Seaford to Eastbourne (The 7 Sisters) walk

The best walk in the Southeast! A dramatic cliff walk passing Cuckemere Haven, the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head as the South Downs meets the sea. Ends with Eastbourne's promenade and pier.

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
Sat, 06-Jan-24 Polegate to Eastbourne 3 cloudy with sunny intervals
Sun, 03-Sep-23 A Summer Coastal Classic -- Eastbourne to Seaford 15 perfect warm sunny day
Sat, 04-Mar-23 Bishopstone to Eastbourne 5 cloudy but still
Sat, 16-Jul-22 Saturday Walk - Eastbourne to Seaford (& a swim or two) [swimming walk] 9 hot and sunny
Sat, 08-Jan-22 Saturday Walk - Seaford to Eastbourne 2
Sun, 11-Jul-21 Sunny (hopefully) Summer Sunday along the Seven Sisters: Seaford to Eastbourne 11 partly sunny skies with developing cloud
Sun, 12-Jul-20 A Sunday Swimming Walk Along the Seven Sisters 12 fine bright conditions with cooling sea breeze
Sun, 31-Mar-19 Welcome Back British Summer Time with the Classic Eastbourne to Seaford 11 bright and breezy day
Sun, 15-Jul-18 Sunday Walk Summer Seaside Classic Eastbourne to Seaford 9 hot and sunny with cooling sea breeze
Mon, 28-Aug-17 Bank Holiday Monday walk - Eastbourne to Seaford 8 blazing hot
Sat, 09-Jul-16 Saturday Second Walk -- Walk 2.28 (in reverse)/SWC Walk 60: Eastbourne to Seaford 18 windy but reasonably fine
Sun, 01-May-16 Sunday Walk 1 – the Seven Sisters 17 brilliant sunshine without excessive heat
Mon, 31-Aug-15 Bank Holiday Monday walk - Seven Sisters coastal walk 8
Sun, 04-Jan-15 b Seaford to Birling Gap 12
Sat, 06-Sep-14 Seaford to Eastbourne 14
Sun, 13-Jul-14 Seaford to Eastbourne 6
Wed, 19-Mar-14 Seaford to Eastbourne
Sat, 07-Sep-13 Seaford to Eastbourne 18
Wed, 10-Apr-13 Seaford to Eastbourne
Sat, 25-Aug-12 Seaford to Eastbourne
Sun, 19-Aug-12 b Seaford to Birling Gap
Sat, 06-Aug-11 Seaford to Eastbourne
Sun, 29-May-11 Seaford to Eastbourne
Sun, 27-Feb-11 ? Eastbourne to Seaford
Sat, 21-Aug-10 ? Eastbourne to Seaford
Fri, 02-Jul-10 Seaford to Eastbourne
Mon, 31-May-10 Seaford to Eastbourne
Sun, 20-Sep-09 Seaford to Eastbourne (The 7 Sisters)
Sat, 08-Aug-09 ? Seaford to Eastbourne (The 7 Sisters)
Sat, 23-May-09 Seaford to Eastbourne (The 7 Sisters)
Sun, 22-Mar-09 Seaford to Eastbourne (The 7 Sisters)
Sat, 09-Aug-08 ? Seaford to Eastbourne (The 7 Sisters)
Sat, 14-Jun-08 Seaford to Eastbourne (The 7 Sisters)
Sat, 18-Aug-07 ? Seaford to Eastbourne (The 7 Sisters)
Sun, 29-Jul-07 ? Seaford to Eastbourne (The 7 Sisters)
Sat, 21-Jul-07 Seaford to Eastbourne (The 7 Sisters)
Sat, 06-Jan-24 : Polegate to Eastbourne 3
DAC
DAC
Extra Walk - Polegate to Eastbourne

Length: 20 km (12.4 miles). Toughness: 7/10
Catch the 9:54 from London Victoria (CJ 10:01, EC 10:10) arrives Polegate 11:09. Buy a day return to Eastbourne. Return trains from Eastbourne xx:05 xx:33 direct until 22:05.
A variation of this walk (Polegate to Seaford) was done in the early 2000s. I did think it was documented on this site - although I can't find it. Anyway it is fairly straightforward.
Basic directions to the coast:
From Polegate station head SSW (~200°) from Polegate station along the High Street for ~250m. Cross the Eastbourne road to continue in the same direction along Wannock road as it slowly curves left dir 170°. After ~900m at a triangle green, keep to the main (Jevington) road by veering right for ~150m to then turn left here up a gravel car wide track to join a footpath, SE to a crosspaths after ~1km at TQ582029 and turn right to join the Wealdway, initial direction SSW to after ~2km go across a cross-path with the SDW to leave the Wealdway and continue SSW across Willingdon Hill for ~2km to reach a path junction at TV564996. Turn left here, direction S for 1km to come out to a cul-de-sac and continue down it in the same direction SW and in 50m fork left down Summerdown Lane, then onto Michel Dene Rd to then cross Friston Hill (A259), to take the footpath on the other side which will lead to East Dean village green and the Tiger Inn.
After lunch take the Went Way S to join the path leading to the coast. Turn left for Eastbourne, turn right for Seaford.
Link to the gpx file from Polegate to Birling Gap after which the route to Eastbourne is fairly straightforward and helped by reference to the Seaford to Eastbourne directions here.
Due to the time of year, it will not be possible to complete the walk in daylight. (Sunset 16:09, civil twilight 16:47.) That said the route is straightforward and manageable. However if you are in any doubt then your best option would be to retrace the route back to East Dean from Birling gap to catch a frequent bus into Eastbourne from East Dean.
T=2.28
  • 29-Dec-23

    Hi, are you leading this walk on January 6th? Can anyone join? Thanks

  • 29-Dec-23

    Just to clarify that I'm up for this walk and wondered if anybody else intends to go?

