bells. (Sadly, the Jevington Tea Room is no more).
Tea The Qualisea Fish Restaurant (on Terminus Road ) comes recommended. It shouldn't be too hard to find a pub there either.
Directions here
T=2.27
Wednesday 05-Jul-23
Length: 20.5 km (10.7 miles) 7/10
I've wanted to do this walk for a while; it takes in the South Downs, Wilmington Long Man - one of only two "human" chalk figures in England - a couple of interesting villages and maybe even a swim at the end. It's also a neat continuation for anyone doing the Lewes to Berwick walk on the 25th.
Travel: 0954 from Victoria (Clapham Junction 1001, East Croydon 1010), changing at Lewes for the 1114 arriving Berwick 1125. Returns from Eastbourne at 05 (NOTE THERE IS ONLY AN HOURLY SERVICE OWING TO THE ASLEF OVERTIME BAN BUT THE OUTBOUND TRAINS LOOK TO BE RUNNING OK). Change at Haywards Heath for London Bridge. Get a return to Eastbourne.
Lunch and tea: The pub in Wilmington is sadly closed SEE MG'S COMMENT BELOW. A late pub option is the Eight Bells High Street, Jevington, BN26 5QB (01323 484442). This is 10.8 km into the walk - about half way - but it seems to be taking lunch bookings till 2.45 so you should be fine. If anyone is ready for a tea stop by then, the pleasant Jevington Tea Garden ( 01323 489692; with some inside tables) is 200 metres up the road from the Eight Bells. In Eastbourne, Qualisea Fish Restaurant (189 Terminus Road Eastbourne BN21 3DH (01323 725203) is recommended for those ready for a post-walk meal; there are plenty of pubs including the Eagle, 57 South Street (01323 417799) which has a nice roof garden.
Shortening the walk: the best way to shorten the walk is to catch the 12/12A bus from the A259 to Eastbourne station, saving 4.3 km. The directions also describe a short walk following the main route to Folkington and then heading to nearby Polegate - 11.6 km altogether.
For walk directions, map and GPX click here
T=2.27
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Sun, 02-Jul-23
Having done the walk yesterday, happy to inform you that the closed Giant's Rest in Wilmington is now the open Long Man Inn. They didn't have a card with opening hours etc so best to check their website.
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Mon, 03-Jul-23
Thanks MG. It's a great setting so good to know there is something open there. All - the website says the pub is open all day and lunch service is 12-230
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Thu, 06-Jul-23
This comment has been removed by the author.
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Thu, 06-Jul-23
7 arrived at Berwick on the train on a day of sun cloud showers and very strong wind on top of the Downs . Having read the comments on this walk we decided to try going to Wilmington via the Wealdway (start of walk 90). Although it was perfectly passable we encountered nettles, brambles, wild roses and broken stiles so goodness knows what the standard route would have been like. Hundreds of butterflies flew out of the hedgerows to meet us - I think they were painted ladies. Great view of the Long Man from the Wealdway approach.
Most of us picknicked in Wilmington then joined our dining correspondent for a quick drink in the re-christened Long Man Inn. Food and beer were pronounced excellent, the staff were very enthusiastic and the walls were festooned with Long Man-themed artworks in various styles - definitely a venture worth supporting.
On to Jevington at a fast pace, up the hill and into a very strong west wind which made the walk to the A259 a real battle. Three of us got the bus from there and were surprised to be in time for the 1705 train, so we eschewed the delights of Eastbourne and jumped on it. The others were reported to have reached the bandstand on the seafront around 5.30; hope they had a nice time there.
Saturday 21-Aug-21
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Thu, 19-Aug-21
Intend going.
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Sat, 21-Aug-21
National Rail says 9.24 train cancelled. I will try for the 8.54 train.
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Sat, 21-Aug-21
National Rail no longer saying 9.24 cancelled
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Six walkers at Berwick station set off in slightly drizzly weather which improved after a bit, negotiating some difficult stiles and slightly overgrown paths early on in the walk but nothing too challenging for us SWC people. We did unfortunatley lose one of our number by the Long Man of Wilmington, a new walker from Hastings and apologies to him - the group got a bit fragmented at this point and after the up and over bit here we inadvertently split in two groups and did different routes to Jevington. I'd agree in retrospect that sticking to the South Downs route and skipping Folkington looks nicer, more open views. Two ate in the Eight Bells, sounds like it was pretty good, others sandwiched by Folkington church or in Jevington. The afternoon has grand scenery even on a dull day and the descent coastwards is lovely. One took a shortcut to the bus,remaining four walked into Eastbourne and three finished with liquid refreshments and caught the 6.35pm train, the other having got the train before. Very nice, companionable day out.
