South Downs Way - Alfiston to Eastbourne

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The last leg and probably one of the hottest day of the year so far and so not ideal for walking. When I set out on the 11 mile hike from Alfriston along the river towards the coast I feared the heat may get the better of me. As I got nearer the coast there was a gentle cooling breeze which was very welcome. The coastal walk from Cuckmere Haven into Eastbourne was spectactular and must rank as one of the best in the UK, First there is the River Cuckmere meanering into the sea at Cuckmere Haven although it looks as though in years to come this will all change as the man-made sea defences are being abandoned and the Haven will revert to being a tidal estuary
The Seven Sisters are next and this is an exhausting roller-coaster walk over the seven chalk cliff tops which in my opinion are far superior to their Dover counterparts.After the 'Sisters' there is then the challenge to reach the final high point of the walk: Beachy Head is a spectactular chalk cliff jutting into the English Channel with an atmosphere of its own.
From Beachy Head it was downhill all the way into Eastbourne and the end of the Way. I don't know who organised this but the church bells started to ring out for me as made my descent. A gesture I appreciated after 100 miles and an 8 day experience I will never forget.

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Photos

St Andrew's Church at Alfriston
Next to the church in this pretty villasge is The Clergy House and was the first building to be acquired by the National Trust for just £10

River Cuckmere flowing into the sea
This may all change in the years to come with the sea defences being abandoned

Cuckmere Haven
The cottages in the distance were built to give early warning of a Napoleonic invasion. There recent claim to fame was as a result of their use in the final scene of the film 'Atonement'

The Seven Sisters
Believe it or not they have all got names!!

The Seven Sisters and Birling Gap
Birling Gap is situated between The Seven Sisters and Beacy Head and provides access to the beach. There are a few grotty buildings here that are being attended to by the National Trust

Path upto Beachy Head
The lighthouse was built in 1902 and de-manned in 1983

French invasion
A collection of 2CVs from France parked near an access point to Beachy Head

The descent into Eastbourne
Getting towards the end the Way and the bells are ringing!!

Comments

[Jayne Adams]

End of the week!
Hi John - glad you are home safely and that the weather picked up at the end of the week. The final pics are stunning - a great way to see the countryside - on foot! Love Jayne x

[Duncan]

Fair play