  • 30-Dec-23

    @Nesreen, our walks don't have leaders, everyone is welcome, just come along! The number who turn up varies with the weather, usually between 5 and 20, see trip reports

  • 05-Jan-24

    Intend going

  • 08-Jan-24

    3 of us on this good day out cloudy with sunny intervals .

Stargazer

A Summer Coastal Classic Eastbourne to Seaford

Book 2 Walk 28 (in reverse): Eastbourne to Seaford t=2.28

The weather looks good, the tides look good....so why not? Enjoy the final days of summer with a classic coastal walk....

Distance: 13.6 Miles or 21.9 km for those more metrically minded (with a shorter 10 mile option available by catching a bus at Exceat)

Difficulty: 9 out of 10

Train: Take the 9:46 AM Ore train from London Victoria (stopping at East Croydon at 10:02), arriving at Eastbourne at 11:11. Return trains from Seaford are at 29 and 59 past the hour until 22:29. Buy a day return to Eastbourne.

This is a challenging coastal classic with lots of ups and downs but can be shorten to about 10 miles by catching a bus at Exceat to Seaford. High tide will be mid-afternoon – so there should be good swimming at both Birling Gap and Cuckmere Haven. You can find more information about the walk and download the walk instructions and map here. For instructions from Eastbourne station to Beachy Head, please also see the instructions for SWC 60.

The recommended lunch spot is the National Trust Café (offering light fare) or a picnic at Birling Gap with afternoon refreshments at the Cuckmere Inn in Cuckmere Haven.

The lovely bar on Seaford station is always a pleasurable way to end a nice walk by the sea!

Enjoy the walk (and swims)!

  • 01-Sep-23

    Details will come on Friday afternoon....train time remains the same....suggest picnic at Birling Gap..... the lovely bar on Seaford station is always a pleasure....

  • 03-Sep-23

    My first walk! Thank you all for making me so welcome. I had a terrific day and am thrilled to have made it the whole way, it was much more doable than I thought it was going to be.

  • 04-Sep-23

    A perfect warm sunny day for a coastal swimming bonanza! An even dozen met at Eastbourne station, including one new comer and set off along the seafront. Three could not resist a first swim in the inviting waters before tacking beach head. Two of these reconnected with some of the main group at Birling Gap, including one alternate starter. Two late starters then also found us on the beach, making for 15 in total. I believe 7 went swimming at Birling Gap at the crest of high tide in near perfect conditions. The trailing three also enjoyed a lengthy swim at Cuckmere Haven….followed by a brief stop in the Cuckmere Inn……We arrived in Seaford with just enough time to collect some provisions and have a swift half at the charming platform pub before hopping the 19:59…..a very full day!

Sat, 04-Mar-23 : Bishopstone to Eastbourne 5
DAC
DAC
CW2 28 Bishopstone to Eastbourne

Length: 23.7 km (14.7 miles). Toughness: 9/10
Shortcut option - finish at Birling Gap: 14.5km (9 miles)
Catch the 10:24 from London Victoria arrives Bishopstone 11:44 (change at Lewes arr. 11:27, dep. 11:31). Buy a day return to Eastbourne. Lunch at the The Cuckmere Inn (alternatively there is a café nearby at the visitors centre).
Due to the time of year, it may not be possible to complete the walk in daylight. That said the route is straightforward and manageable. However if you are in any doubt then you should take the coastal bus from East Dean* to Eastbourne. (Route from Bishopstone to Seaford. Left from the station towards the coast to then continue east along the coastal path to Seaford.)
* From Birling Gap head N for 2km to East Dean to pick up bus to Eastbourne.
12A xx:16 xx:36 xx:56 12X xx:03 xx:23 xx:43
Return xx:05 xx:33 until 22:05
T=2.28
  • 02-Mar-23

    Intend going.

  • 03-Mar-23

    Why the late start?

    If I do this walk, I will look for a train at 09.24.

    Austen

  • 03-Mar-23

    Intend starting from Polegate at 9:48 and joining you for lunch. Rich

  • E
    06-Mar-23

    Think this is how to submit a walk report...

    Two walkers met at Lewes (after arriving on an earlier train than the one posted) and then got the designated train to Bishopstone. Another SWC walker appeared later on Seaford Head, having walked from Polegate, making a total of 3 . All then made their way along the River Cuckmere to the inn for a pleasant lunch stop.

    Then on to walking the Sisters next to a calm blue-grey-turquoise-indigo sea on a cloudy but still day. Saw a kestrel (maybe two) and skylarks. Midway, stopped at Birling Gap cafe for a welcomed cream tea. Due to recent rockfall/coastal erosion, the cafe had been relocated to what was the visitor centre (this was proposed a year ago by the Trust -). The beach had also been closed off. Fortified with cream tea, we continued on to Eastbourne, descending from the hills at dusk (on a path between lots of Exmoor/Shetland type ponies) to a peaceful seafront. Nice day. Thanks D & R - E.