Sunday 06-Sep-20
Distance: 15.3 Miles or 24.6 km for those more metrically minded (shorter version omitting Beachy Head possible – 12.7 miles/20.5km)
Difficulty: 7 out of 10
Train: Take the 9:45 AM Ore train from London Victoria (stopping at Clapham Junction at 9:52 and East Croydon at 10:02), arriving at Berwick at 11:32 (with a change at Lewes, arriving 10:50; departing 11:20). Return trains from Eastbourne are hourly on the hour until 21:00. Buy a day return to Eastbourne.
This walk appeals as it offers an energetic romp across the South Downs with an option for a refreshing dip at the end if the conditions prove suitable (questionable)…It also passes a number of points of interest…..a reservoir, the Long Man of Wilmington and the former smuggler hideout of Jevington….You can find more information about the walk and download the walk instructions here.
The recommended lunch spot is the Eight Bells (01323 484 442) in Jevington (6.7 miles/10.8 km into the walk) or a picnic anywhere along the ridge….Tea and stronger stuff is available at the Beachy Head Pub or various locations in Eastbourne.
Enjoy the walk (and swim)!
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Mon, 07-Sep-20
Eight off the train under bright and sunny skies . On our way towards the Long Man after our loop along the reservoir, we encountered another (who had arrived on an earlier train) sitting on a stile....making for 9. Some stopped for an aperitif at the Giant's Rest while other pushed on towards Jevington along a route that contours along the downs. Most picnicked on the hillside just before Jevington and one managed (with much patience, I believe) to get lunch at the rather swamped Eight Bells...Others tried to have a drink but found the process too frustrating...and decided to carry on...Various endings were taken into Eastbourne, some involving a bus....In Eastbourne, 3 enjoyed an idyllic evening swim before regrouping with a few others for a very tasty and hugely efficient Thai meal at the little cafe just behind the station....19:00 train for this group....
Sunday 25-Aug-19
7/10
A South Downs walk, first visiting Arlington Reservoir (good for ducks) then Wilmington, famous for its hillside figure and churchyard yew. The church has a charming "bee and butterfly" window. After tickling the Long Man's toes, you're off across the downs, through Jevington, a historic smuggling village, and eventually down to the sea at Eastbourne.
It is possible to do a shorter (11.6 km 7.2 ml) walk, finishing in Polegate.
Hardnuts could extend the walk to include Beachy Head, but you lot don't strike me as hardnuts.
Trains: 9:55 from Victoria (Clapham Jct 10:02, E Croydon 10:12) to Brighton, change there to the Eastbourne train (arr 11:01 plat 4, dep 11:05 plat 7) arr Berwick 11:32. You don't get long at Brighton so don't mess about.
For a more leisurely interchange, you could get the 9:46 Ore train from Victoria (Clapham Jct 09:53, E Croydon 10:03) and change at Lewes onto the same Eastbourne train (arr 10:49 plat 1, dep 11:21 plat 3).
Return from Eastbourne at xx00. Get a return to Eastbourne.
Tea: In Jevington, choose between the Eight Bells and the Jevington Tea Room.
It shouldn't be hard to find somewhere in Eastbourne. The Qualisea Fish Restaurant on Terminus Road comes recommended.
Directions here
T=2.27
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13 walkers on a hot and sunny day. 11 set off from Berwick, including at least 3 first timers. We had some difficulty with the instructions early in the walk, but we were helped out by a friendly farmer who promised that a new, clearly marked path alongside a new fence, would be in place within a few weeks. We picked up another 2 walkers at the Giant’s Rest in Wilmington. They were the only pub lunchers. The majority of the remaining group picnicked beside the 1600 yew tree in the churchyard of St. Mary and Peter. The church is well worth a visit and we were especially fortunate to have among our group a learned authority who pointed us towards the easily missed, ancient carvings engraved in the church walls. After lunch we continued just below the imposing Long Man of Wilmington towards the village of Jevington. Some stopped for refreshments at the Eight Bells pub. The 7 who pressed on had believed the Jevington tea garden to be shut, only to learn later that it had in fact re-opened in April. Others, we understand, had taken the opportunity to sample its delights. A light sea breeze was very welcome as we headed on over the downs and into Eastbourne. 2 found time for a refreshing swim in the wonderfully warm and clean sea before meeting up with 3 of the others in time to take the 6pm train back to London. A really lovely walk on a near perfect, if slightly too hot, day.
