Seascapes and saltmarsh trail at Cuckmere Valley
Listen to seabirds, taste the salty tang of the air and enjoy sweeping views to the sea, over the South Downs and northwards towards the Weald on this Cuckmere Valley walking trail.
Near to
Cuckmere ValleyStart point
South Hill Barn car parkTrail information
Total stages: 6
Total stages: 6
Start point
South Hill Barn car park
Stage 1
From the car park, follow the central track past the gate and straight on down the hill along the middle track. Make your way towards the cattle grid and enjoy the emerging views of the Seven Sisters in the distance.
Stage 2
At the cattle grid turn right and follow the path towards the sea. At the bottom you will find steps down to Hope Gap, one of only four access points to the beach between Seaford and Eastbourne. Turn left and head up the (steep but short hill). Follow the path towards the historic Coastguard Cottages.
Stage 3
Pass the Coastguard Cottages and follow the path down to the beach. Walk along the top of the shingle bank towards the river bank and follow the path along the top of the bank as it turns and follows the river upstream.
Stage 4
Continue along the top of the river bank and follow as it turns left. This will take you along a narrow section surrounded on both sides by scrub. When you reach the next junction take the gate on the left.
Stage 5
Follow the path along the valley edge until you reach the stile in the fence on the right. Go over the stile and walk up the steep hill. The large patch of trees on your right is known locally as Harry's bush. Take a chance to pause halfway up the hill and enjoy the views across the valley to the Seven Sisters Country Park and beyond to Friston forest and north towards High & Over. Bearing right, continue up the hill and aim for the narrow gap in the scrub at the top.
Stage 6
Pass through the narrow gap in the scrub and turn left. Keeping the line of scrub on your right, skirt along the top of the field heading for the stile in the corner.
End point
South Hill Barn car park
Trail map
Seascapes and saltmarsh trail map in Cuckmere Valley, Sussex | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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