South Downs Way: Alfriston to Eastbourne

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 followed by horse-riders and mountain-bikers. The second, which is more spectacular though also more demanding, is a footpath and can only be used by walkers, who will relish the close proximity to the sea after so much inland walking. The two routes meet up at the end of the South Downs Way on the outskirts of Eastbourne.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.