Birling Gap and East Dean loop from Eastbourne — South Downs National Park

Hiking trails & Routes

Birling Gap and East Dean loop from Eastbourne — South Downs National Park

Moderate

4.8

(34)

126

hikers

Birling Gap and East Dean loop from Eastbourne — South Downs National Park

04:19

15.2km

320m

Hiking

Embark on a moderate 9.5-mile (15.2 km) hike through the South Downs National Park, offering dramatic coastal and countryside views. This loop from Eastbourne features varied terrain, including grassy tracks, chalk grassland, and some steep climbs and descents. You will gain 1052 feet (321 metres) in elevation over approximately 4…

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

3.11 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 …

Tip by

3.93 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

5.05 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 …

Tip by

6.25 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

7.34 km

Went Hill

Highlight • Natural

A beautiful little windswept hill where the trees certainly take the brunt of the strong winds coming in from the sea with their peculiar swept back hairstyle branches.

Tip by

8.53 km

East Dean Village Green

Highlight • Pub

East Dean is a village of barely three blocks around a very traffic-calmed Village Green. There is the Tiger Inn, a nice deli where you can also buy a picnic, …

Translated by Google •

Tip by