A Scenic 10K Walk at Seven Sisters: White Cliffs, Rolling Hills & Village Charm
If you’re looking for a stunning coastal walk with dramatic chalk cliffs, rolling green hills, and a charming village pub to round off your adventure, the Seven Sisters in East Sussex is the perfect destination. This walk takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in England, starting from the picturesque village of East Dean, heading down to Birling Gap, up to the lighthouse, and across the iconic undulating hills of the Seven Sisters.
🅿️ Crowlink Car park
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🍺 The Tiger Inn - East Dean & 🅿️
🥾 10K
🚶♀️ Easy/ Moderate
⏰ 2.5 hrs
☕️ & 🚾 Birling Gap
Click here for the OS map link for this exact 10K walk
https://explore.osmaps.com/route/24972226/seven-sisters-the-tiger-inn-10k-circular
Interesting Facts About Seven Sisters Country Park
• The Seven Sisters aren’t actually seven cliffs – They’re a series of chalk cliffs formed by coastal erosion, but due to the way they’re shaped, some argue there are actually eight!
• The cliffs are constantly changing – The white cliffs are made of chalk, which erodes about 30-40cm a year, revealing fresh, brilliant white rock beneath.
• A Hollywood-worthy landscape – Seven Sisters has been a filming location for several movies, including Atonement and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
• Nature at its best – The area is part of the South Downs National Park and home to rare chalk grassland, skylarks, kestrels, and even seals that can sometimes be spotted near the shoreline.
Starting Point: East Dean Village
Begin your adventure in East Dean, a postcard-perfect village just a few miles from Eastbourne.
Interesting Facts About East Dean
• It’s believed to be the birthplace of Sherlock Holmes! While fictional, Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories suggest the great detective retired here.
• The village has a history dating back to Saxon times, with old flint cottages and a church that’s over 1,000 years old.
• The Tiger Inn, your starting (and finishing) point, has been serving pints since the 16th century and still retains its traditional charm with a roaring fire and a beautiful village green.
Parking in East Dean
• East Dean Village Car Park – Located behind the village green, it’s free but can fill up quickly. Arrive early to secure a spot.
• Seven Sisters Car Park (South Downs Way Start) – A pay-and-display option nearby, costing around £4-£6 for the day.
The Walk: A 10K Circular Route
1. Head to Birling Gap via Went Way Path
From the village, take the Went Way footpath, a gentle downhill walk leading through lush countryside toward Birling Gap.
🛑 Stop at Birling Gap National Trust Café for a well-earned coffee and cake while enjoying panoramic views. If the tide is low, take a quick detour down to the beach to admire the sheer cliffs from below.
2. Climb to Belle Tout Lighthouse
Next, take the steep but rewarding climb up to Belle Tout Lighthouse, a historic landmark that was moved 17m inland in 1999 to save it from falling into the sea. The views from here are jaw-dropping—on a clear day, you can see all the way to Brighton!
3. Return to Birling Gap & Conquer the Seven Sisters
Retrace your steps down to Birling Gap and start the famous Seven Sisters rollercoaster walk. This section is what makes the walk iconic—seven dramatic climbs and descents over the chalk cliffs with nothing but sea and sky stretching before you.
4. Turn Right to Crowslink & Return to East Dean
Instead of completing all seven peaks, take a right turn towards Crowslink Car Park, a quiet spot with fewer crowds. Follow the grassy paths inland back to East Dean, where your reward awaits—a Sunday roast at The Tiger Inn!
Best Time to Visit
• Early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds.
• Spring and autumn are ideal for cooler weather and fewer visitors.
• Weekdays are much quieter than weekends, especially in summer.
Getting to East Dean from London
🚆 By train: Take a direct train from London Victoria to Eastbourne (1.5 hours).
🚌 By bus: From Eastbourne station, hop on the 12 or 12X bus towards Brighton and get off at East Dean Green (15-minute ride).
🚗 By car: About 2 hours from central London via the M23/A27.
This 10K walk offers the best of the South Downs, from dramatic clifftop views to hidden village charm. Whether you’re soaking up the views at Belle Tout, conquering the rolling cliffs of the Seven Sisters, or finishing off with a hearty pub lunch, this walk is guaranteed to leave you inspired.
