Discovering the Hidden Gems: Walking and Cycling Trails Around Eastbourne
If you love fresh sea air, rolling downland, and big skies, Eastbourne is the perfect base for outdoor adventures. From iconic cliff walks to family-friendly cycle paths, this guide highlights the best walking and cycling trails around Eastbourne—plus historic stops, facilities, and when to visit.
Why Explore Eastbourne?
Eastbourne blends dramatic coastline with the South Downs National Park. As you wander, you’ll spot Victorian architecture, Napoleonic defences, lighthouses, and sweeping views of the English Channel—history and nature in one day out.
Top Walking Trails
1) Beachy Head & Seven Sisters
Distance: ~7 miles | Difficulty: Moderate
Follow the chalk ridge from Beachy Head towards the undulating Seven Sisters for jaw-dropping vistas. Expect cliff-top paths, skylarks, and postcard-worthy stops.
- Highlights: Beachy Head Lighthouse, Belle Tout, rolling downs, picnic spots
- Tip: Stay well back from cliff edges and check weather before setting off.
2) Eastbourne Seafront Promenade
Distance: ~3 miles | Difficulty: Easy & accessible
A flat, relaxed stroll beside the sea. Ideal for families, prams, and wheelchairs with plenty of benches and cafés along the way.
- Highlights: Victorian Pier, beach huts, artworks, sunset views
3) South Downs Way (Eastbourne Gateway)
Distance: 100 miles total (walk selected sections) | Difficulty: Varies
Start (or finish) the National Trail at Eastbourne. Choose short circulars or step up to longer day hikes across open downland and quiet valleys.
- Highlights: Panoramic ridgelines, wildflowers, historic dew ponds
Recommended Cycling Routes
1) Eastbourne to Beachy Head Loop
Distance: ~6 miles | Difficulty: Easy to moderate (some gradients)
A short coastal circuit with big rewards: lighthouse views, sea breeze, and a satisfying climb.
2) The Cuckoo Trail
Distance: ~14 miles (Eastbourne area towards Heathfield) | Difficulty: Easy, family-friendly
A traffic-free path on a former railway line. Gentle gradients through woodland, fields, and villages—great for kids and casual riders.
3) South Downs Cycle Options
Distance: Variable | Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Mix on-road lanes with bridleways for a prope