  • 25-Mar-23

    Plus 2 early starters, so 5 (as told today)

Eastbourne to Seaford (book 2, walk 28 in reverse) t=2.28
Distance: 13.6 Miles or 21.9 km (with a shorter 10 mile option available by catching a bus at Exceat)

Difficulty: 9 out of 10
I'm away this weekend, so a request from Stargazer:
This is a challenging walk with lots of ups and downs but can be shortened to about 10 miles by catching a bus at Exceat to Seaford. You can find more information about the walk and download the walk instructions and map here. For instructions from Eastbourne station to Beachy Head, the instructions for SWC 60 may also come in hand....High tide at Eastbourne is 1400. Swim options are Eastbourne, Birling Gap and Cuckmere Haven.
Trains: This weekend there are no Southern Victoria trains. Get the 0925 Eastbourne train from London Bridge (platform 11 according to Network Rail planner) (East Croydon 0942) arriving 1050. Return trains via Lewes are xx55, xx27 to London Bridge. Buy a day return to Eastbourne
Lunch: With the forecast hot weather, best go for a picnic.

  • 17-Jul-22

    Six serious swimmers assembled at Eastbourne Station, most piling off of an extraordinarily busy train from London Bridge....We quickly dispensed with formalities and headed for the seaside where we could not resist the lure of the sparkling blue sea....so ALL SIX started right off with a glorious swim setting the tempo for the day....We connected with 2 early starters who had waited for us at the cafe at the bottom of Beachy Head near Belle Tout and arrived at Birling Gap just at the apex of high tide where all (except one of the early starters) enjoyed a lengthy swim before our picnic lunches...After lunch, all but one set off across the Seven Sisters. Reaching Cuckmere Haven, one of the early starters departed to reconnect with the other relaxing back at Birling Gap...the original six then met another SWCer, making for a total of 9 doing at least a portion of the walk and we all had a grand swim with views of the Seven Sisters....The river was too high to wade, so we made the trek up the river to the bridge hoping for a bevie at the pub, only to find it closed for renovations! Will reopen on the 22nd....Two opted for a bus here; while the remaining 5 headed on to Seaford....where, you guessed it, we had another fantastic evening swim.....so for those counting that was 4 swims for 4 of the original 6 walkers! Not bad and all but one person had at least one swim! Although it was hot and sunny one hardly felt the heat between the sea breeze and the regular swimming interludes....A cracking day!

DAC
DAC
CW2 28 Seaford to Eastbourne
Length: 21.9 km (13.6 miles). Toughness: 9/10
Shortcut option - finish at Birling Gap: 12.7km (7.9 miles)
Catch the 9:54 from London Bridge arrives Seaford 11:22 (change at Lewes arr. 10:58, dep. 11:02). Buy a day return to Eastbourne. Lunch at the The Cuckmere (alternatively there is a café nearby at the visitors centre).
Due to the time of year, it will not be possible to complete the walk in daylight. (Sunset 16:12, civil twilight 16:50.) That said the route is straightforward and manageable. However if you are in any doubt then you should take the coastal bus from Birling Gap to Eastbourne. T=2.28
  • 02-Jan-22

    According to the Brighton & Hove Buses website, there is no 13X service on Saturdays - only Sundays and public holidays. However, it's only a further 1.4 miles from Birling Gap inland to East Dean, with buses every 10-20 minutes to either Seaford or Eastbourne.

  • 04-Jan-22

    ...it's only a further 1.4 miles from Birling Gap inland to East Dean, with buses every 10-20 minutes to either Seaford or Eastbourne.

    Thanks for the update.

  • 07-Jan-22

    Intend going.

  • 07-Jan-22

    Well, that makes two of us.

  • 08-Jan-22

    So, just 2 of us it was. We walked out of Seaford in wet-wild-and-windy weather which, if anything, got worse before it got better. Ascending Seaford Head we came across the first of many very muddy, slippery stretches. One of us coped with these conditions with the aid of a trekking pole to keep upright, the other preferred to rely on the time-honoured method of falling on his arse, rising gracefully, wiping the excess mud off and carrying on, repeating the manoeuver at irregular intervals. On reaching Cuckmere Haven one of us chose to lunch at the Cuckmere Inn (vegetable lasagna and a pint of Harvey's, both pronounced satisfactory) while the other walked on a few hundred yards to a bus shelter, close to which was a (National Trust?) warm, dry and extremely clean toilet with soap, paper towels and hot water.

    We climbed up and down the Seven Sisters, the weather becoming wetter, with occasional refreshing bursts of sleet, and the wind stronger, a very strong south-south-westerly wind occasionally threatening to blow us off our feet, but with magnificent views of the angry sea and views back to the Coastguard cottages just visible through the mist. We met very few other walkers. Approaching Birling Gap a coastguard helicopter roared past, just out to sea, but below clifftop level, heading towards Seaford. We learned later that three people had been cut off by the incoming tide between Seaford and Birling Gap and were rescued by helicopter.

    At Birling Gap the National Trust tea room was open which allowed us to rest and dry off a little before we went our separate ways. One opted to plough on towards Eastbourne, the other took the bridleway up across the hill and down towards East Dean, arriving in owl light. There was just time for a quick look round St Simon's and St Jude's beautiful flint church before catching the bus back to Seaford.

Book 2 Walk 28: Seaford to Eastbourne t=2.28

Distance: 13.6 Miles or 21.9 km for those more metrically minded

Difficulty: 9 out of 10

Train: Take the 9:46 AM Ore-bound train from London Victoria (stopping at East Croydon at 10:02), changing at Lewes (arriving 10:50; departing 11:05) and arriving in Seaford at 11:25. Buy a day return to Eastbourne.

I usually post this walk going in reverse from Eastbourne to Seaford, as I enjoy having a late afternoon swim in Cuckmere Haven. However, the tides today lean towards a Seaford start with a nice high tide swim at 1:00pm in Cuckmere Haven with possible later swimming options in Birling Gap and Eastbourne. The forecast is looking pretty good for the East coast, so hopefully it holds…Although directions are hardly necessary for this classic along the Seven Sisters. You can find more information about the walk and download the walk instructions here.

