Beachy Head Lighthouse to Beachy Head View loop from Exceat — South Downs National Park

Hiking trails & Routes

Beachy Head Lighthouse to Beachy Head View loop from Exceat — South Downs National Park

Hard

4.9

(465)

3,885

hikers

Beachy Head Lighthouse to Beachy Head View loop from Exceat — South Downs National Park

07:01

24.8km

520m

Hiking

Embark on a challenging 15.4-mile (24.8 km) hike through the dramatic coastal landscapes of the South Downs National Park. This difficult route, which takes around 7 hours to complete, features undulating downland paths and sections along chalk cliffs, requiring sure-footedness as you navigate its 1711 feet (521 metres) of elevation gain. You will experience stunning sea views and rolling clifftop scenery, with the iconic red and white striped Beachy Head Lighthouse visible at the foot of the cliffs. The trail offers dramatic vistas of the world-famous Seven Sisters chalk cliffs, providing a truly memorable experience. You will also see the historic Belle Tout Lighthouse perched atop the clifftops. From the highest chalk sea cliff at Beachy Head, panoramic views extend across the southeast coast. This route is ideal if you are looking for a demanding coastal adventure. If you attempt to reach the Beachy Head Lighthouse at the base of the cliffs, be aware that this section is significantly more difficult and only accessible at low tide, involving scrambling over rocks and boulders. The full length and elevation changes contribute to its challenging nature. You should have very good fitness for this hike. The trail is generally accessible, but some sections require careful footing. The cliff edges are unfenced in many areas, and rockfalls can occur, so always stay a safe distance from the edges. This area is rich in abundant wildlife and historic locations, adding another layer to your hiking experience. The operational Beachy Head Lighthouse, built in 1902, stands offshore at the cliff's base. The older Belle Tout Lighthouse, built in 1832 and decommissioned in 1902, has been relocated due to erosion and now serves as a bed and breakfast. Parts of this loop integrate with the South Downs Way, a long-distance national trail. Birling Gap is a popular stop along the route, featuring a visitor center and café, and offers access to the beach and views of the Seven Sisters.

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

South Downs National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

4.47 km

View of the Seven Sisters Cliffs from Crowlink Path

Highlight • Trail

The path leads beautifully along the chalk cliffs through the hills, a unique experience. There are always spectacular views of the cliffs of the Seven Sisters and the sea, but be careful, the area is not secured.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

6.35 km

Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters Cliffs

Highlight • Natural Monument

A busy hub for people coming to walk and admire the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs. There is a cafe, toilet block, ice cream van (in summer), shop, visitors’ centre and lots of indoor and outdoor seating.

Tip by

7.55 km

Belle Tout Lighthouse

Highlight • Monument

The Belle Tout lighthouse was the original one at Beachy Head. It was built in 1832 and operated until the end of the century. The light was becoming ineffective due to it not being seen properly because of cliff erosion. The new Beachy Head lighthouse at the foot of the cliffs was therefore built in 1902.

Tip by

8.67 km

View of Beachy Head Cliffs and Lighthouse

Highlight • Natural Monument

This route is part of South Downs Way, a prominent long-distance footpath covering 100 miles (160 km) from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in Sussex. Sometimes pretty crowded with lots of school kids.

Tip by

9.34 km

Beachy Head and Lighthouse

Highlight • Viewpoint

Beachy Head is an iconic landmark close to Eastbourne. At 162m (531ft) it looms above the sea, its high chalky peak easily recognisable. Its name comes from the French 'beau chef', meaning beautiful headland.

Tip by

9.49 km

View of Beachy Head and the Beachy Head Lighthouse

Highlight • Viewpoint

This lighthouse was built in 1902. The original lighthouse, that being Belle Tout, was moved in one piece in 1999 following cliff erosion. A new lighthouse was then built. In 2013, Beachy Head Lighthouse was restored and painted in its original red and white stripes.

Tip by

12.5 km

South Downs Way Trailhead (Eastbourne)

Highlight • Trail

This is the start or finish point of the 100-mile (160 km) South Downs Way at Eastbourne, depending on if you hike or cycle the route east or west.

Tip by

24.8 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

22.3 km

1.69 km

632 m

221 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

20.6 km

1.39 km

1.01 km

940 m

634 m

221 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (130 m)

Lowest point (0 m)

Weather

Today

Thursday 12 November

9°C

3°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Expect light wind and shifting conditions.

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

May 8, 2024,Seven Sisters Trail Hike Seaford nach Eastbourne🥾

Fantastic trail always along the south coast. Absolutely great, scenic tour with highlights such as the light tower. The surface changes between mostly soft meadow paths and light gravel paths.
Brilliant - absolutely recommended🥾🤩

Showing Translation

May 25, 2025,UK | Beachy Head & Seven Sisters

Elevation meters are nonsense. Maybe around 800 in total...

Showing Translation

June 27, 2023,Seven Sisters

Return by coach from Eastbourn. It runs every 20 minutes.

Showing Translation

May 28, 2026,🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Beachy Head und 7 Sisters von Eastbourne aus.

A first-class hiking highlight in GB. The return journey is comfortably made by public bus.

Showing Translation

May 28, 2023,🇬🇧 Westdean - Birling Gap - Eastbourne Rail Station

If you like crowds, you should do the hike on Pentecost Sunday like I did. Parking lots and bus stops are located directly or near the hiking route. Therefore, many walkers are on the way. I recommend not to do without West Dean (sometimes also spelled Westdean) on the tour. There is a tea room and take-away kiosk at the …

Showing Translation

October 17, 2026,🇬🇧 Seaford nach Eastbourne - über die Seven Sisters

Yes, what can I say - only superlatives: great weather, incredibly beautiful views, super hiking trail, an extremely large number of young people (seems to be an important Insta-spot) - so it was a successful excursion - thanks @Elke Ka for the idea & organization.

Showing Translation

April 7, 2023,Hiked the seven sisters from Eastbourne, chose to rock hop to the gap, set of at high tide to be sure of not getting cut off. going was tough but well worth the hardship. difficulty would be up there. not for the faint hearted.

Hiked the seven sisters from Eastbourne, chose to rock hop to the gap, set of at high tide to be sure of not getting cut off. going was tough but well worth the hardship. difficulty would be up there. not for the faint hearted.

June 13, 2025,South Downs Way'25 #8 Alfriston - Eastbourne

A word about the South Downs Way. It's a leisurely and scenic walk, but it shouldn't be underestimated. If you want to stay overnight in pubs (recommended), you'll head down to the village every day and back up again the next morning. So, the official 3,000 meters of elevation gain will likely turn into close to 4,000. Support is sporadic, …

Showing Translation