Seven Sisters and the South Downs

Seven Sisters Is A Line Of White Chalk Cliffs On The English Channel Inside South Downs National Park (2010), With Cuckmere Haven, Birling Gap And, Near Eastbourne, Beachy Head And Its Red And White Lighthouse. The South Downs Way Is A 160 Km Walking Trail That Ends At Eastbourne. · Seaford, England

The Seven Sisters are a row of white chalk cliffs on the Sussex coast, between Cuckmere Haven and Birling Gap, inside South Downs National Park, created in 2010. They look like frozen waves, each ridge dropping to a dip, and the effect is very striking on a clear day. The cliffs are unfenced and they erode all the time, so rockfalls are a real hazard and the edge is never where it looks. Walkers take the coast path from Seaford to Eastbourne, about 13 km with steep ups and downs, passing Cuckmere Haven, Birling Gap and Beachy Head. It suits fit walkers and anyone who likes big sea views; one afternoon is enough for a short stretch, a full day for the whole walk. Weekends in summer are busy, parking is limited and the weather is windy and exposed. Buses run from Brighton and Eastbourne, which is easier than driving. The path is not a gentle stroll, so go prepared and start early enough to finish in daylight.

Chalk cliffs on the Sussex coast between Seaford and Eastbourne, with Cuckmere Haven, Birling Gap and Beachy Head, reached by bus from Eastbourne or Brighton, and the South Downs Way along the top, Seaford, England, United Kingdom

The cliffs, paths and South Downs Way are open all hours and all year, since they are public land with no gates. The Birling Gap cafe, shop and car park, and the visitor centre at Seven Sisters Country Park near Cuckmere, keep daytime hours and are shorter in winter, so confirm before you go. The beach at Birling Gap is reached by steps and is only usable at low tide; at high tide the water reaches the foot of the cliffs. Sections of path can be closed or diverted after cliff falls, so check the notices at the car parks. Buses run daily on main routes, but later buses are less frequent, so check the last bus back before you set off.

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