The Seven Sisters are a breathtaking series of iconic white chalk cliffs on the Sussex Heritage Coast in southern England, between Seaford and Eastbourne. Part of the South Downs National Park, these dramatic cliffs are constantly sculpted by erosion, forming seven distinct peaks. This is probably the best day hike from London.

Seven Sisters Cliff Walk Trail Summary

Distance: 13.5 miles (21.7km)

Elevation Gain: 1,761ft (536m)

Time needed: 4-5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Route type: Point-to-point

Best time to visit: July

Must see: Birling Gap

When is the best time to visit Seven Sisters?

The trail is best tackled during the Spring and Summer months for nice warm sunny days. This is obviously the busiest time of year so consider the shoulder months for lighter traffic. 

8°C
Jan
9°C
Feb
11°C
Mar
14°C
Apr
17°C
May
20°C
Jun
22°C
Jul
22°C
Aug
19°C
Sep
16°C
Oct
12°C
Nov
9°C
Dec
High
Shoulder
Low

The Trail

The trail starts out walking along the Seaford beach front past all the colourful beach huts and the historic Martello Tower. When you reach the end of the beach be sure to check out the viewpoint to the right of the beautiful chalk chalk cliffs and chalk sea stack. The trail then makes its way up onto the cliffs and past a golf course.

Eventually you will reach Hope Gap here you can take the stairs down to the beach and get amazing view of the seven sisters and get close to the chalk cliffs. The trail then follows the cliff top where you will get amazing views of the Seven Sisters before reaching the Coast Guard cottages that also provide an amazing photo opportunity. Now you will arrive at Cuckmere Haven where the trail takes a detour inland along the Cuckmere River until you reach a road where there’s a bridge to cross the river and return along the river. This is a nice change of scenery walking beside the river amongst the beautiful wetlands. You can also visit The Cuckmere Inn for a cheeky pint if you fancy it. Once the trail joins back up with the coast you will climb the first sister!

The trail from now on will go up and down as each sister that is divided by a deep valley. The valleys between each “sister” are actually remnants of dry river valleys carved into the chalk during past ice ages by meltwater, creating the distinct peaks and troughs seen today. Despite the name, there are technically eight named peaks (from west to east): Haven Brow, Short Brow, Rough Brow, Brass Point, Flagstaff Point, Flat Hill, Baily’s Hill, and Went Hill Brow. The trail goes up and down each sisters getting different perspective from each one with each sister rewarding you with a different view of the white cliffs against the green grass and the deep blue English Channel. England’s south coast has so much beauty to be discovered on its trails and this trail is great place to start!

Once you complete the last sister you will reach Birling gap here there is a National Trust shop and café to buy food. This is the best place to stop for lunch as there are stairs that go down to the beach where you get some of the best views of seven sisters from the beach. Kick back here on the beach have your lunch and even go for a swim if you fancy it.

After resting up at Birling Gap we head up another hill that is topped by the historic Belle Tout Lighthouse. The lighthouse was in use from 1834 until it was decommissioned for the next lighthouse that you will pass that is even more striking. The trail makes its way down to beachy head where you can fin the most photogenic lighthouse in England the beachy head lighthouse. The Beachy Head Lighthouse was build below the cliffs of Beachy Head so it can be more easily seen by ships as the Belle Tout lighthouse would often be covered in fog. It has to be the most picturesque lighthouses in England with its iconic red and white stripes set against the towering chalk cliffs and deep blue ocean a beautiful sight to behold.

Just past the Beachy Head Lighthouse you can make another pitstop at The Beachy Head pub that is just across the road from the trail. After resting up at the pub make your way down the last 3 miles to Eastbourne where you can walk along the beach promenade all the way to the Eastbourne pier.

Tips for your visit

Bring Plenty of Water:  There is nowhere to fill up along the trail.

Sun Protection: There is no shade along the Trail, so sunscreen and a hat are a must.

Rain Jacket: Weather can change quickly so be prepared for all weather conditions.

Waterproof Shoes: Trail can be wet in winter months and you don’t want cold soggy feet on the trail!

You can buy Lunch at Birling Gap of even The Beachy Head pub if you don’t fancy carrying the extra weight.

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