Wild coastal walks: Seven Sisters

Think there are no wildernesses left on our coast? Here are seven walks that let you taste the cream of the wild coastlands - moody, offbeat and inspiring - and see why these islands are so satisfying to explore. As far as beach hikes go, the East Sussex coastline has some of the best to offer

 
Meeting the seven sisters

From Birling Gap to Cuckmere Haven, East Sussex

 
This is one of the most thrilling UK beach hikes, with the huge, white ramparts of the Seven Sisters towering above you and the remnants of the crumbling cliffs scattered at your feet. The rubble and the rising tide add to the feeling of being on the edge.

 
Wilderness rating: splendid isolation

This beach walk is made more interesting by the chalk blocks, flints and fossils tumbled from the tottery cliffs during storms, with the tide always threatening at your elbow.

 

Way to go: Head from Birling Gap to Cuckmere Haven along the beach, returning via the clifftop path - or vice versa, depending on the tide.

 

Time and effort required: It's a five-mile walk, so two to three hours should do it. Be aware that the beach route has many slippery rocks, and keep away from the base of cliffs to avoid any falling debris. Check tide times (www.eastbourne.gov.uk/leisure/seafront/tide-tables), making sure to set off along the beach no more than two hours after high tide.

 

Refuel at: The Birling Gap Hotel (01323 423197, www.birlinggaphotel.co.uk), which is a bustling watering hole.

 

Getting there: Take the 713 bus from Eastbourne to Birling Gap (on Sundays) or the number 12 from Brighton to Eastbourne.

 

Sleep at: The Birling Gap Hotel. From £65 for double B&B.

 

OS Maps Landranger 199; Explorer 123. Click here for the Ordanance Survey Get a Map service.

 

For more info Seven Sisters Country Park (01323 870280, www.sevensisters.org.uk).

 

Click here for our next wild coastal walk... 

 

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