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Best Walks with a View: South Downs & Seven Sisters

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South Downs & Seven Sisters
© The Outdoor Guide
South Downs & Seven Sisters
© The Outdoor Guide
South Downs & Seven Sisters
© The Outdoor Guide
South Downs & Seven Sisters
© The Outdoor Guide

Following recent cliff falls in the Seaford area – please pay attention to local notices and always exercise extreme caution on the cliff tops.

South Downs: The Seven Sisters walk

The Seven Sisters and Birling Gap are some of the most recognisable views of the Sussex coastline. It’s also one of the longest stretches of undeveloped coastline in the country – and one that is disappearing at a staggering erosion rate of almost 1 meter a year.

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Our walk starts in the village of East Dean and head south, uphill towards the coast.

We then make our way down to Birling Gap – a tranquil pebble beach with the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs as a stunning backdrop. Here you may want to pause for a moment to explore the beach and stare up in wonder at the cliffs as they tower above you.

We’re then headed up on to the cliffs – we take a leisurely and gentle route up, circling around by Long Down and Bullock Down before making our way back towards the cliff top for the incredible views that unfurl ahead of us. On a clear day you can see 6 counties from here and the Isle of Wight!

It’s little wonder when you reach the end of this walk why it was part of Julia’s series of Britains Best Walks With A View.

Our walk ends on the cliff top. From here you will either need to retrace your steps or consult your map to take you on to your next destination. If walking with a friend – you may want to arrange to leave one car at one of the car parks towards the end of the walk.

trainNearest Train (or tube) Station(s):
Seaford, Eastbourne

Read the Countryside Code before venturing out
Make sure to take a map and compass, and know how to use them before going into our National Parks #BeAdventureSmart

Tips for New Walkers: click here to download (PDF).

Remember to prepare properly before heading out on any type of walk or outdoor activity. Tell people where you are going and what time you are expected back. As Wainwright says "There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing".