Best Coastal Walks in the South Downs National Park
By Dave Roberts 
Posted as a walk in – England, Europe, South Downs National Park
Best Coastal Walks in the South Downs National Park
As well as rolling hills, the South Downs National Park has a coastal section known as the South Downs Heritage Coast which boasts some excellent walking and below we present six of the best coastal walks in the South Downs National Park.
The section of coastline between Brighton and Eastbourne includes a number of urban areas, but is also interspersed with some spectacular coastal scenery. Sections such as the chalk cliffs at Seven Sisters and Beachy Head are iconic, and any visit to this section of English coast should include them. The section will soon form part of the England Coast Path, and most of the coastline can also be walked by following the Vanguard Way, Sussex Ouse Valley Way and of course, the South Downs Way.
The South Downs Way Alfriston to Eastbourne via Seven Sisters
Height Gained – 500 metres , Distance – 17 km, Time –5 hours
So it’s no surprise that our first choice is to walk the relevant section of the South Downs Way National Trail from Alfriston to Eastbourne following the coastline. This includes the entire section of coastline from Cuckmere Haven onward that includes the Belle Toute Lighthouse and Beachy head.
![Towards Seven Sisters Looking towards the cliffs of Seven Sisters from Seaford Head. Creative Commons Licence [Some Rights Reserved] © Copyright Ian Capper and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.](https://i0.wp.com/www.mudandroutes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/geograph-6075258-by-Ian-Capper.jpg?ssl=1 "geograph-6075258-by-Ian-Capper")
England Coast Path from Shoreham-by-Sea to Eastbourne
Height Gained – 860 metres , Distance – 52 km, Time –2 days
This section of the England Coast Path is approved but not officially open, according to the official site. However, it can still be largely walked and follows the coast closely from Shoreham-by-sea via Hove and Brighton, Seaford and on to Eastbourne. Some sections follow established routes with Vanguard Way between Newhaven and Seaford, and the South Downs Way from Cuckmere Haven on to Eastbourne and eventually all along the entire coastline of England.
A Walk on Seaford Head
Height Gained – 80 metres , Distance – 6 km, Time –2 hours
This short walk on Seaford Head has one of the best views across Cuckmere Haven to the Seven Sisters. The walk starts off at the South Hill barn car park on the outskirts of Seaford before descending down Hope Bottom towards the shore. The route continues along Cuckmere Haven and the River Cuckmere before returning to the start via the Vanguard Way.
Seven Sisters To Eastbourne
Height Gained – 350 metres , Distance – 13 km, Time –4 hours
Taking in the landmarks of the Seven Sisters Cliffs and the chalk headland of Beachy Head beyond, this is one of the best coastal walks in southern England. You can take a whole day over this walk if you wished, with café and visitor centre at Birling Gap as well as the Belle Tout Lighthouse to take your time over. This will certainly be one of the top locations on the England Coast Path once it’s officially designated. Or if it seems too much for you, then there’s a shorter version of the walk that takes in just the Seven Sister, finishing at Birling Gap.
Belle Tout Lighthouse and Lookout Hill
Height Gained – 100 metres , Distance – 3 km, Time –1 hours
You’ll pass this on the longer previous walk, but if you’re looking for a shorter family walk then this is perfect. With all the facilities you’ll need at the NT Visitor Centre at Birling Gap, a pebbly shore to explore (take care not to get cut off by the tide) and a lighthouse with a story that will interest even the most jaded teen. In 1999 the entire Belle Tout lighthouse was moved 17 metres inland to avoid falling into the sea, no mean feat considering that it weighs 850 tons, or around the weight of 450 cars. There’s also the beach at Birling Gap to explore afterwards.
![Belle Tout, former lighthouse, by sea cliffs, East Sussex This photo shows the proximity of the former lighthouse, now a luxury bed and breakfast, to the edge of the sea cliffs. Creative Commons Licence [Some Rights Reserved] © Copyright Andrew Diack and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.](https://i0.wp.com/www.mudandroutes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/geograph-7063349-by-Andrew-Diack.jpg?w=1064&h=710&ssl=1 "geograph-7063349-by-Andrew-Diack")
Beachy Head to Birling Gap from Eastbourne
Height Gained – 350 metres , Distance – 13 km, Time –4 hours
At over 160 metres high, Beachy Head is the tallest chalk cliff in the UK. It also boasts the unfortunate record of being a suicide hot spot, with some figures noting it as the third highest rate globally.. This circular walk is another that’s conveniently based around Birling Gap (though the walk starts from Eastbourne Downland golf course) and takes in the spectacular stretch of heritage coast between there and Beachy Head.
Featured Image Credit: © Copyright Michael Dibb and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence
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Dave Roberts
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