East Sussex Coast Weekend Cycle Tour

Summary:
Staying in the history-rich town of Hastings, explore the Victorian seaside resorts along the East Sussex coast. Cycling predominantly along seafront promenades and cycle paths visit the famous destinations of Eastbourne and Rye. Beachfront cafes and seaside air will ensure a relaxing weekend away.

Distances: 34 miles Saturday & 28 miles Sunday

Terrain: Mainly flat with occasional countryside hill.

Path/Road: A lot of off-road cycle paths and occasional quiet road. All bikes are suitable.

Physical difficulty: Moderate Saturday and Sunday. Cycling at a manageable pace for 3.5 hours Saturday & 3.5 hours Sunday. Everyone will be assisted but you must be competent controlling a bike and its gears.

Duration: Friday night to Sunday evening.

Accommodation: Staying in a hotel in the centre of Hastings.

Cost: £180pp, based on 2 people sharing a twin room (£50 single supplement).

Itinerary:
FRIDAY-
Check in to the hotel and head to a nearby pub for meet, greet and socialise.
SATURDAY-
We’re heading West to Eastbourne! Along the Prom you’ll first arrive at St. Leonard’s on Sea, with its vibrant collection of independent shops and elegant houses.
Next is Bexhill on Sea. A town seemingly unchanged since the 1950’s, this pretty place has a refined look and feel to it. The Prom takes you past the stunning De la Warr pavilion and idyllic beach facing properties.
Elevenses is at a pub on the beach in Pevensey Bay. Enjoy your refreshments amongst the shingles!
After Sovereign Harbour starts Eastbourne beach, that stretches for 4 miles through this popular tourist resort. We’ll stop at the Pier to allow an explore of the classic seaside treats and market stalls. Lunch will be at a café with stunning views of the sea.
Heading back to Hastings there will probably be time (and a need!) for an ice-cream in Bexhill.
Back at the hotel you can recuperate in preparation for dinner and drinks in a local restaurant.
SUNDAY:
Heading in the other direction today, towards Rye! First on the agenda are the historic black fishing huts along the seafront. These iconic structures date back to the 16th century and are Grade II listed. Also we’ll weave through the Old Town with its characterful streets full of bunting.
Its uphill next into the Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve. From on top of the clifftop there are incredible views over Hastings and the Channel.
Gliding back downhill to the sea it’s a flat run to Rye, with a break for elevenses at Winchelsea beach café.
Taking the coastal path through the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve there will be views of Camber Sands across the River Rother, before arriving at the quaint harbour itself.
Into Rye town and your chance to wander round this beautiful medieval citadel. The timber houses and cobbled streets are offset with boutique hotels and contemporary eateries. A perfect place for an explore and lunch.
Country lanes will take you back to Hastings for farewells at the hotel. Maybe treat yourself with a drink at one of the UK’s biggest beer gardens at the end of the Pier!

Bike hire: We can arrange – £30 for the weekend. £80 for an ebike.

Included:
2 nights accommodation.
2 days fully guided cycling.

Basic tool kit carried to undertake minor repairs.

Accident insurance cover.

Trained first aider.