Eastbourne to Beachy Head Walk
A coastal walk from the seaside town of Eastbourne to the highest chalk cliffs in England. The route makes use of the South Downs Way and Wealdway long distance trails to create a waymarked circular route. It's about a 3 mile walk from the town up to the headland and a fairly challenging climb, with an elevation of around 500ft. As such a reasonable level of fitness is required for the walk.
The route starts on the pier in Eastbourne and passes along the attractive beach to Holywell. You then climb towards the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain, at Beachy Head. The cliffs rise to a height of 162 metres (531 ft) with fabulous views along the coast to West Sussex.
The route passes along the coast, before following inland footpaths back down to the town.
To extend your walk you can continue west from Beachy Head to Birling Gap and the Belle Tout Lighthouse.
Eastbourne to Beachy Head Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Eastbourne to Beachy Head Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Eastbourne to Beachy Head OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Eastbourne to Beachy Head Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
At the end of the route at Beachy Head there's the splendid Beachy Head Inn. The pub dates back to 1880 and has a charming interior with cosy fires. Outside there's a good sized garden area with nice views of the surrounding South Downs countryside. You can find the pub a short hop from the car park and lighthouse on Beachy Head Road. The outdoor area is also dog friendly if you have your four legged friend with you.
Pictured above the Beachy Head Pub and countryside centre. Two worthy places to stop at on the route.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Also of interest is the Beachy Head Countryside Centre where there are some interesting exhibitions detailing the history of the area and the bravery of the people who have had to rescue people off the notorious cliffs. There's also a good gift shop and a gallery of photos of this stunning area. It's well worth popping in after your walk if you have time.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Allchorn Pleasure Boats. Currently out of season but usually operated from this spot from May to September. During that time a small makeshift wooden jetty is erected for embarkation. When tides a too low then the company uses a World War Two DUKW to ferry the passengers out to the boat. Allchorns has been in business for 140 years and was one of the first and now last of the pleasure cruise businesses running from the beach. Cruises tend to go past Beachy Head. Beyond the beach is the facade of the Burlington Hotel built in the early 1850s and one of the family names of the Duke of Devonshire on whose land the resort was developed.
Beachy Head March
Beachy Head and Lighthouse, East Sussex, England
Eastbourne - Western Parade. The view which is taken from the west end of the promenade at Eastbourne looks south west along the coast to the promontory which hides Beachy Head from view.
Weary Walkers' Rest. Conveniently positioned bench makes for a great place to view the sea and the Hastings headland.
Eastbourne
Foyle Way. Track running from Dukes Drive to Whitbread Hole. It is also the route of a branch of the South Downs Way. The flat green piece of land is Whitbread Hole now a playing field but once allotments, whilst the cliffs and beach below can be seen on the left.
The Compass Rose on Beachy Head. Situated off Beachy Road, BN20 7YA, this stone compass has the following wording: "The Compass Rose, the idea of David Stevens, Mayor of Eastbourne 2001-2002, was installed to commemorate the Millennium and Eastbourne's links through Tourism and Education with many countries throughout the world". The list of contributors to the project is mentioned below this wording. Distances to local places and others throughout the world are given in kilometres. The coat of arms of Eastbourne Borough Council is in the middle of the Compass Rose.