Polegate and Beachy Head loop from Eastbourne – South Downs National Park

Polegate and Beachy Head loop from Eastbourne – South Downs National Park

Moderate

5.0

(1)

riders

Polegate and Beachy Head loop from Eastbourne – South Downs National Park

01:48

36.9km

410m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: June 11, 2024

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

South Downs National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1.79 km

Crumbles Tramway Cycle Path

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This cycle path follows the old Crumbles Tramway. Built in 1862, The 3-mile branch line carried ballast from the Crumble Quarry to Eastbourne Station, to help build the rapidly expanding railway network in the South East.

Tip by

14.0 km

The Long Man Inn

Highlight • Restaurant

What used to be called The Giant's Rest has reopened as The Long Man Inn. From June '23, they're open from 7:30am for breakfast and offer rooms. Just down the …

Tip by

14.8 km

The Long Man of Wilmington

Highlight • Monument

Windover Hill is famous for the Longman of Wilmington (or the ‘Wilmington Giant’), a huge figure carved into the slopes.

The human figure is 235 feet (72 m) tall and holds two ‘staves’.

Tip by

18.6 km

Litlington White Horse

Highlight • Natural Monument

Don't miss this viewpoint of the white horse.

During the 19th century, a chalk figure of a horse was cut into the face of the downs west of the village Litlington.

Tip by

21.6 km

View of the Cuckmere River and Exceat

Highlight • Climb

So scenic when you look over to your right of the meandering Cuckmere River meeting the sea. Can get pretty windy around here!

Tip by

24.5 km

Friston Hill Road Climb

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

If it wasn't for the (often very impatient!) traffic in peak times and on sunny weekends, a nice and challenging road climb kicking up to 16% ..or thrilling descent coming down it into East Dean.

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27.4 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

31.3 km

Beachy Head Road

Highlight • Cycleway

A very nice smooth section of road that rolls gently downhill through a series of flowing bends, with some amazing views over the coast, lighthouses and downs at the eastern extent of the South Downs National Park.

Tip by

32.7 km

View of Eastbourne and the Sunshine Coast

Highlight • Viewpoint

As the open road winds through the cliff top headland, take a moment to pull over and stop on the grassy verge. This spot offers fabulous views over "The Sunshine …

Tip by

36.9 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

19.4 km

10.1 km

5.63 km

1.79 km

Surfaces

34.8 km