Step 1: Getting to Eastbourne from London
First, you'll need to get to Eastbourne from London. You can take a direct train from London Victoria to Eastbourne. The journey typically takes around 1.5 hours.
Step 2: Start the Walk at Eastbourne Pier
Once you arrive in Eastbourne, make your way to the Eastbourne Pier, which is the starting point of the walk. The pier itself is a lovely Victorian structure with various attractions, including an arcade, cafes, and a fishing deck.
Step 3: Eastbourne to Beachy Head
From the pier, head west along the seafront promenade towards the chalk cliffs. The first landmark you'll come across is Beachy Head, the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain, standing at 162 meters above sea level. The views from here are breathtaking, so it's worth taking a break to enjoy the scenery.
Step 4: Beachy Head to Birling Gap
Continue along the South Downs Way from Beachy Head to Birling Gap. This stretch offers more stunning views of the cliffs and the sea. At Birling Gap, there's a National Trust visitor center, a cafe, and steps down to the beach, which is a great spot for a picnic.
Step 5: Birling Gap to Seven Sisters
From Birling Gap, the path leads you to the Seven Sisters cliffs. The Seven Sisters are a series of chalk cliffs by the English Channel. They form part of the South Downs in East Sussex, between the towns of Seaford and Eastbourne in southern England. The cliffs are occasionally used in filmmaking and television production as a stand-in for the more famous white cliffs of Dover, since they are relatively free of anachronistic modern development.
Step 6: Seven Sisters to Cuckmere Haven
After the Seven Sisters, you'll reach Cuckmere Haven, a beautiful valley where the River Cuckmere meets the English Channel. This is another great spot for a break, with a beach and a view back towards the Seven Sisters.
Step 7: Cuckmere Haven to Seaford
The final stretch of the walk takes you from Cuckmere Haven to Seaford. This part of the path takes you along the river and then along the seafront to Seaford. In Seaford, you can enjoy a well-deserved rest and a meal in one of the town's pubs or restaurants.
Step 8: Return to London
To return to London, you can take a direct train from Seaford to London Victoria. The journey takes around 2 hours.
Please note that this walk is around 22 kilometers long and can be challenging, especially in bad weather. Make sure to wear appropriate footwear, bring plenty of water, and check the weather forecast before you set off. Enjoy your walk!