You are currently viewing Seven Sisters coastal – The Chalk Cliffs of Sussex

Seven Sisters coastal – The Chalk Cliffs of Sussex

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง

This hike treated us with many iconic views and fresh sea air high up on the cliffs. The Seven Sisters are a series of white chalk cliffs and are set within the Seven Sisters Country Park. They are remnants of dry valleys in the South Downs and were formed at the end of the last ice age by glacial meltwater. There are in fact now eight sisters as an extra one has been created by coastal erosion.

Our hike started in the coastal town of Seaford which is home to a Martello Tower from 1810 which formed part of a string of 103 towers to defend against French invasion in Napoleonic times. It then followed the cliffs along the South Downs way past Birling Gap and the Belle Tout lighthouse. The lighthouse was actually moved 17 metres in 1999 to stop it falling victim to coastal erosion.

Our hike then took us on to the beauty spot of Beachy Head which has a more sinister side. Beachy Head is a well known location for suicide attempts.ย  We then headed to Eastbourne for some refreshments in a delightful pub before catching our train back to London.