In terms of lunch, for the swimmers, I would suggest proceeding direct to the east side of Cuckmere Haven (better swimming) and having a picnic on the beach post swim. Otherwise, the recommended lunch spot is the Cuckmere Inn. Afternoon refreshments can be enjoyed at the National Trust tea room at Birling Gap or (again) at the Beachy Head pub. Eastbourne has a host of post walk options for drinks or food.

To facilitate collecting track and trace details, please sign up for this walk in advance using the London Walkers User Group site. To report a Covid case after this walk, use covid@lwug.co.uk.

Enjoy the walk and swims!

  • 12-Jul-21

    11 walkers managed to assemble at Seaford station notwithstanding the competing sporting events taking place on Sunday...We had one front runner and one back marker with the remaining 9 staying more or less together until Birling Gap on a relaxed Sunday by the sea alternating some walking efforts with refreshing dips in the sea, both at Cuckmere Haven and Birling Gap. In total, 7 swam at least once, with most swimming twice and one three times...Most picnicked at Cuckmere Haven and enjoyed a tea break at Birling Gap after which 3 of the 9 opted for the bus to return to London for the football final. The remaining six soldiered on to Eastbourne and enjoyed a nice Thai meal at the brasserie next to the station before catching the 20:00....A great day out under partly sunny skies with developing cloud .

Stargazer
Stargazer
Book 2 Walk 28 (in reverse): Eastbourne to Seaford t=2.28

Distance: 13.6 Miles or 21.9 km for those more metrically minded (with a shorter 10 mile option available by catching a bus at Exceat)

Difficulty: 9 out of 10

Train: Take the 9:45 AM Ore-bound train from London Victoria (stopping at CJ at 9:52 and EC at 10:02), arriving at Eastbourne at 11:11. Return trains from Seaford are at 59 past the hour. Buy a day return to Eastbourne.

An iconic walk -- hopefully without the usual number of foreign tourists....and hopefully with some good swimming opportunities....the tide may be a bit low at Birling Gap (we will see) -- but should be absolutely perfect at Cuckmere Haven....Fingers crossed the rest of the conditions cooperate....

This is a challenging walk with lots of ups and downs but can be shortened to about 10 miles by catching a bus at Exceat to Seaford. You can find more information about the walk and download the walk instructions and map here. For instructions from Eastbourne station to Beachy Head, the instructions for SWC 60 may also come in hand....

For lunch, I would recommend a picnic almost anywhere along the route with afternoon refreshments at the Cuckmere Inn in Cuckmere Haven. Traditionally, Trawlers in Seaford offers a good fish chips (though not sure if open on Sunday)….

Enjoy the walk and the swims!
  • Anonymous
    11-Jul-20

    Any particular reason to do this walk in reverse direction ?

  • 11-Jul-20

    Probably in this case to get to Cuckmere Haven for a late afternoon swim at high tide when the declining sun shines golden on the cliffs. But there are oodles of other reasons. The stretch along the Eastbourne seafront is much more cheerful in the morning than it is in the early evening (when it is in shade). You get the biggest climb - Beachy Head - out of the way early in the walk and then have a (largely, not entirely) downhill walk to Birling Gap. The Seven Sisters increase in magnificence as you walk over them. The descent from there to Exceat by the South Downs Way (if you don’t go for a swim, which some of us will) is glorious, with a grand view in front of you. The Cuckmere Inn, if open, makes a nice drinks stop, and if tired you can get the bus from there. And the ending over Seaford Head is fairly gentle and beautiful in the evening light, with a short and dramatic descent to Seaford at the end.

    Also: because we say so!!! Do as you are told!

  • 13-Jul-20

    A perfect trifecta of swimming for some and an enjoyable day by the seaside (I hope) for others...in fine bright conditions with cooling sea breeze . Ten alighted from the specified train and split into two groups -- swimmers and non-swimmers...the latter set off ahead and were only very briefly encountered once on the sea wall....I am told they picked up one more regular at beachy head with 2 dogs, had a picnic on the cliffs before Birling Gap and enjoyed the offerings at the NT Cafe....They did the full walk up to Exceat and just missed the 16:59 -- so some enjoyed drinks in the pub and others chips before catching the 17:59.....Somewhat further behind, the swimming party also picked-up another while preparing for their first refreshing dip in Eastbourne...we then carried along the route with a picnic on the cliffs before Belle Tout...The Birling Gap area was a bit busy -- but most beachgoers were appropriately spaced and we enjoyed another swim in perfect conditions with the dramatic cliffs making a stunning background....a couple visited the cafe for take out before we headed along the seven sisters....which were not too crowed with plenty of wide open space on the downs...On the precarious decent down to the east beach of Cuckmere Haven we noted that the shingle seemed to have blocked the channel and after a lusciously long swim at high tide enjoying the panorama of the seven sisters from the sea....we experimented with a channel crossing....easy peasy even just past high tide...we arrived in Seaford just in time for the 18:59...but 3 opted for some fish and chips and a bottle wine before catching the 19:59....a full and fine day out....for 12

  • Anonymous
    13-Jul-20

    small misunderstanding: the walker picked up at Beachy Head was w/o her dogs

  • 13-Jul-20

    what is the sea temp like?

    and

    can you walk/paddle across the cuckmere haven river even near high tide?

  • 14-Jul-20

    Andrew,

    I thought the sea temp was very pleasant....a bit chilly on initial entry -- but then really very comfortable....

