Spectacular Seven Sisters & Friston Forest hike (13km)

10:30am SUNDAY 5th of MARCH

To celebrate the ACAI Outdoorsing festival, we will be getting together to hike one of the most stunning stretches of coastline in the UK

For the first half of this hike we will be walking the most stunning section of the South Downs Way where the photo opportunities are endless, with striking views of white cliffs rising from the ocean. The second half of the hike will take us on a relaxed nature ramble through the beautiful Friston Forest.

Hot chocolates with views of Birling Gap beach whilst watching the sunset will be our welcome reward at the end of this coastal adventure.

Highlights:

• Hiking the famous white Seven Sisters cliffs

• Relaxing with views of Birling Gap Beach

• Strolling along the winding Cuckmere River

• Sampling the best section of the 'South Downs Way'

Meeting point:

This hike starts at Birling Gap Beach car park. We will be gathered by the picnic bench directly in front of the entrance to the Visitor Centre/National Trust shop.

Google maps pin drop: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9yAdugsfR3qqvUow5?g_st=ic

• Distance: 13km

• Elevation Gain: 460m

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Estimated hike time: Max 4 hours actual hike time

What should I bring?

• Winter Hiking Essentials (Prepare to get muddy!)

• Warm and waterproof layers (Base thermal layers- Mid layer such as a fleece - Outer layers such as a waterproof jacket)

• Hiking leggings or trousers (Avoid jeans or any absorbent material)

• Hiking boots (For winter hiking we advise strongly against trainers. We will occasionally be hiking through thick mud and boggy ground)

• Spare warm layers

• Warm gloves, hat and scarf

• Lunch & Snacks

• Something to sit on for when we stop (The ground will be wet)

• Spending money for pub stop

• At least 1 litre of water

• A bag for your rubbish

• Umbrella

• Pack cover or dry bag liners

• Basic First Aid items

Is this hike challenging?

This hike is classed as moderate. You should be comfortable with hiking for a total hike time of 4hr. The trail is mostly on unpaved trails and is also undulating with a lot of inclines. If it has rained it can be slippery on the hills.

Food

Please bring your own lunch and snacks. There will also be food and drinks sold from the cafe at Birling Gap.

Will we hike if it’s raining?

Yes! Bring your waterproofs

Is there parking if I drive?

We begin the hike from the National Trust car park. It is free for annual National Trust members. If not you’ll be required to pay.

Can the hike be accessed by public transport?

The nearest train stations are in Seaford or Eastbourne. From there it is a series of busses or a taxi ride.