Seven sisters spectacular coastal hike, ending in picturesque East Dean

This is a challenging hike with several options to shorten if needed.

Hike the Seven Sisters, the Chalk Cliffs of Sussex, one of the most scenic coastal regions in the south downs of England.

GRADE: Intermediate / Challenging 23 km 13 miles 670m of ascent and approx 7 hrs hiking time without breaks.

This is a spectacular coastal hike with breathtaking views of the dramatic chalk sea cliffs on the English Channel coast in south-east England, ending in East Dean, a beautiful South Downs village close to Beachy Head and Birlig Gap beach, where Sherlock Holmes went to retire!
The name "Seven sisters", according to a legend, comes from seven sisters who lived on these limestone formations, each of them had a house between these hills. In fact there are now eight cliffs as an extra one has been created by coastal erosion.
Starting in the pretty town of Seaford on the Sussex coast we follow the coastal path passing the Martello Tower and follow the Vanguard way to Seaford Head.
We undulate along the sea cliffs to drop down to the Cuckmere Estuary and wildlife reserve, stopping for lunch at the cafe and visitor centre.
Later we join the South Downs Way and enter the Seven Sisters Country Park where a steep climb leads us to the trig point at Cliff End. From here we follow the cliff edge path over the Seven Sisters cliff to Birlig Gap. After Birlig Gap there is a steady climb past Belle Tout, a former lighthouse, and onto the spectacular Beachy Head with possibly the finest views in Southern England. We then make our way inland towards East Dean picturesque village where we can finish our hike in a delightful old smugglers pub, before making our way back home!

From East Dean we can take the bus, the Coaster 12/12A/12X service from East Dean Bus Shelter to Eastbourne. These buses are very frequent and operate up to every 10 minutes. Details can be found here: Coaster 12X - Eastbourne - Brighton | Brighton & Hove Buses. Journey time: 22 min and cost: approx £3.
In Eastbourne there is a regular train service to London Victoria, every 30 minutes.

COST: £10.00 organiser fee pay on RSVP

MEETING POINT & TIME: 08:20 at Victoria station, in front of the main train ticket office. Second meeting point at 10:20 at Seaford station.

TRAINS: Trains from London Victoria station. We will take the 08:54 to Seaford via Lewes, arriving at Seaford at 10:19 (journey time 1hr 25 min, 1 change at Lewes). We will return from Eastbourne.
You can purchase group save tickets (minimum group of 3) or with Network railcard approx at approx £28, return train tickets for Eastbourne.

WALK STARTS: 10:at Seaford station

WALK FINISHES: Approx 18:00 at East Dean. We take the bus to Eastbourne and from there the train back to London.

Hike Leader: Fofi
This is a challenging hike with several options to shorten if needed.

What to bring: packed lunch, snacks, water, suitable clothing, and hiking footwear.
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Host or Publisher Gary (GO London Hiking)