Vineyards and Views Trail
An enchanting walk leading up from the from the Cuckmere Valley to the top of the downs taking in some of the best views in the area. As you walk up out of the valley to the top of the Downs there are views over the Rathfinny Estate before heading up on to High and Over affording far reaching views across the Cuckmere Valley to the sea. The walk heads back down to the Cuckmere river for a gentle stroll enjoying the beauty of the valley before heading back to Alfriston.
Near to
Alfriston Clergy HouseStart point
Alfriston Clergy House front gate. BN26 5TL. Grid reference TQ52138Trail information
*Mostly off road on uneven terrain with one main long steady ascent and one descent which in some places is a little steep. There are also styles on route. For further details please see terrain section. Please keep dogs on leads near livestock and roads.
**Please keep dogs on lead as livestock may be present in fields. Not all the styles are dog friendly.
Birdspotting
Don't forget to bring your binoculars for the wonderful bird life in the area.
Total stages: 8
Total stages: 8
Start point
Alfriston Clergy House front gate. BN26 5TL. Grid reference TQ52138
Stage 1
From the front of the Clergy House walk down the track to the main road (White Way). Turn left and walk along the pavement. At the entrance to the Alfriston Hotel car park cross over the road and follow the finger post with the red shield and 6 white dots - Rathfinny sign.
Stage 2
Carry on up this path until it opens out into a field. Turn right and carry on to the finger post. Follow the finger post as the path turns down left, towards the vineyard.
Stage 3
At the tall fence go to the right hand side and follow the Rathfinny red arrow sign. Continue straight on the wide chalky path to the bottom of the field. Leave the main pathway and go into the trees until you reach the next sign post. Turn left.
Stage 4
Carry on walking up the hill. On reaching a wider path, go left and then right up the narrow chalk path.
Stage 5
Through the gate at the top, left onto the wide pathway. Walk for someway until reaching a gate on your left that takes you into an open field with a hedge on the left. Follow the hedge and turn right just before the next gate.
Stage 6
Follow the hedge to the style in the corner. Go over the style and taking care cross the road into the "High and Over" carpark. Taking the left hand narrow exit path at the back of the car park head down the hill to the River Cuckmere. Please note this hill is a little steep in places.
Stage 7
On reaching the river bank turn left and enjoy the beautiful Cuckmere River as you stroll back to Alfriston.
Stage 8
Turn left into the Church of St Andrew's graveyard and walk up through to the track to the Clergy House
End point
Alfriston Clergy House front gate. BN26 5TL. Grid reference TQ52138
Trail map
Map of trail route Vineyards and Views | © Crown Copyright & Database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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