I'm in Sussex right now, planning to head to the Eastbourne area tomorrow to hike along the South Downs Way. Due to some unexpected shifts in the schedule, I will only will have about two hours of on-path time. I'll be taking public transit-does anyone have any suggestions on a good place to start to get great views of the cliffs? My travel companion is my 70-year-old mother, so the pace will be a bit slower. Does starting from Eastbourne make the most sense, or does anyone have other suggestions on a starting point?
Posted by
London
1368 posts
If you're using public transport, definitely easiest to start in Eastbourne as the train takes you right there (as do many buses). If you only have a couple of hours start at the eastern end of the trail (near Helen Garden) and walk up to Beachy Head. You won't get any views of the cliffs as such as you'll be on the cliffs themselves. In two hours, you could walk to Birling Gap and then get a bus back to Eastbourne. Good luck for your walk!
Posted by
United States
950 posts
Linnae, you could take the Coaster bus ( link below) from Eastbourne to the Seven Sisters visitor center. Get off and hike a bit toward Birling Gap from there. The views are spectacular! Then depending on yours and your mom’s stamina you could walk one or two of the “Sisters” hills, sit and relax, have a bite to eat or picnic, then turn around when ready and go back to the Visitor Center to catch a later bus to Eastbourne. That way is not as physically challenging, but you still get the experience and see the beauty of the area. Or if you aren’t too put off by the climbs, walk to Birling Gap as Cat VH suggested. Just a thought.
https://www.buses.co.uk/services/coaster
Enjoy your walk! This area is one of my favorite places! I hope your weather is wonderful, too!