Walk this way: Birling Gap to Beachy Head

Embark upon an exhilarating, vertiginous walk at the brink of Britain's tallest chalk cliffs. Then rest your limbs at a classic seaside hotel with every comfort to hand.

Route: From the hotel, an open-topped bus will have you up at Beachy Head in a few minutes. Take the cliff path from here to Birling Gap, then return inland by Hodcombe Farm and West Brow to catch the bus home.

Look out for: The view from Beachy Head, which is 530 feet tall, and marvel at Belle Toute lighthouse, which was moved 50 feet inland in 1999 to save it from toppling over the cliffs.

Where to stay: The handsome Grand Hotel on Eastbourne seafront (01323 412345, www.grandeastbourne.co.uk) is a beautifully restored example of Victorian ‘wedding-cake' seaside architecture. It's Eastbourne's most luxurious weekend hideaway, with swimming pool, sauna, steam room, massages, manicures and more. Family-friendliness is also the hotel's watchword. B&B starts at £97.50 per person, while a three-course dinner in the Mirabelle Restaurant costs £38. There are plenty of seasonal packages, spa breaks and family escapes on offer.

Treat yourself: Lie back on the hotel terrace with a cocktail and let the busy world go hang for an hour.

How long? Give yourself two hours to enjoy this view-packed circular route.

Difficulty: 1/3

Duration: 5 miles

How to get there: Take the train to Eastbourne and, from the hotel, catch the open-topped bus or the number 13 service to Beachy Head car park. By road, you'll find this signed off the A259 from Newhaven to Eastbourne.

OS Map Explorer 123: Eastbourne & Beachy Head. Click here for the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map Service to see your chosen area online.

For more info: Eastbourne TIC (0906 711 2212, www.visiteastbourne.com).

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