Circular Walks & Cycle Rides from Exceat & Friston
| Route Overview | Four Walks, Three Bike Rides - This leaflet includes four walks of varying length, and offers ways of exploring away from the Cuckmere estuary and beach which can get busy on sunny summer weekends. All are great walks in their own right. Three of them can also be enjoyed as bike rides. | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance - Full | 10 miles / 16 km | Distance - Short | 3 miles / 4.8 km | ||||
| Typical Time - Full | 7 hours | Typical Time - Short | 1 hours 30 minutes | ||||
| Start Point | Visitor Centre Car Park, Seven Sisters Country Park, Exceat | ||||||
| End Point | as above | ||||||
| Start point grid reference | TV 518 995 | End point grid reference | TV 518 995 | ||||
| Type of Route: | Circular | Level of walk: | Leisurely, Moderate, Strenuous | ||||
| Route Features |
| ||||||
| Accessibility / Facilities |
Begins near bus route Begins near parking Begins near toilets Ends near bus route Ends near parking Ends near toilets Pub enroute Suitable for Dogs |
||||||
| Terrain |
Bridle Ways Muddy Tracks PROW (Public Right Of Way) Roads |
||||||
| Route Description | The four walks and three bike rides can be summed up as follows: A Stroll – suitable for walkers, cyclists, and wheelchairs - About 3 miles/1.5 hours - From Exceat cross the A259 and head towards the sea on the concrete path. Walkers have a choice of return routes, along the riverbank is a good option. A Short Walk or a family cycle - About 3 Miles/2 hours - From Exceat this takes you through Friston Forest and back along Charleston Bottom A Longer Walk or cycle - 10 miles /5–6 hours if returning from Alfriston to Exceat along the Cuckmere riverbank footpath, 8.5 miles if using the cycle route along the Litlington road (Cycling time probably around 2 - 4 hours depending on fitness and ground conditions) From Exceat this heads northeast on bridleways through Friston Forest and Lullington Heath National Nature Reserve. Once on top of the Downs at Windover Hill it turns west along the South Downs Way to Alfriston and refreshment. From here cyclists head back to Exceat down the lane while walkers can enjoy the riverbank footpath. A Full Day’s Walk along the cliffs and back - Around 10 miles/(6 – 7 hours) – quite strenuous but worth it. From Exceat this follows the South Downs Way down to the cliffs at Seven Sisters and along the cliff top to Birling Gap. It then turns inland and returns via East Dean and Friston Forest. Please note that there is no access to the cliff tops for bicycles. A free leaflet with a map and description of the routes and points of interest can be downloaded from the weblink below which also has details of many other walks and activities in the South Downs. | ||||||
| Terrain Details | After rain or in winter parts of all the walks can be muddy, so wear appropriate footwear. The tops of the Downs can be surprisingly exposed in cold windy weather, especially in rain or low cloud, so come prepared! Note that the Cuckmere Valley and riverside footpath can flood in wet winters; if in doubt phone Seven Sisters Country Park on 01323 870280 to check. | ||||||
| Additional Info / Warnings | The South Downs Way National Trail is a 100 mile (160km) route for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders, and runs from the historic English capital of Winchester to the white chalk cliffs of Eastbourne. It is one of a family of National Trails, offering visitors the chance to travel through some of the finest scenery in England and Wales. | ||||||
| Access Info / Public Transport | Buses 12, 13 and 712 run between Brighton and Eastbourne via Newhaven, Seaford and Exceat. There are at least 4 buses an hour (less frequent early in the morning and in the evening, 3 per hour on Sundays and Public Holidays). – Contact Traveline 0870 6082608 for details. Cuckmere Valley Community Bus runs hourly between Berwick Station, Alfriston, Seaford, Exceat, and Wilmington on weekends and Public Holidays – particularly useful for making up your own routes or if you need a short cut home! Contact 01323 870032 for details. Best to come by bus if possible. If you must drive, please park considerately. Car parks at Exceat (Seven Sisters Country Park), Friston, and Alfriston are pay and display, and parking elsewhere is very limited indeed. | ||||||
| Services / Amenities | You can get lunch in Alfriston (Pubs, cafés, shops) or at Exceat (café – closed in mid winter). We suggest you take something to drink if the weather is hot, especially if you are doing the longest walk. | ||||||
|
|||||||
| TSE Accommodation Search | |||||||
| More info | Circular Walks & Cycle Rides from Exceat & Friston | ||||||