    The head of the channel into the sea is currently almost completed blocked by shingle -- even at high tide -- it is really just a small step over/across a mere trickle....

Book 2 Walk 28 (in reverse): Eastbourne to Seaford t=2.28

Distance: 13.6 Miles or 21.9 km for those more metrically minded (with a shorter 10 mile option available by catching a bus at Exceat)

Difficulty: 9 out of 10

Train: Take the 9:11 AM Three Bridges train from London Bridge (stopping at East Croydon at 9:25) and involving a bus replacement between Three Bridges and Lewes, then another train from Lewes to Eastbourne, ultimately arriving at Eastbourne at 11:10. Return trains from Seaford are at 29 and 59 past the hour until 20:59 (and also involve a bus replacement). Buy a day return to Eastbourne.

A special walk for a special day….sorry about the engineering works….which does make transport a bit complicated…..but there is reason behind the madness... For those willing to brave the rail replacement, you will be met for late elevensies at Beachy Head by a few others on an alternate start…. Besides, what better way to welcome back British Summer Time than with a walk along the iconic Seven Sisters….This is a challenging walk with lots of ups and downs but can be shortened to about 10 miles by catching a bus at Exceat to Seaford. You can find more information about the walk and download the walk instructions and map here. For instructions from Eastbourne station to Beachy Head, the instructions for SWC 60 may also come in hand....

The recommended lunch spot is the National Trust Café at Birling Gap with afternoon refreshments at the Cuckmere Inn in Cuckmere Haven. Traditionally, Trawlers in Seaford offers a good fish chips for eat-in or take-out.

Enjoy the walk!
  • 27-Mar-19

    Trawlers was closed for a revamp a few weeks ago, but may for all I know be reopened now. If not, the Plough Inn does respectable food.

  • 03-Apr-19

    On a bright and breezy day , a group of 11 gathered for late elevensies on Beachy Head for this iconic seaside walk to welcome back British Summer Time. The views were far and wide and the day was long and leisurely punctuated with a few refreshment and hydration stops. Three opted for a bus at Exceat; while the rest carried on towards Seaford and the setting sun....A memorable day in great company....

Stargazer
Book 2 Walk 28: Eastbourne to Seaford (in reverse) T=2.28

Distance: 13.8 Miles or 22.3 km for those more metrically minded

Difficulty: 9 out of 10

Train: Take the 9:46 AM Ore train from London Victoria (stopping at Clapham Junction at 9:52 and East Croydon at 10:05) OR the 9:28 AM Hastings train from London Bridge (changing onto the above train at East Croydon), arriving at Eastbourne at 11:12. Return trains from Seaford are at 59 past the hour until 20:59 Buy a day return to Eastbourne. Note: I included both a London Victoria and London Bridge start, as there are some works at London Victoria on Sunday morning….so it may be more prudent to start from London Bridge….

This is a classic summer’s walk and should be perfect for a hot, sunny Sunday…..with ample opportunities to cool down with a refreshing dip in the sea…..from the Eastbourne beach at the start to picturesque Birling Gap and Cuckmere Haven……It is a challenging walking crossing the Seven Sisters but there are various options to shorten the walk by catching a bus along the route (see walk instructions for details)…. You can find more information about the walk and download the walk instructions here. For instructions to start from Eastbourne, please also see the instructions for SWC 60.

The recommended lunch spot is the Beachy Head Pub (01323 728 060) on Beachy Head (3 miles/5 km into the walk) which is large and serves food all day. A later lunch or tea and other late afternoon refreshments can be had at the National Trust Café at Birling Gap and/or the Cuckmere Inn in Cuckmere Haven. Traditionally, Trawlers in Seaford offers a good fish chips for eat-in or take-out.

Enjoy the walk and the swimming!
  • 16-Jul-18

    6 off the train headed to the sea front in Eastbourne (loosing one en route who was later found at Birling Gap and lost again just before the precipitous drop to the swimming spot at Cuckmere Haven East) and bumped into 2 others midway through an East Dean circular at the café just before starting along the downs with a late starter joining the group in Birling Gap, making for a total of 9 in hot and sunny with cooling sea breeze conditions. This was a perfect sunny summer Sunday seaside outing. The constant gentle headwind kept temperatures more or less pleasant with two lengthy swims -- one at Birling Gap and a second at Cuckmere Haven East -- providing a refreshing break from the exertions of the South Downs.....In addition to a lengthy swim at Cuckmere 4 added a little excitement to the end of the day by wading across the river in knee deep water....arriving in Seaford with just enough time to gather provisions for the 18:59 back to London.....

Stargazer
Book 2 Walk 28 in reverse - Eastbourne to Seaford
Length: 22.3km (13.8 miles) - shorter options using buses
Toughness: 9 out of 10: hilly but nice views

9.47 train from Victoria (9.53 Clapham Junction, 10.03 East Croydon) to Eastbourne, arriving 11.08

The best seaside walk in the South East. Lots of hills but grand views throughout.

Walk directions: use SWC Walk 60 Eastbourne Circular which will get you as far as the start of the Seven Sisters: after that keep the sea to your left, veering inland after the last Sister to cross the Cuckmere River by the road bridge at Exceat. Take the river path on the far side of the bridge, then resume the coast walk into Seaford.

SWC 60 also provides possible shorter options, e.g. ending at East Dean or Exceat using the No 12 bus.

Lunch at the Beachy Head pub (may be busy!) or bring a picnic. Tea at Birling Gap, the Seaspray cafe at Exceat or the Cuckmere Inn at Exceat. Fish and chips at the Trawlers near Seaford station.

