Beachy Head

Eastborne Pier to Alfriston: 14 miles

The official South Downs way path begins or ends (depending upon your starting point) at an elevated street corner above Eastbourne. Our walk started at the pier, some mile and three quarters further on. By the time we reached the start proper, it was time for tea.

Beachy Head can be found a few miles to the west of the town, a spot of notoriety and not for positive reasons. The edge of the cliffs are decorated with miniature crosses and small bouquets to those who have fallen. It was quite poignant.

We kept walking, on to Belle Tout, the lighthouse moved inland a few metres from the cliff edge at great expense, some years ago. Here, the rain started falling - horizontally. Eventually, the rain did stop, we tackled the seven sisters, it started again, we admired some cliff art and headed on to Cuckmere Haven and the return to Alfriston and the pub.

The cider was clear and cool. Ahhhh