38K Challenge - Hike Lewes to the coast AND THEN the Seven Sisters hike

📏 Key Info:
• Distance: 23-25 miles (37-39km)
• Grading: Challenging - this hike is both long and we will also be going over the hills of the South Downs
• Ascent: 1000m
• Hiking time: 8 to 9.5 hours
• Cost: £32 (includes guided hike + return train)
• Refunds: Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you follow our [Resale Process] and your place is rebooked, we’ll issue a refund.
• Toilet Breaks: On the train, at the lunch stop, and at the end pub

📍 Meeting Point
• Location: Victoria station. Meet between WHSmith (no 34) and Nero Express (no 29) - MAP
• Time: Meet 7:50am, leave 8:10am for the 8:24am train
• Return: 9:06pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then)

🌟 Highlights
• Hike high up on the South Downs ridges with spectacular far-reaching views
• Follow part of the South Downs Way – one of England’s 15 National Trails
• See distant coastal views of the Seven Sisters cliffs – which we then hike in full
• Traverse dramatic glacial “dry valleys” carved during the last Ice Age
• Finish by the sea in the coastal town of Eastbourne
• A true endurance challenge – 38km and 1000m of ascent – our longest and toughest London day hike

🥾 Hike Description
We begin in the historic town of Lewes, a well-preserved Sussex market town dating back to the 6th century. After leaving the cobbled streets behind, our trail crosses the River Ouse and its broad valley, before climbing steadily into the sweeping chalk hills of the South Downs National Park. The early miles reward us with rolling hills, lush farmland and a sense of remoteness despite being so close to London.

From here, we push further into the Downs, following a succession of ridges and valleys that give this route its striking variety. The high ridgelines provide far-reaching views across the Sussex Weald and out towards the English Channel, while the descent into the dramatic glacial dry valleys reminds us of the land’s Ice Age past. These open, wind-exposed chalk uplands make for exhilarating hiking with a constant sense of big skies and changing horizons.

As the day unfolds, we finally meet the sea – and with it, the most iconic part of the hike: the Seven Sisters cliffs. This legendary series of undulating chalk cliffs rises and falls dramatically above the waves, providing one of the most photogenic and celebrated landscapes in southern England. However, today we don’t just admire them from afar – we take them on, cresting each hill in turn with unforgettable sea views to one side and rolling green downs to the other.

After tackling the Sisters, our hike concludes with a final push into the coastal town of Eastbourne. The route takes us past the Birling Gap Lighthouse, standing watch above the chalk cliffs and saved from coastal erosion by being moved 17 metres inland in 1999. From here, we continue along the undulating cliff path before descending into Eastbourne to finish by the beach. It’s a fitting end to a monumental day: 38km of hiking, nearly 1000m of ascent, and a true endurance test across Britain’s most spectacular coastal landscape.

TOUGHNESS WARNING – can I really do this?
This is our longest ever London day hike and it’s only for very fit, experienced hikers. At almost 38km and 1000m of ascent, this is a serious endurance challenge with multiple steep climbs and descents. The pace will be brisk throughout the day in order to cover the distance and reach Eastbourne in time for our return train.

To be fair to all attendees, if you are unable to keep up with the group or complete the route, you will need to leave the hike and make your own way to Eastbourne at your own expense. The final section does pass several bus stops with routes to Eastbourne, so it is possible to shorten the hike if necessary.

If the idea of walking up the equivalent of twice the height of the Shard over the course of 38km does not appeal, then this is not the right hike for you. Please only sign up if you are confident with this level of challenge and it excites you.

🧭 Guide:
• Leader: GRAHAM
• Contact (hike day only): 07796 098487

🍽️ Food:
• Bring a packed lunch

🎒What to Bring
• Hiking boots/shoes
• Water (2 litres minimum)
• Packed lunch
• Waterproofs (jacket and trousers)
• Hat and gloves if cold
• Train tickets are arranged – just meet us at the meeting point

⚠️ Safety
Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider

❓ Want to Know More?
• New to Our Trips? (perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect”)
• About Us (who Outdooraholics are, credibility, history)
• FAQs (covers common queries)

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