Swimming in the sea is possible at Eastbourne, Birling Gap, Cuckmere Haven and Seaford. High tide is at 4.16pm giving good depth for swimming at either Birling Gap or Cuckmere Haven from around 2pm to 6.30pm. You can swim at Seaford at any state of the tide. In Eastbourne you would need to swim before you pass the Wish Tower: after this there are underwater rocks at low to mid states of the tide. Big waves (1 metre plus) can make entering and exiting the sea tricky at all these beaches, apart (possibly) from Eastbourne. Always use your own judgement before swimming.

Trains back are at 25/28 and 57 past, changing at Lewes, except on the 20.57 when you change at Brighton (takes 20 mins longer so is hardly worth it). Last trains 21.28 and 22.20. T=2.28
  • Anonymous
    27-Aug-17

    Has someone taken off the cheap train offers to seaside?!!!

  • There has been a suspected chemical leak in the area with people complaining of sore throats and eyes. Probably best to avoid until further notice. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-41069085

  • 27-Aug-17

    If, on arrival at Eastbourne, local advice is still to avoid the coast, it may be worth having an alternative inland walk in reserve - e.g. Berwick to Eastbourne in reverse, or Eastbourne to Southease along the SDW, or a walk sround Friston Forest.

  • 29-Aug-17

    Oh, what a day this was. 7 got the specified train, one (me) the train an hour earlier: so 8 in all. Both trains were busy but not tragically so. The mysterious chemical cloud that afflicted Birling Gap on Sunday afternoon had this huge silver lining - that the vast hordes that would doubtless have otherwise descended on this part of the coast did not materialise. Beachy Head, Birling Gap, The Seven Sisters, Cuckmere Haven were all well populated but not at all heaving. It was almost miraculous.

    It was blazing hot , somewhat hazy, making the white cliffs look rather ethereal at times. Hardly ever have I known such a windless day on the coast. This made it sticky at times but that made the swims all the more delicious.

    Catching the earlier train I started with a sparkling low tide swim at Eastbourne. One walker on the specified train disappeared almost at once, apparently: we do not know why. The rest caught up with me on the climb to Beachy Head.

    We avoided the pub and instead headed straight to Birling Gap for a dip. All of us swam, some far out into the bay. The water was unusually clear, lacking its usual milky chalk sediment. Jokingly I suggested the acid chemical cloud had dissolved it all.

    Afterwards in the cafe we found that the previous day's events had left them short-staffed. So the five who had not brought a picnic had to make do with cakes for lunch. On over the Seven Sisters, which seemed huge in the heat. Down to Cuckmere Haven which at 4pm was only lightly scattered with people. Again we all swam, a glorious swim in golden sun, again some of us going far out into the bay to get the best cliff views. You haven't lived if you have not seen the Seven Sisters from 200 metres out from the shore at Cuckmere Haven.

    We walked up the river to the Cuckmere Inn, had a drink, walked back down the other side. It was now nearly 7pm and the light was mouthwatering, the Seven Sisters bathed in soft gold. A dreamy walk over Seaford Head got us to Seaford beach in time to see the sun on its last descent. Only one way to enjoy this - in the water: a golden ball declining, turning the glassy/smooth ripples on the sea pink and gold. One of the loveliest swims I have ever had.

    Three took the train home after this. Since Trawlers fish and chip shop had closed at 8pm, the four of us remaining ate in the pub, where the food would certainly not win any prizes. Wearily to the 9.20 train, which was empty, and a reasonably quiet connection to London. I got back to Victoria 14 hours after I had set out, having done the grand slam of swims - Eastbourne, Birling Gap, Cuckmere Haven, Seaford. Now that is what I call a day out.

  • 01-Sep-17

    A very comprehensive report. The cliffs were grand and the sea still. I have never walked on this coastline with so little wind. I had deliberately delayed repeating this walk for several years in order to appreciate it more and was not disappointed. The dusky walk along the Cuckmere river was a particular delight, lovely, mellow and a little misty by that time. It is a wonderful place to listen to the water birds (not the cackle of seagulls but the unpredictable whistles of various estuary and wading birds, including, apparently, a whimbrel) We also enjoyed watching the fishing antics of a little egret. No regrets!

Book 2 Walk 28 (in reverse)/Extra Walk 60 (extended option): Eastbourne to Seaford – Classic Cliff Walk Along the Seven Sisters with Swimming Opportunities

Distance: 13.8 Miles (22.3 km), with various options to shorten via bus or making a circular walk
Difficulty: 9 out of 10 for the main walk
Train: Take the 9:17 Eastbourne train from London Victoria (9:23 Clapham and 9:33 East Croydon), arriving at Eastbourne at 10:46. Return trains from Seaford to Victoria are at 25 (becoming 28 at 20:28) and 57 past the hour until 21:28. If shortening the walk with one of the options you will need to take one of the frequent buses onto Seaford or back to Eastbourne. Buy a day return to Eastbourne.
It is with some trepidation that I post this classic summer walk given the current state of affairs of the BOTH the English summer AND Southern trains – but, in the end, decided that I would not let these details stand in the way of one of the best coastal walks in the Southeast with ample swimming opportunities against the backdrop of stunning chalk cliffs. High tide in the area is around 3:30 pm – so should be at a good level for swims at both Birling Gap and Cuckmere Haven (assuming all the other necessary stars align for a suitable swimming experience). I have posted a slightly earlier train than I would normally to provide some protection against a train cancellation, as the next train at 9:47 would also be a suitable start time.
The walk is basically the Book 2 Walk 28 walk in reverse; but, the instructions from SWC Walk 60 can be used from Eastbourne as far as Exceat from where the walk can be shorten by taking a bus onto Seaford. Also, the walk can be shortened by going as far as Birling Gap or East Dean and taking a bus back to Eastbourne or by making a circular walk back to Eastbourne from East Dean (these options are all described in instructions for SWC Walk 60). The walk instructions and further information can be found here for Book 2:28 and here for SWC Walk 60.
The recommended lunchtime pub is the Beachy Head Pub on Beachy Head, about 3 miles into the walk. Tea can also be had at the Cuckmere Inn in Exceat (roughly 10 miles into the walk). For those going all the way to Seaford, Trawlers is a good fish and chip stop.

