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Home> Walks> South Downs Way: Alfriston to Eastbourne

South Downs Way: Alfriston to Eastbourne

Recommended by
Our view
"From Alfriston, the final section of the South Downs Way divides into inland or coastal options"
Walk directions

After crossing the bridge over the River Cuckmere at Alfriston, the footpath follows the riverbank to the village of Litlington.

Continuing on past Charleston Bottom, one can glimpse Charleston Manor with its 12th-century hall. The route then enters Friston Forest, climbing a long flight of steps before heading along forest rides, and then dropping down to reach Westdean.
View all directions
Location
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain  - Mainly grass paths with some chalk and flint, riverside paths and a concrete path
  Landscape  - Hills, villages, the sea, a large seaside resort, a river basin and the famous Seven Sisters chalk cliffs
  Dog friendliness  - Almost entirely off road but there is plentiful livestock
  Parking  - Car park on West Street in Alfriston (pay and display)
  Toilets en route  - At car park in Alfriston
About the walk
From Alfriston, the final section of the South Downs Way divides: one route continuing inland over the Downs on a fairly direct path, while the other, described here, follows the coastal path along the cliff-tops of the Seven Sisters Country Park. The first option is a bridleway, and must be...
Read more
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Walking in Safety

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About the area
not available. .
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Area image

Nearby places to stay

View all (8)
Self-Catering
2 Kingsway Court
★★★★
award
"Delightful cottage close to the town centre, unspolt coast and South Downs National Park..."
Self-Catering
2 Kingsway Court
★★★★
award
"Delightful cottage close to the town centre, unspolt coast and South Downs National Park..."
  • Total units: 1
Bed & Breakfast
Ocklynge Manor
★★★★★
award
"A special place to stay with immaculate gardens...."
  • Rooms 3
  • Free TV
  • DVD Player
  • Wifi
Nearby places to stay
2 Kingsway Court
A delightful holiday cottage, close to Seaford town centre, the seafront and the South Downs National Park. On the ground-floor there’s a large lounge/diner, large kitchen/breakfast roo...
★★★★    Rating
2 Kingsway Court
A delightful holiday cottage, close to Seaford town centre, the seafront and the South Downs National Park. On the ground-floor there’s a large lounge/diner, large kitchen/breakfast roo...
★★★★    Rating
Ocklynge Manor
Over the centuries Ocklynge Manr has seen a variety of uses since serving as a commanderie for the Knights of St John in the 12th century. An air of peace and relaxation is evident in t...
★★★★★    Rating
Warren Wood Country Park
Situated in the heart of the East Sussex countryside, Warren Wood offers luxury woodland or lake side self-catering lodges, all with private hot tubs. Near to the seaside town of Eastbo...
★★★★★    Rating
Golden Cross Holiday Park
Situated in the East Sussex countryside, Golden Cross Holiday Park offers luxury self-catering holiday lodges with each one having its own private hot tub. A great location for visiting...
★★★★    Rating
Broadacres
Broadacres is a beautiful property located very near Lewes, and has a single, spacious, self-contained suite for guest use. The richly decorated suite is well equipped – the bedroom fea...
★★★★★    Rating
Beachy Rise Guest House
This friendly, family-run guest house has a quiet residential location near the shops, pubs and restaurants in Meads village. Bedrooms are individually styled with co-ordinated soft fur...
★★★    Rating
Hydro Hotel Eastbourne
The well-managed and popular Hydro Hotel Eastbourne enjoys an elevated position with views of attractive gardens and the sea beyond. The spacious bedrooms are attractive and well equipp...
★★★★    Rating
View all (8)
Places to eat nearby View all
Light at Towner
   AA Rosette Award
The Mirabelle Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
The Pavilion Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
Horsted Place
   AA Rosette Award
Places to eat nearby
Light at Towner
   AA Rosette Award
The Mirabelle Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
The Pavilion Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
Horsted Place
   AA Rosette Award
The Jolly Sportsman
   AA Rosette Award
Buxted Park Hotel
   AA Rosette Award
Terre à Terre
   AA Rosette Award
Furna
   AA Rosette Award
View all
Route details
3hrs 40min
Dog-friendly
Difficulty:
Medium

Gradient:
Challenging


Distance:
10.7 miles (17.2kms)

Ascent:
1866ft (569m)

Stay in the area  
Eat or drink nearby  
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South Downs Way: Alfriston to Eastbourne

Recommended by
Our view
"From Alfriston, the final section of the South Downs Way divides into inland or coastal options"
Walk details
3hrs 40min
Dog friendly
Difficulty:
Medium
Gradient:
Challenging
Distance:
10.7 miles (17.2kms)
Ascent:
1866ft (569m)
Walk directions

After crossing the bridge over the River Cuckmere at Alfriston, the footpath follows the riverbank to the village of Litlington.
1 of 6

Continuing on past Charleston Bottom, one can glimpse Charleston Manor with its 12th-century hall. The route then enters Friston Forest, climbing a long flight of steps before heading along forest rides, and then dropping down to reach Westdean.
2 of 6

