Seaford Circular, 23 Sept

Please note this is a strenuous walk along the eight cliffs of the Seven Sisters and Seaford Head. There are a number of drop out points. And the long range weather forecast is good for this coming Saturday.

Trains (as on programme). London Victoria 8.24, Clapham Junction 8.30, East Croydon, 8.43; change   Lewes arr 09.30, dep 10.03; arr Seaford 10.23. (Buy return ticket to Seaford.)

Cross road to Seaford library for bus to East Dean. If you do not have a Freedom Pass, the fare may be approx £3.00 single fare

There are two trains an hour back to London Victoria at 56 and 28 past the hour – change Lewes.

Lunch will be a PICNIC LUNCH. Please bring sandwiches. NB there are loos and cafe at Lewes station. Buy sandwiches in case you have not brought your own.

The Walk. From East Dean we will walk gently downhill for about 30 mins to Birling Gap where there are loos.

We will then climb the first Three Sisters and re-group at Flagstaff/Sarsen’s stone for a quick drink stop.  If anyone wishes to drop out at this point they can take the foot path from Sarsen’s Stone to Friston (bus stop near church) or descend at the car park to East Dean which has The Tiger Inn pub, Hiker’s cafe and a tea room. And there are buses back to Seaford or into Eastbourne. (NB) an Eastbourne return train ticket is more expensive than return to Seaford.)

There is also a road from Crowlink back to Friston.

We continue along the cliffs and re-group at Sister Seven/Haven Brow. We will stop for a picnic lunch.

We will then descend. Those who wish drop out, follow track directly to Exceat Farm – loos, tea room and bus stop.

The rest of us will cross a narrow strip of land and arrive on the banks of the Cuckmere. The drinks stop is The Cuckmere Inn for about 30 mins. This is another drop out point, although the bus stop may be closed because of repairs to the bridge. So then one would have to double back to Exceat to catch the bus.

The rest of us will continue along the track to the coastguard cottages and then begin the climb to Seaford Head. The descent is steep. Then we make our way along the seafront and back to Seaford station. Possibility of good quality take-away tea, coffee and cake from Lewes station cafe.

Optional extension. Continue along the seafront to Bishopstone or Newhaven. Your return ticket to Seaford will cover your return journey.

Hazards. This area does suffer from erosion and bits are breaking off all the time. Please, please, please keep well away from the edge of the cliffs.   If you suffer from vertigo, keep well away from the edge of the cliffs. 

Hoping for good weather, and pleasant companions (as always). Patricia. Please contact walks@morleyramblers.uk with any queries.