Enjoy the walk!
  • 05-Jul-16

    Excellent idea to reverse this walk; in my opinion the views are much better doing the 7 sisters this way. Seaford has improved over the years and is now a better place to end a walk. As an "oldie" I often catch the bus to Brighton from just beyond Seaford station where there are loads of "refreshment" opportunities and more trains back to London.

  • 05-Jul-16

    This could also be your last chance to take a train from Seaford for a while as Southern seem to be scrapping Seaford trains and replacing them with buses as part of their emergency timetable to cope with the effects of the "sickie strike", a timetable which takes effect on Monday next.

  • 05-Jul-16

    Amendment to last comment. There will be (almost ) no trains to Seaford Monday to Friday: weekend trains will presumably run as normal

  • Anonymous
    07-Jul-16

    OK, just to be on a safe side: do Seaford station staff accept Eastbourne tickets?

  • 07-Jul-16

    I have never had a problem with this. There are never any barriers at Seaford anyway. Any station staff there are will be so relieved that trains are actually running on the line that they won't have time to be picky about tickets. Plus Southern seem relaxed about this kind of thing anyway. If you get any grief, launch into a prolonged rant about all the delayed journeys you have had due to the "sickie strike", how you were late to work eight times in the last two weeks, how you didn't get home till midnight, etc etc etc. Or discourse on the fact that Southern have essentially scrapped rail service to Seaford Monday to Friday in their emergency timetable. They are in no position to be high and mighty with the travelling public on any topic.

  • Anonymous
    10-Jul-16

    A big thanks to Stargazer for posting this classic and to Walker introducing us all to an alternative way to Beachy Head!

    I hope the swimmers found a good spot for a dip and everyone enjoyed the fine views.

    The Belle Tout Lighthouse reminded me of the Beebs adaptation of "The Life and Loves of a She-Devil" set at this lovely location with a very young Dennis Waterman and Patricia Hodge back in 1983.

    I was tempted to loiter in Seaford but the 5:25 train was on the platform and it was going in five minutes ...

    A nice lady guard asked to see my ticket on this train. I told her I'd walked from Eastbourne and was travelling back via Lewes

    "Good enough" she said. (I wasn't sure if she was commenting on the ticket or the walk though.)

  • 10-Jul-16

    18 on this walk, two of them late starters who caught us at lunch. No problem with the trains either out or back. (The guard on our return journey to London said he was feeling "very well"). The weather was windy but reasonably fine . Sometimes it was sunny-ish and sometimes it was grey-ish and in the early part of the walk one sometimes had to shout to make oneself heard against the gale but at other times it was not windy. Average summer weather, in other words.

    We split early into two factions, one going on to lunch at Birling Gap, the other stopping at the Beachy Head pub. The latter has dropped its tedious insistence on making one order at the table and consequently food service was quick (though perhaps arriving early helped too). On the walk down to Birling Gap it looked as if a flash mob of European and Japanese youth had formed in response to some trending tweet - certainly I have never seen it so busy. Many were sat nonchalantly right on the cliff edge and one Italian guy, who I am guessing is not long for this world, had his legs dangling over the edge. Well, I suppose it is nice to see the young out enjoying our lovely scenery.

    Four of us swam at Birling Gap where the water was a decent 16 degrees and the sun sort-of shone for part of the time we were in. Metre high waves made things a little exciting. The Seven Sisters were their usual lovely self and not busy until Haven Brow, which was like Glastonbury. Six of us spent some time on the beach at Cuckmere Haven where three of us had another long swim. I understand four of the advance group also swam here. We six then had drinks at the Cuckmere Inn and a lovely sunset walk on to Seaford, arriving in time for the inevitable bettered cod and fried potatoes from the Trawlers which we ate on the 21.28, washed down by two bottles of wine.

  • 10-Jul-16

    .....battered cod.... (perhaps bettered too, but that is a matter of culinary opinion, I suppose)

Sean
Sean
Book 2 Walk 28 – Seaford to Eastbourne
Length: 22.3 km (13.9 miles). Toughness: 9/10

09:45 Ore train from London Bridge (East Croydon 10:03), changing at Lewes (arr 10:48, dep 11:03) for Seaford, arriving at 11:23. Buy a day return to Eastbourne, which in practice is usually accepted on the branch line to Seaford.

Note that there are no trains out of Victoria this weekend, and limited connections from Clapham Jct. London Bridge is likely to be crowded so allow plenty of time.

Direct trains back from Eastbourne are hourly at 59 minutes past until 20:59. If you reckon you've got the energy to sprint across a crowded Brighton concourse to make a three-minute connection you could gamble on the Brighton-bound trains at 26 minutes past, but I wouldn't recommend it.

A Bank Holiday weekend is a good time for a long and strenuous Sunday walk since you won't have to think about going to work the next day. Mind you, the engineering works at Victoria would normally have tempted me to look elsewhere but four SWC regulars have requested this popular Seven Sisters walk, so let's hope that Southern are up to the task of getting you there and back.

