Berwick - Alfriston - Jevington - Eastbourne

Graham Hooker

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This is a walk for all seasons, but in its full glory at the height of summer. Initially following the Vanguard Way (VW) from Berwick Village with its important and historic church, the route crosses fields on the edge of the Sussex Weald to reach the flint walls, cottages and classic village green at Alfriston. Next, following briefly the River Cuckmere to the tiny hamlet of Milton Street, there is the Sussex Ox pub with its many fascinating old photos of oxen drawing ploughs locally in fields at the turn of the previous century. A short, steep climb up onto the Downs ridge then provides the first big views - west, north and east over the Weald.

Now on the South Downs Way (SDW), contouring around some remote and totally unspoiled downland valleys, the route eventually enters woodland for a gentle descent into Jevington, with its Saxon church, built in part with Roman bricks. One last arduous climb back up onto the Downs ridge offers huge views along the coast to Bexhill and Hastings – perhaps even the tall sea cliffs at Fairlight on a very clear day.

Now on the WealdWay (WW) and before the final drop down into Eastbourne, there is an opportunity to detour an extra mile (each way) for a dramatic view of the lighthouse perched on the rocks below Beachy Head, the official end point of the South Downs Way. The final section is a sedate stroll along the seafront promenade at Eastbourne to the martello tower and lifeboat museum before skirting the edge of town to reach Eastbourne Railway Station.

England - South England - East Sussex - South Downs

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Gift Shop, Hills or Fells, Museum, National Trust, Public Transport, Restaurant, River, Sea, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

9/5/2010 - Robin Philpott

I did this walk on 4/9/10 and it is fabulous. Beautiful views, pretty Sussex villages and a dramatic approach to the resort town of Eastbourne. Clear and detailed walk notes too - highly recommended.