Seven Sisters

It’s another day of two halves. The morning is miserable; rain and low visibility making our planned trip to Beachy Head a little pointless. Optimistically, we drift down towards the coast, willing any hinted brightness to become clear sky. Lewes beckons as a refuge, but one-way systems and parking limitations dull our already limited enthusiasm, and I decide I’m really not in the mood for towns. We manage coffee - and cakes of course - in a farm shop, and, refreshed by calories and brighter skies, decide we can return to our original plan.

Stopping by the delightfully tiny Lullington Church - apparently the smallest in England - we make our way towards the coast and walk along the river bank to Cuckmere Haven where we get the most gorgeous views of the Seven Sisters cliffs. By now, amazingly the rain has gone we’re blessed with intermittent sunshine; blue sky across the sea, dark clouds inland, and rays of sunlight highlighting the chalky whiteness of the cliffs.  

We climb the path behind the coastguard cottages to get a better - or a different-view, returning to the beach where coastal erosion has eaten away much of the original path. I love this sweep of shingle beach with its broken wooden groins stretching out to sea, one fragmented to a Japanese torii gate. 

We cross the shingle bank to return along the other side of the meanders, before driving to the cliffs themselves, walking up to the Belle Tout lighthouse - now a B&B with clearly the most amazing views. Our own views are beautiful enough - it’s hard to believe that a few hours ago we’d have seen nothing but cloud. Again erosion is frighteningly visible, with areas railed off where the cliff path has disappeared into the sea - surreally continuing the other side of the cliff fall. Looking out across it’s clear to see the cracks where in the not too distant future yet another section will fall into the sea below. 

By now, I’ve taken so many photographs of this iconic landmark, here’s the question:  do I go with an ‘iconic’ view, or go with something different for my main? So many viewpoints and so many shots …… inevitably it’s a set today. Thanks for indulging my indecisiveness! 

Thanks also for your kind response to Prospect Cottage yesterday - and apologies again for lack of comments.