Beachy Head to Birling Gap

Stunning sea views and rolling clifftop downland

Mainly undulating downland paths with some uneven tracks and public road crossings. Several gradual climbs.  Optional additional 2.1 mile route to return to start point.

Getting here

By bus: There are regular services between Seaford and Eastbourne, visit traveline.info/se
By rail: Nearest stations are Seaford and Eastbourne. Visit nationalrail.co.uk

Points of Interest

Belle Tout Lighthouse

Petitions for a lighthouse were first made around 1691 due to the number of shipwrecks and sailors losing lives on this dangerous stretch of coastline. The current lighthouse, Belle Tout, was built in 1832 and decommissioned in 1902 when the new lighthouse was built at the base of the cliffs. In 1999, with erosion threatening its future, it was moved 17 metres (56 feet) back from the edge of the cliff – an impressive feat of engineering work – and by 2010 it had been lovingly restored to its former glory.

The Beachy Head Story

Discover more about the beautiful landscape of Beachy Head and the South Downs at The Beachy Head Story exhibition (free entry).

Birling Gap

Part of the world famous Seven Sisters chalk cliffs, Birling Gap offers ancient downland, a marine nature reserve, a visitor centre and café. The wild forces of the sea create unusual chalk platforms and huge heaps of gleaming white chalk as the cliffs erode at up to one metre a year. With over 500 acres of open chalk grassland the area is rich with butterflies and downland flowers.

Stay safe

Please take notice of warning signs. Rock falls can happen at any time and there are overhangs and faults that you can’t see from the cliff tops. Use your common sense and keep a safe distance from cliff edges and the cliff face when on the beach. If you see anyone in danger or witness someone who has fallen, do not to attempt to rescue them. Dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Directions

1. 1. Opposite Eastbourne Downland golf course, on the seaward side, take the sunken track towards the trig point, which comes into view as you walk along the path.
   2. At the pond bear right of the trig point and keeping on the Downs follow the road to your right.
   3. Cross the road at the turning for Birling Gap, Beachy Head and the Countryside Centre. Keep on the seaward side and follow the Downs over the brow of the hill.
   4. With the sea on your left continue to Birling Gap, via Beachy Head and Belle Tout  Lighthouse.
   5. Immediately past the entrance to the car park at Birling Gap, take the chalk track  up towards the houses on your left.
   6. At the top of the track, go through the gap beside the gate and follow the blue  bridleway sign up the hill in the direction you have just been walking.
   7. Follow the path to the right of the red tin roofed barn. Keep the scrub on your  right, and keep on the level.
   8. Take the first path that drops down the side of the hill, on the right and head  straight on into the village, through a gate into the field and then a gate onto the
      access road for the houses.
   9. Go across the village green, by the Tiger Inn, and turn right down through the car  park. Turn left onto the road out of the village and return to the bus stop on the main road.
   10. Optional return route back to start – (adds on 2.1 miles and takes extra 50 mins approx). Cross the main road using the pedestrian crossing and turn right  following the pavement uphill.
   11. Turn left into Downs View Lane and follow the tarmac road ahead.
   12. At the end of the road take the grassy track to the right of the metal farm gate.  Passing a metal vehicle barrier follow the path for around 0.9 miles (1.5km)  through the dry valley of Ringwood Bottom.
   13. After passing flint walled fields on your left, bear right at Ringwood Farm to follow a concrete track uphill towards Eastbourne Downs Golf Club.
   14. At the end of the concrete track, turn right and follow the South Downs Way blue bridleway signs to return to the A259 East Dean road and your starting point.