Description:
The
high chalk ridge of the South Downs terminates at the coast in a spectacular
range of cliffs at Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters. The Sussex Heritage
Coast stretches for 6 miles around the point at Beachy Head from Eastbourne
to Seaford. There is a waymarked path along the cliffs between the
two towns, and part of the path is included in the long distance South
Downs Way trail.
Beachy
Head is the highest point along the coast, and excellent views can be
obtained from the clifftops. Road access is easy, which is a double-edged
sword, as this means that it can often be crowded. By contrast, the
Seven Sisters (a series of rolling cliffs to the east of Seaford) are
comparatively isolated and peaceful. The "sisters" are valleys
between eight chalk hills.
Note
The
cliffs are subject to erosion and occasional slippage. Please
do not wander too close to the edge, and pay attention to warning
notices.
Seven
Sister Country Park visitor centre has exhibits which explore the
changing environment and geography of the coastal region as well as
regional wildlife.
At the
eastern end of the Seven Sisters is Birling Gap, where a path dips down
to a pebble beach at the foot of the cliffs.
Area
Countryside attractions: Sussex Downs AONB
This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is dominated by the sloping
chalk ridge of the Downs, which stretch to the Hampshire border in
the west. The Downs are dotted with small villages along river valleys,
and the highest point is Ditchling Beacon at 812 feet. The area is
rich in prehistoric remains, the best preserved being Chanctonbury
Ring and Cissbury Ring hill forts.
The
South Downs Way An exhilarating bridleway route along the rolling chalk downs
of Sussex and Hampshire. The route follows prehistoric droveways that
have been in use for some 5,000 years, and numerous Bronze Age round
barrows decorate the trail. More
...
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