Bishopstone to East Dean, 13 July
This walk is approximately 10 miles long, with drop-out points.
Trains: Victoria 08.24 arr Lewes 09.26. 4 mins transfer time – no time for loo stop. dep Lewes 09.30; arr Bishopstone 09.45. Buy RETURN TICKET TO SEAFORD
Please sit in the 5th carriage from the back of the train but towards the front of the 5th carriage. At Lewes, please head immediately for the staircase and stay on the left hand side. This train service is very popular with fast, fit young people and cyclists who will have to carry their bicycles over their head. It is usually a stampede. Once you have reached the top of the staircase, turn left and head for the next staircase and descend. Most of the crowd will be heading for the ramp – please avoid. Head for platform 3 and get onto the Seaford train. Bishopstone is the 2nd to last stop.
The Walk This will be a long day. We walk along the seafront promenade to Martello Towers, Seaford, where this is a loo stop. Then we climb Seaford Head – very steep. STRENUOUS. Then descend and follow the Cuckmere to Exceat Bridge.
First optional drop out point – Cuckmere Inn and coaster buses. Cross road and back again. And follow the other bank of the Cuckmere and climb first cliff.
Picnic lunch – Haven Brow Sister. Continue: Short Brow, Rough Brow, Brass Point Sisters. Flagstaff Bottom (with monument and seating area) – please wait
Second optional drop out point – Flagstaff Bottom (go inland to Friston or East Dean where there are Coaster Buses)
Continue: Flathill Bottom and two un-named Sisters. Please wait. Head inland over Went Hill and descend to East Dean
East Dean – refreshments at Tiger Inn, Hiker’s Rest or tea room
Take coaster bus back to Seaford railway station. 2 trains per hour to Lewes and change for London Victoria
Lunch Please bring a picnic lunch
The Virtues – beautiful and varied scenery, fresh sea air, birdsong and the lovely village green of East Dean.
The Risks This is a walk of 8 cliffs and some gradual uphill inland at the end of the walk. It is strenuous. Please keep well back from the cliff edges. There are many risk takers on the cliffs, please do not become one of them.
If you miss the train There is a 4 mins transfer time at Lewes. If you miss the connection, you can take the next train 30 mins later, but the group will be 30 mins or more ahead of late comers. However, it is an easy route so you should be able to make your own way.
Any questions, please ring Patricia, non-members email walks@morleyramblers.uk