Car free walk, catch the bus from Eastbourne
Distance:
<5 miles. 3-4 miles
Location:
East Sussex
Type:
Moderate. South Downs Way
Duration:
2-3 hours
Meander your way along the Cuckmere River to the pretty village of Litlington, then over wooded downland (with two steep climbs and lots of steps) to the Seven Sisters Visitor Centre.
Look out for Alfriston church and Clergy House, dragonflies and water birds on the river, Litlington village and views of the Cuckmere River winding its way towards the sea.
Print or download the guide for full details of the route.
Getting there
The journey out: Catch the no. 125 bus (126 on Sundays) from Eastbourne Gildredge Road, opposite the railway station – the journey to Alfriston takes about 35 minutes.
The journey back: The no. 12 Coaster bus leaves every 10–15minutes and will whisk you back to Eastbourne in 17 minutes. The 12X or 13X services will also take you back to Eastbourne.
Useful information
Refreshments: There are a choice of pubs and cafés in Alfriston, Plough & Harrow pub and a tea garden in Litlington and the Saltmarsh Kitchen at the Seven Sisters Visitor Centre.
Toilets: At the start and finish locations.
Maps: OS Explorer OL25, or South Downs Way Official National Trail Guide (available from nationaltrail.co.uk/south-downs-way).
Directions
Start: The bus drops off at the coach park on Monday to Saturday, or at the market cross on Sundays. From the market cross go down River Lane and follow the South Downs Way signposts. From the coach park take the path at the southern end over the stile to the river, turn right to join the Trail.
Finish: Go through the Seven Sisters Visitor Centre and follow the signpost to the bus shelter (on the near side of the road). Alternatively, if you’d like a longer walk you can carry on to Eastbourne along the coastal footpath/inland bridleway route.
For more information about the South Downs Way and inspiration on future routes please visit www.nationaltrail.co.uk/south-downs-way