A bunch of crazy people of a trekking group randomly meet from different parts of England to spend a day walking from one town to another crossing one of the most iconic natural landmarks of the country.
This is the account of a day long trek of the cliffs of Seven Sisters in East Sussex. And I was one of those crazy trekkers.
We all met at Seaford station near the Martello Tower. Led by our guide Lana, we walked towards the seafront. Seaford is a lovely seaside town, east of Brighton and west of Eastbourne, right at the foot of the rolling hills of South Down in East Sussex. It has scenic beaches and is a perfect spot for lazy summers.
It was a cold, misty and cloudy day. Too add to the fun, it was quite breezy.
A view of one of the beaches of Seaford in South Downs.
South Downs National Park:
Our walk commences into the South Downs National Park which is home to the white chalky cliffs of Seven Sisters with the dreamy blue waters of English Chanel washing their feet. The The walking trails are clearly defined.
Commencing the walk. The ascent to the cliffs was right in front of us.
Due to some parts of the South Downs being closed, we had to take a diversion, bit of a roundabout to Cuckmere Valley Park crossing beautiful scenery of Cuckmere Haven
Walk in the Cuckmere Valley
Black cows lazing around in Cuckmere Haven
Misty morning scenery in Cuckmere Haven
And some stopped by Cuckmere Valley Inn for a quick refreshment
The beautiful and cute Cuckmere Inn huddled among green bushes and trees.
Continuing our walk, we now approach the majestic chalky cliffs overlooking the vast expanse of the English Channel.
The Seven Sisters are seven cliffs. All of them have different names. They are in a nice sketchy pattern with gradually declining arches. The names of the cliffs from west to east are: Haven Brow, Short Brow, Rough Brow, Brass Point, Flagstaff Brow, Bailey’s Hill and Went Hill.(Source : http://www.visitsoutheastengland.com/places-to-visit/seven-sisters-p274481)
Birling Gap : A beautiful spot with a restaurant of National Trust from where you can admire some really scenic views and click some envious shots.
Next few hours was trekking up and down all seven cliffs. My pace was falling, so were my legs. The views are worth every painful muscle.
Few shots along the way, a misty and cloudy day throughout with sporadic drizzles.
These rocks seemed to have the side face of a haggard man. Rather many side profiles. Interesting work of nature
We can see Beachy Head at a distance which is the highest cliff point. While it looks near, we have a good distance to walk upto it.
There is a red lighthouse here, very similar to the cliffs of Dover. In contrast to the chalky cliffs and lovely blue waters, this is like a bright color brush stroke on a mundane painting.
Beachy Head :Chalky Headland on English Channel. Also known as Suicide Point. (No wonder)
The undulating terrain of the cliffs is its real beauty. A motor-able road for those who want to take it easy and chilled out.
Another angle of the winding roads
The sun is slowly settling down. There are breathtaking views as it plays a hide and seek behind the clouds.
As our lovely walk nears closure, we could get the first sight of the beautiful town of Eastbourne from the vantage point of the South Downs park. We have to walk all the way down to that road. As we walk we decide what to do next in the town, and needless to say the unanimous choice is to rest our limbs and treat our famished self at some very well known fish and chips local joints.
Eastbourne. Very European, red roofs, terracotta shades and some lovely beaches.
Oh, what a day it has was. As I boarded my train from Eastbourne for a long journey of 2 hours back to my home at Reading, I relaxed and reminisced the day long walk , the strain in my calves and tingling numbness in my toes actually felt very rewarding. I would surely come back for another trip probably in summers when its less windy and we have more sun.
How to reach Seaford or Eastbourne : Both these stations have railway stations which connect them to London and many other main stations. If you are coming from London, you can take trains from London Victoria to Seaford. There is a change that you have to make at Lewes. The change time is very short and you have to change platforms. So be quick. To book tickets and see timetables refer http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
When to visit Seven Sisters : Even if you are driving up to the South Downs National Park, it will be advisable to visit during summers i.e June-August time frame. If its too wet and windy, it may get difficult to walk around.
Where and What to eat : Both Seaford and Eastbourne are coastal towns and have a great selection of sea food delicacies at their local joints. We had fish and chips in Eastbourne at Qualisea Fish Restaurant which has been dishing mouth watering seafood delights since 1964.
Seven Sisters : Trek from Seaford to Eastbourne March'15 A bunch of crazy people of a trekking group randomly meet from different parts of England to spend a day walking from one town to another crossing one of the most iconic natural landmarks of the country.
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