After passing the pond, the SDW continues up another flight of wide steps to emerge at the top of the hill, with great views over the Cuckmere estuary and the Seven Sisters Country Park. The route then drops down to Exceat, the park visitor centre and the A259. By the A259 Seaford–Eastbourne
road, the route enters the Seven Sisters Country Park by the visitor centre at Exceat; a medieval village that ceased to exist in the 14th century.
3 of 6

The Seven Sisters themselves are known as Haven Brow, Short Brow, Rough Brow, Brass Point, Flagstaff Point, Bailey’s Hill and Went Hill. The route passes them on its way along the cliff-top Gap, once famous for both smugglers and wreckers. Inland, the old part of the village of East Dean has an attractive green and the 15th-century Tiger Inn, where accommodation is available.
4 of 6

After a diversion due to erosion of the path as the cliffs gradually slide into the sea, the route comes back to follow the cliff-top by the old lighthouse of Belle Tout, built in 1832 of Aberdeen granite and now converted to use as a bed-and-breakfast. From here, the path heads round the southernmost part of the coast at Beachy Head, where the lighthouse at the foot of the cliffs was built to replace Belle Tout in 1902.

5 of 6

Finally, the route turns northwards by the playing fields of Whitebread Hole, entering the holiday town of Eastbourne right on the seafront by a seasonal café to complete the South Downs Way.
6 of 6
Location
Starting point
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain - Mainly grass paths with some chalk and flint, riverside paths and a concrete path
  Landscape - Hills, villages, the sea, a large seaside resort, a river basin and the famous Seven Sisters chalk cliffs
  Dog friendliness - Almost entirely off road but there is plentiful livestock
  Parking - Car park on West Street in Alfriston (pay and display)
  Toilets en route - At car park in Alfriston
About the walk
From Alfriston, the final section of the South Downs Way divides: one route continuing inland over the Downs on a fairly direct path, while the other, described here, follows the coastal path along the cliff-tops of the Seven Sisters Country Park. The first option is a bridleway, and must be...
Read more
Been on this walk placeholder

Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Find out more
Walking in Safety placeholder

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Learn more
Get an AA guide placeholder

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

Learn more
About the area
Area image
not available. .
Explore

Nearby places to stay

View all (8)
Self-Catering
2 Kingsway Court
★★★★
award
"Delightful cottage close to the town centre, unspolt coast and South Downs National Park..."
Self-Catering
2 Kingsway Court
★★★★
award
"Delightful cottage close to the town centre, unspolt coast and South Downs National Park..."
  • Total units: 1
Bed & Breakfast
Ocklynge Manor
★★★★★
award
"A special place to stay with immaculate gardens...."
  • Rooms 3
  • Free TV
  • DVD Player
  • Wifi
Nearby places to stay
2 Kingsway Court
A delightful holiday cottage, close to Seaford town centre, the seafront and the South Downs National Park. On the ground-floor there’s a large lounge/diner, large kitchen/breakfast roo...
★★★★    Rating
2 Kingsway Court
A delightful holiday cottage, close to Seaford town centre, the seafront and the South Downs National Park. On the ground-floor there’s a large lounge/diner, large kitchen/breakfast roo...
★★★★    Rating
Ocklynge Manor
Over the centuries Ocklynge Manr has seen a variety of uses since serving as a commanderie for the Knights of St John in the 12th century. An air of peace and relaxation is evident in t...
★★★★★    Rating
Warren Wood Country Park
Situated in the heart of the East Sussex countryside, Warren Wood offers luxury woodland or lake side self-catering lodges, all with private hot tubs. Near to the seaside town of Eastbo...
★★★★★    Rating
Golden Cross Holiday Park
Situated in the East Sussex countryside, Golden Cross Holiday Park offers luxury self-catering holiday lodges with each one having its own private hot tub. A great location for visiting...
★★★★    Rating
Broadacres
Broadacres is a beautiful property located very near Lewes, and has a single, spacious, self-contained suite for guest use. The richly decorated suite is well equipped – the bedroom fea...
★★★★★    Rating
Beachy Rise Guest House
This friendly, family-run guest house has a quiet residential location near the shops, pubs and restaurants in Meads village. Bedrooms are individually styled with co-ordinated soft fur...
★★★    Rating
Hydro Hotel Eastbourne
The well-managed and popular Hydro Hotel Eastbourne enjoys an elevated position with views of attractive gardens and the sea beyond. The spacious bedrooms are attractive and well equipp...
★★★★    Rating
View all (8)
Places to eat nearby View all
Light at Towner
   AA Rosette Award
The Mirabelle Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
The Pavilion Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
Horsted Place
   AA Rosette Award
Places to eat nearby
Light at Towner
   AA Rosette Award
The Mirabelle Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
The Pavilion Restaurant
   AA Rosette Award
Horsted Place
   AA Rosette Award
The Jolly Sportsman
   AA Rosette Award
Buxted Park Hotel
   AA Rosette Award
Terre à Terre
   AA Rosette Award
Furna
   AA Rosette Award
View all
Stay in the area  
Eat or drink nearby