South Downs and Cuckmere Valley Hike 🌄 | Eastbourne, Seven Sisters and Beachy Head

Описание: 🌄 This ambient hike around the South Downs began the night before, when I decided to do one last long walk of the year. A mention from my mum that Alfriston holds church bell ringing practice on Monday mornings was enough inspiration to turn the idea into a full circular route.

🌲 Starting early in Eastbourne, I headed inland toward Alfriston via East Dean and Friston Forest. This quiet stretch through woodland and rolling chalk downland set the tone for the day, leading me to Alfriston in time to hear the bells and briefly catch up with friends I had not seen in years.

🌾 Leaving Alfriston, I followed the River Cuckmere north, which at this time of year was especially boggy and atmospheric. Along the valley I could see paragliders above the hills and the Litlington White Horse carved into the chalk hillside, a striking landmark overlooking the route.

🌊 As I reached Cuckmere Haven, the light began to soften into golden hour. From here I joined the coastal path and began the Seven Sisters hike, a challenging but rewarding stretch of steep climbs and sweeping views across the English Channel.

🌅 I stopped briefly to watch the sun drop toward the horizon before continuing past Birling Gap and Belle Tout lighthouse. The colours slowly faded as the sky shifted from warm tones into deep blue twilight.

🌌 By the time I passed Belle Tout and rounded Beachy Head, night had fully arrived. The final section followed the cliffs back down into Eastbourne, ending the loop at St Mary’s Church after a full day on foot.

🚶‍♂️ The complete route covered 34.2 km or 21.3 miles, captured in a pure ambient style with only natural sounds. Ideal for relaxing, walking along virtually, or enjoying the landscapes of the South Downs in real time.

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G E A R
Canon R3
Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8
Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8
Manfrotto Befree
Davinci Resolve
Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom

0:00 Intro
0:16 Eastbourne Start
1:30 Friston Forest
2:08 Alfriston and Church Bells
3:47 Walking the Cuckmere Valley
6:15 Cuckmere Haven and Golden Hour
7:09 Seven Sisters and Sunset
8:30 Birling Gap and Belle Tout
9:15 Beachy Head and Night Walk