Sussex Downs, English villages and coastal cliffs - 24km

A classic 24km (15 mile) summer hike along the South Downs Way, taking in Firle Beacon and the picturesque village of Alfriston, and continuing along the beautiful Cuckmere River, to the stunning white cliffs of the South Coast.

DESCRIPTION

Starting in Glynde, we will climb up to join the South Downs way, rising up to a height of 217m at Firle Beacon, where we’ll be able to enjoy sweeping views out to the English Channel.

We’ll continue along the ridge with stunning panoramic views before dropping down for a lunch stop in the picturesque English village of Alfriston, replete with its village green, cafes and 14th Century church, known as the ‘Cathedral of the Downs'.

After lunch, we’ll follow the tranquil winding Cuckmere River, up past the famous Litlington White Horse – a chalk figure carved into the hillside – and down to Exceat Bridge for another refreshment stop.

The final section will take us to the coast at Seaford Head, with its stunning views of the white cliffs of the Seven Sisters – one of the most iconic views in the country – before finishing with a 5km wander along the clifftops to Seaford station or a pub, whichever you prefer on the day.

SUMMARY (all info is approximate!)

Distance: 24km/15miles linear route
Ascent: 530 metres
Duration: 6 hours walking
Grade: Moderate along good paths with one or two short steep climbs.

COST AND LOGISTICS

Cost: £10
Meet: Glynde station 10:20am
Hike start: 10:30am Glynde Station
Hike finish: 5.30pm approx. Seaford Station / Local pub

Recommended morning trains from London
08:54 Dep London Victoria
09:56 Arr: Lewes
CHANGE TRAINS
10:14 Dep: Lewes
10:19 Arr: Glynde

Recommended train ticket
Off-Peak Day Return to Seaford

PRICE INCLUDES

• Guided hike planned and led by an experienced AAA leader, trained in Outdoor First Aid.

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Travel costs
• Lunch, drinks or any refreshments
• PayPal fees

RECOMMENDED KIT LIST (complete list)

• Suitable hiking shoes or boots
• Water - 2 litres recommended
• Waterproof jacket and trousers (Please no jeans!)
• Warm windproof layer e.g. Down/Primaloft/Fleece
• Wicking base layer e.g. Polyester/Tencel/Merino
• Packed lunch and snacks

REVIEWS
Trip Advisor | Facebook | MeetUp

CANCELLING/REFUNDS
If you can no longer make the hike, please update your RSVP to say 'No', to allow others to buy your place. If the hike is full, we will refund you, less than the PayPal/Meetup fees. To obtain this, please email info@aaalondongroup.com after the event, with the email address you use on your PayPal account and transaction reference. If the hike is not full, unfortunately we will not be able to provide any refund.

QUESTIONS
If you have any other questions, please check visit our FAQ page. If you are still unsure, contact the event Host shown on this page.

We have operated over 1,000 events without significant incidents in the last ten years, achieved through meticulous planning. All participants (members and their guests) in any AAA Hiking event or activity are personally responsible for their fitness, safety and welfare, and must be equipped accordingly. If you have signed up for the event, you acknowledge and accept the AAA London Group Terms and Conditions. © AAA London Group Ltd. Errors and Omissions Excepted
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