Saturday 05-May-18
Length: 20.5 km (12.7 miles). Toughness: 7/10
Catch the 9:47 from London Victoria arrives Berwick 11:20. (Change at Lewes arr. 10:52, dep. 11:09) Direct return trains from Eastbourne xx:35 xx:55 until 20:35, 21:35, 22:18.
Buy a day return to Eastbourne. T=2.27
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Fri, 04-May-18
Intend going.
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Sat, 05-May-18
Is it only me who gets asked to do a walk report with comments like make it funny and not too long
and then references to how good Mr M Tiger reports are with words like 'pithy' and 'Northern humour'
So doing my best here you go
14
glorious
Good lunch at 8 Bells
Nice flora and fauna
Excellent company
Short and that will have to suffice as Tiga has set the funny bar way too high. Pooh
Saturday 26-Aug-17
Length: 13 miles / 23 km
Toughness: 7/10
This South Downs walk heads from inland Sussex to the coast, taking in a variety of scenery along the way. The walk starts by passing Arlington Reservoir before crossing farmland towards Wilmington, then ascends to the huge chalk figure of the Long Man. From here the route continues to the historic smuggling village of Jevington, then ascends the South Downs to follow ridges of chalk grassland with views in all directions, before descending to the sea at Eastbourne.
Trains: Take the 9:47 Ore/Littlehampton train from London Victoria (10:03 East Croydon), change at Polegate to arrive at Berwick at 11:17.
Return trains from Eastbourne at xx35/55 until 20:35 then less frequent.
Buy a day return to Eastbourne.
Lunch: The Giant's Rest at Wilmington (01323 870207) is 3 miles / 4.9km into the walk, an SWC favourite.
The Eight Bells, Jevington (01323 484442) is a possible mid-afternoon or late lunch stop.
Click here for full details and walk instructions.
T=2.27
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Fri, 25-Aug-17
I am going to do the Walk Tomorrow. But what we got to be Cautious about. When we take the Train from London Victoria. It could be absolutely packed like anything. Due to the Weekend Engineering works at London Waterloo and London Euston.
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Sun, 27-Aug-17
13 Seven on the platform at the allotted time and five came later after problems with a cancelled train. Beautiful walk with some walkers taking their first course in the first pub and their second course in the second pub. A small group didn't fancy the walk into Eastbourne so decided to take the bus. The rest of us walked along the seafront and got some chips for the journey home, which alas, was marred by delayed trains. All in all though, an enjoyable day out.
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Sun, 27-Aug-17
We searched in vain for the Jevington Tea Rooms. I thought I knew where they were, but it appears to be a private house and garden now, so it looks like they have gone. Still, the Eight Bells does a good pot of tea and chocolate brownie.
Saturday 18-Jun-16
Toughness: 7/10
Transport: Take the 9:47 from London Victoria, change at Polegate to arrive at Berwick at 11:17
There are many trains back from Eastbourne
From the description:
This South Downs walk heads from inland Sussex to the coast, taking in a variety of scenery along the way. From Berwick the walk cuts across to the peaceful birdwatchers’ paradise of Arlington Reservoir before crossing farmland towards Wilmington, then ascends to the huge chalk figure of the Long Man. From here the route continues to the historic smuggling village of Jevington, then ascends the South Downs to follow ridges of chalk grassland with views in all directions, before descending to the seaside resort of Eastbourne and the possibility of extending the walk to the dramatic heights of Beachy Head. T=2.27
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Fri, 17-Jun-16
It is impossible to say. Random trains get cancelled. If you are unlucky it will be the outward train, but the comment below specifies an alternative. Last week we went an alternative route on the Southbourne to Chichester walk to avoid Southern trains but had a short connecting train get cancelled, while the direct Southern one from Victoria ran on time. But we were only 20 minutes late starting the walk. On the return leg, the trains were fine. It is random.
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Fri, 17-Jun-16
Looking at some 'live running' train websites I would say that roughly 5-10% of Southern's south coast services are being cancelled because of "issue with train crew". Saturday isn't an official 'Strike Day' but this ongoing disruption seems to be the result of the RMT union encouraging their staff to report sick at short notice. See Walker's comment on the Forum page for more details.
If you're delayed by half an hour or more you can claim compensation and get part of your fare back. However, it's a fiddly process (surprise!) and even if everyone did this I don't suppose it will get this tetchy dispute settled any sooner.