The walk itself hardly needs any introduction, but it won't do any harm to bring Book 2 or print the details from the Walk 28 page. There's a choice of lunch places at Exceat, less than a third of the way through the walk, before you tackle the undulating cliff-tops in the afternoon. There are several places where you could duck out and catch one of the frequent buses on to Eastbourne (or back to Seaford). Eastbourne itself has plenty to detain you if it's a nice evening and you're not in a hurry to get back. T=2.28
  • Anonymous
    29-Apr-16

    Buses from Birling Gap to Eastbourne (last two services on Sunday will be at 17.46 and 18.46). Takes 20 minutes.

  • 02-May-16

    2 of us commenced the walk 1 hour earlier to get maximum benefit of a gloriously sunny, warm day at a leisurely pace, enjoying a drink with a sandwich and the pub's crisps (30 mins) at The Cuckmere inn with fabulous views, tea and sponge cake/ice cream etc at Birling Gap (45 mins) and fish & chips with beer at Harry Ramsden's in Eastbourne and the 1859 home. Despite lingering on the pier and watching vintage cars with masses of people everywhere, we only encountered one of the main party who reckoned on 15 starters so that makes 17 hot=and=sunny No mud! No rain! Perfick!

  • Anonymous
    02-May-16

    25 sun-cold-breeze. I reckon they were at least 25 on this walk. Five left the station before introductions due to crowding on the platform. An attempt was made to have lunch at the Saltmarsh cafe before it crashed out of catering on the bank holiday weekend. Having ordered food they then took 20 minutes to tell us that some of our choices were not available and having reselected they then returned sometime later to tell us that was no food at all. They then said that there were some preprepared sandwiches. They were disgusting. Catering at Birling Gap coped well. At least one person crossed the creek at Cuckemere Haven. Having waited at the Beachy head pub for a bus we gave up and walked into Eastbourne. It would seem that at least one 13X bus did not run on the timetable. Long day of small frustrations on a glorious walk in perfect weather.

  • David Colver
    02-May-16

    Others describe this as a day of frustrations, but for me it was about as ideal a day of walking as I can remember, largely because of the exceptional combination of brilliant sunshine without excessive heat .

    The number I saw was closer to 15 than 25. The group spread out pretty quickly. About eight crossed the water at Cuckmere Haven together with the intention of going to the farmhouse. I'll be interested to know how they got on.

    I thought better of it and went alone to the Cuckmere Inn at Exceat, which wasn't crowded and produced a respectable roast reasonably quickly. Roast potatoes three out of five.

    That Harry Ramsden's in Eastbourne was a mistake was plain to see when the waitress carrying it had five more metres of her approach still to go.

  • Anonymous
    02-May-16

    Hi, about 7 of us crossed the cuckmere - wet feet for sure - but cut out the long detour - was fine! - finished early - great walk - I make it 16 plus extra two you mention below - so thats 18!

    hayley

  • Anonymous
    02-May-16

    Agree this is a lovely walk. As I was pushed for time on 1st May I did the short walk from Eastbourne to East Dean on my own. Not surprised that some walkers gave up on the 12X bus at Birling Gap. I waited nearly 45 minutes for an Eastbourne bus at East Dean until eventually a bus appeared. The bus got into Eastbourne seconds before the next London train was due to leave and really thought I'd miss it and have an hour wait for the next train - but fortunately we were rescued by the driver who stopped and opened the doors outside the entrance to the station (not the bus stop) - a dozen or so passengers ran and caught the train by seconds. Also, wanted to point out that the Belle Tout lighthouse between Beachy Head and Birling Gap now has a cafe serving tea, coffee, ice creams, cold drinks and hot snacks.

T=2.28 Book 2, Walk 28, Seaford to Eastbourne
Length: 13.8 miles
( with drop out points at Exceat 3.9 miles, Birling Gap 8 miles, and Beachy Head 10.7 miles, buses will come along every 10 minutes or so to pick you up at each drop out point.) [The bus from Burling Gap goes at 16 and 46 past the hour until 6pm.]

9.46 train from Victoria, calling at Clapham Junction 9.51, and East Croydon 10.01, to Seaford, changing at Lewes 10.50/10.58, arrive Seaford 11.14.

Trains back from Eastbourne, are direct at X31, or X47, X58, or X04 with a change.

Train tickets? Walk notes don't seem to say. I know Eastbourne has a barrier so possibly a via all routes return to there.

For walk directions (if you need them: it is a straightforward walk along the coast) click here

The second of our two "pick your own" bank holiday walks: Anonymous, who has picked this walk, says: Two of us are doing the Seven Sisters on Monday so it would be great if some other SWCers could be tempted out for a dramatic coastal walk after a week of rain and while the Birling Gap bus is still running.

Lunch is at the Cuckmere Inn (formerly the Golden Galleon) at Exceat or the Saltmarsh Cafe at the Exceat visitor centre. Tea at Birling Gap NT cafe.


  • 02-Sep-15

    8

    so I hear from people on the wednesday walk. some regular walkers and bloggers, yet no walk number blog comment, as 'it is all too complicated these days'.

  • Anonymous
    09-Sep-15

    Well there were 6 of us on this somewhat strenuous Bank HOLIDAY

    walk. we were fortunate that the rain held off but it was very muddy in the cuckmere valley.Several people had lunch at the Cuckmere Inn but the food was somewhat indifferent.

    One was certainly aware that one had had some exercise at the end of the day.jfk