Seven Sisters: Sussex Cliffs Hike - Saturday

Come and join us for what is our most popular day hike and the most exhilarating coastal hike in the South East of England, with breathtaking views of the striking and dramatic white cliffs. A good proportion of the hike is up high on the cliffs as they loom down over the sea beneath. We're off to Sussex to hike the classic Seven Sisters hike from Seaford to Eastbourne.

Dogs can use this trail as well, but must be on a leash.

• Distance: 13 miles (21 km)
• Grading: Intermediate/Challenging
• Rating: 8/10
• Ascent: 740 m
• hiking time: About 5.5 to 6.5 hours of actual hiking

TRANSPORT & MEETING POINT

We'll meet at Victoria station from 8:30am, next to the ticket office, opposite WHSmith and Boots

This walk is covered by our Club's insurance. Our Club is registered on The British Mountaineering Council (BMC)

HOW TO FIND US

In case of difficulties locating us, you can call us on 07535295739.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

• Hike one of the most spectacular coastal hikes in England
• A great physical challenge with several easy options to shorten if needed
• Enjoy amazing views over the coastline for much of this hike
• Finish in Eastbourne - England's sunniest town
• Explore the Seven Sisters National Park - the newest in the UK

Photos - All photos were taken by the hike leader on previous trips so are the actual views that you will see from the route that you'll be hiking.

HIKE DESCRIPTION

There are some iconic views on this hike and we'll get some great fresh sea air high up on the cliffs. The Seven Sisters are a series of white chalk cliffs and are set within the Seven Sisters Country Park. They are remnants of dry valleys in the South Downs and were formed at the end of the last ice age by glacial meltwater. There are in fact now eight sisters as an extra one has been created by coastal erosion.

Our hike starts in the coastal town of Seaford which is home to a Martello Tower from 1810 which formed part of a string of 74 towers to defend against French invasion in Napoleonic times. It then follows the cliffs along the South Downs way past Birling Gap and the Belle Tout lighthouse. The lighthouse was actually moved 17 metres in 1999 to stop it falling victim to coastal erosion. Our hike shall then take us on to the beauty spot of Beachy Head which has a more sinister side, before we head from here to Eastbourne for some refreshments in a delightful pub.

FOOD

We will stop during the hike for a snack lunch so please bring food and drink. We will visit a pub after the hike where we can get refreshments.

PHOTOS:

https://www.flickr.com/groups/seven_sisters_sussex/

COST

The cost includes the guided hike and return train travel from the group departure station listed at the top of this event.

WHAT TO BRING

• Suitable hiking clothes & hiking footwear (ideally hiking boots)
• Water (at least 1 and ideally 2 litres)
• Packed lunch/picnic
• Money for drinks and refreshments after the hike

That's it! We will take care of train tickets, logistics on the day etc, so that you can just turn up and have a great day :-)

CLIFFS - DANGER

There are sheer drops off the cliffs and some of these soft chalk cliffs are crumbling at the edges with chunks regularly falling and no fencing in place. Please keep at least 3 metres away from the edges. If you fall, or the ground at the edge of the cliff collapses it will almost certainly be fatal.

PRICE INCLUDED THE GUIDED WALK, THE TRANSPORT + INSURANCE:

• Members: £ 32
• No Members: £ 39

Planned arrival time back into London at 10:00pm. We have a group train ticket so all attendees will go and return together to the same station. If you want to return separately, please buy your individual train ticket.

DOG

Dogs can use this trail as well, but must be on a leash.

SAFETY

Photos & Video - All were taken by the hike leader on previous trips so are the actual views that you will see from the route that you'll be hiking.

This hike is led by a trained hike leader and qualified Outdoor Activity First Aider. Outdoor activities involve a risk of personal injury. Please come with suitable hiking footwear and hiking clothes such as warm clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers in case of rain.

© Club Hiking in London, Ltd 2024 (CASC) in collaboration with Saturday Walking Club.

Errors and Omissions Excepted

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