For a second day running, the car drivers outnumbered the train takers on a walk! Just 2 of us waited on the platform in Lewes for the Seaford train and wondered if it would be just us with the walk updater on this cloudy with some early sunny spells and a cold sea breeze day. However, we were met by 3 others at Seaford and met 1 more as we were going over Seaford Head, making for 6 in total. I had never done this walk in the written anti-clockwise orientation, so today's outing provided a different perspective -- though personally I prefer the clockwise route with an extension to high and over hill which avoids a slightly dull stretch along the edge of Seaford. The new walk updater has improved the walk with an option to follow the coast a bit longer (reducing the dull stretch). We became a bit stretched out in the morning -- but all regrouped at the Smugglers Inn in Alfriston for a very enjoyable lunch -- definitely a good (and more modestly priced) alternative to the George Inn. Fine views were enjoyed on the route back to Seaford. The cozy pub on the Seaford train platform provided welcome post walk refreshments for 3 of us while the 2 train takers waited for their return chariot.

A Tale of Two Walks...it was the windiest of times and the wettest of times, it was a time of sunny picnics in a village green and a time of dramatically rolling seas...

It was quite a day out for the 10 assembled outside the station in Seaford in light drizzle followed by everything else . One set off anti-clockwise, while the rest, most hoping for a swim, set of clockwise, meeting 2 others along the sea wall for a total of 12 . The larger clockwise group set of in twoish groups, but occasionally crossed paths at first before naturally breaking up properly across the downs....And, boy what a trip across the downs it was...very atmospheric if not drenchingly wet with fierce winds....for any who missed out on Scotland this year....perfect conditions...fortunately very easy route to navigate...

Clear and sunny skies arrived in time for our al fresco lunch in the village green in Alfriston...allowing most to dry out various bits of clothing that had become sodden...Setting off in the bright sun, hopes were sill high for a swim at Cuckmere....but, these were sadly dashed by the great rolling sea...so after a "tea break" watching the sea drama we set off over Seaford Head battling a mighty headwind....Back in Seaford, we enjoyed some fish and chips from Trawlers before catching the 19:25....

Ps: on the final stretch into Seaford we encountered another SWC regular who had done a modified walk in the area...

9 met at Seaford station and after a discussion of whether to go anti-clockwise or clockwise, 2 set of anti-clockwise and 7 clockwise. On the clockwise route, navigation went smoothly with a bit of everything sun clouds rain hail . Fortunately, one of the sunny spells coincided with lunch in the lovely garden at the George Inn. We looked for the other 2 -- but did not see them. The late afternoon over Seaford Head was atmospheric with sun and storm clouds in the distance. The watering hole on the platform is very good indeed and Trawlers now has a more modern look....the route itself is very good....covers some great territory not covered on other walks...we concluded it works well in both directions....

We were a bit late to the pub as we took a wrong turn. On the 5.25 train back though. You?

Hi anonymous, impressive that you made the 1725 train. 3 of us got to Seaford in time for the 1753 while the others dallied at Seaford Head and, evidently, in Seaford.

The Runaway café on Lewes station was closed by the time we got there btw.

And finally, I agree with stargazer, this really is an excellent route, full of interest and 25km with no boring bits.

7 . hot and sunny with cooling breeze . 6 completed the full walk, lunching late in Alfriston after a train delay meant we didn't start the walk till 11:50. It was nice to do some South Downs paths not covered by other SWC walks.

So that's why there was no-one else on the 10:59 from Lewes! I left my car at Lewes station, and finding nobody there or at Seaford, walked the SDW from Southease to Bostal Hii, then down to Bishopstone, but saw no other walkers from SWC. Beautiful day's walk, though, and a guided tour of Bishopstone church thrown in. Perhaps the occasional strategic sharing of phone numbers might be an idea.