Hastings to Rye via Winchelsea

Coast route following the proposed route for the England Coast Path. A very typical English seaside walk passing through the resorts of Hastings, St Leonards and Bexhill to end at Eastbourne. There is plenty of promenade walking with some beach walking. The beach is predominantly shingle throughout which makes it hard going. Because of this the section around Normans Bay and Pevensey Bay uses the coast road behind the coastal embankment to make it easier going. The ends of the walk are linked by the railway making for a very pleasant one day sectional walk.

A loop through the old fishing quarter of Hastings, nestled between two hills. Old half-timbered houses from the 15th and 16th century. Pathways and stairways connecting sloped streets and views over the town and the sea. Fishing boats are lined up on the pebbles along the beach of this significant fishing port. The net huts, lined up like giant beach huts, are unique to Hastings.

Set off to explore a small coastal area between Rye and Hastings. Cliffs, a long pebble beach, a military canal from the Napoleonic era, marshes, sheep, a mill, pastures in a green and undulating landscape with paths, gates and stiles galore.

Pleasant hike that crosses through pastures, crops, apple orchards and some vineyards. The majority of the circuit is along grassy paths. When crossing pastures, don't forget to close gates behind you.

Loop starting from Eastbourne, going along the cliffs, passing by the Seven Sisters and coming back from the fields/forest. You can start this walk from Eastbourne station, adding 3-4km to the total.

The walk starts at the Beachy Head car park (paying) and follows the cliff top path to Birling Gap, where the famous Seven Sisters begin, somewhat equivalent to the cliffs of the Opal Coast between Calais and Boulogne-sur-Mer. After passing the memorial dedicated to the Second World War bomber pilots, the landscape gradually opens up onto the cliffs with a first beautiful view of Beachy Head Lighthouse (offshore). The route continues to a second lighthouse, Belle Tout Lighthouse (private property) located at the top of a cliff. The next stage is the approach to Birling Gap with a superb view of the Seven Sisters. At Birling Gap, the observation tower overlooking the pebble beach has a staircase leading down to the cliffs, where you can see their unique rock formations up close. Be careful of the tides!