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Distance: 3.75 miles with a stretch of steep incline at Seaford Head.
Duration: approx. 2 hours including time to rest, take pictures, listen to poetry and enjoy the views.
This circular walk along the England Coast Path starts and ends at The View Golf Club, where there is a car park, toilets, and a great cafe / bar with - unsurprisingly - wonderful coastal views! The route has an area of steep incline on the outward journey, and descent on the way back. Extra care should be taken in the event of rain.
The numbers on the map relate to site specific poetry written by local poet Peter Martin, who lives nearby and has been inspired by this landscape for many years. Click on the links below to hear Peter reading his work at the points marked.
From the front entrance of The View, head downhill past the left hand side of the building to the path. Walk towards the sea, until you reach a short flight of steps in the grass next to a “Seaford Head Coastal Path” cliff safety sign. Go up the steps and take the left desire line path towards the coast.
Head left, up the steep incline to Seaford Head. Look carefully inland to the right of the golf club and you’ll see a pillbox, a piece of military infrastructure from Seaford Head’s past as a massive army base – South Camp – during WWI.
This is steepest part of the walk – it’s all plain sailing from now on!
Pause at the top of Seaford Head to turn back and enjoy the views over Seaford Bay, the town and the South Downs. Looking west on a clear day, you’ll see Newhaven, Brighton and Worthing in the distance.
As you progress east along the England Coast Path, the incredible sight of the Seven Sisters dominates the view. Take a moment to admire it.
Continue east along the England Coast Path, stopping for the next poem just before the path starts to slope down to Hope Gap.
As you reach Hope Gap, you may see the rare chalk reef at low tide. At the time of writing, the steps down to the beach and reef are closed for repair. If you can access the beach, do take extra care and check the tide times - it can be cut off surprisingly quickly as the tide comes in.
Walk up the well-trodden slope further east and continue to follow the Coast Path along the cliffs.
Poem 7: The Apothecary's Garden
You are now heading slightly inland and approaching the famous Coastguard Cottages with their magnificent backdrop of the Seven Sisters.
After drinking in the spectacle, head west up the track about half a mile to South Hill Barn.
The Barn is also the site of the wonderful Brewsters Coffee wagon and a great place to stop for refreshments.
When you're ready to continue, turn to the west side of the Barn checking the gable end for any remaining signs of Chris Drury's painting of a giant mushroom spore, which is fading away over time. Facing the sea on the horizon, climb over the stile and walk across the field.
On the south side, you'll reach another stile. Climb back on to the England Coast Path, turn right, and retrace your steps to The View. When you reach the sharp descent of Seaford Head, take extra care to avoid any rough or slippery ground. At the next junction of desire paths, bear left, sticking to the main England Coast Path route and as you get closer to The View, take the right hand path back down to the clubhouse.
Image courtesy of South Downs National Park Authority
By foot: This walk can easily be started from Seaford town centre / Martello Fields, by heading to the seafront, turning left, and ascending Seaford Head from Splash Point. This will add around 20 minutes to the walk.
By car: Your car can be parked in the free car park, shared with The View, Southdown Rd, Seaford BN25 4JS
Image courtesy of South Downs National Park Authority
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