Glynde to Seaford walk

Time Out Walks, Book 1, Walk 31, Glynde to Seaford. 29/6/13

By amib on 09-Jul-13

This walk is described by some as the best walk in Book 1, and it is certainly a contender, but, like 'Roses', it's difficult to chose one... This is the first walk, however, that this walker has repeated, but that decision was mainly due to the poor quality of the first mobile video. Around 14.5 miles long, it passes briefly through Firle Park, before entering the pretty village of Firle. There's then a good climb to the 217m Firle Beacon, where some fine views are enjoyed over lunch. The South Downs Way is then followed into Alfriston, where a pub lunch is possible, and there's a delightful church. Then, its along the bank of the Cuckmere river before a stroll through Friston Forest. Emerging from here, the walker is then presented with the wonderful view that is Cuckmere Haven. On past Exceat Visitor Centre, there's a choice of ways to the beach at Cuckmere Haven, with its fine views of the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs. These are a real spectacle, and well worth pausing for, even having a paddle in the cooling sea. Thereafter, it's on along the Vanguard Way, with it's coastal views, past a golf course and so into the resort of Seaford. The weather has been kind to this walker on both occasions, but a great walk at any time of the year! The variety of downland, meadows, river, forest and coast is a great combination.