Birling Gap & Beachy Head loop from Eastbourne — South Downs National Park

Running trails & routes

Birling Gap & Beachy Head loop from Eastbourne — South Downs National Park

Hard

5.0

(1)

runners

Birling Gap & Beachy Head loop from Eastbourne — South Downs National Park

02:11

19.3km

310m

Running

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: June 6, 2024

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

South Downs National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

2.15 km

Eastbourne Seafront Promenade

Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint

Running along the seafront through Eastbourne is great all the way from Holywell to the end by the Martello Tower but this section is possibly my favourite due to being wide so there’s enough space for runners, walkers and families, the big pine trees give it quite a Mediterranean feel plus, when running east to west you start to get magnificent views of the Downs and cliffs. 👌

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7.05 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.

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7.73 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.

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8.37 km

View of Beachy Head Lighthouse and Seven Sisters Cliffs

Highlight (Segment) • Natural Monument

There are always wonderful views along the hiking trail over the countryside, the chalk cliffs and out to sea.

Translated by Google •

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10.1 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.

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15.4 km

Dew Pond With View of Eastbourne

Highlight • Structure

Next to the Trig Point is this dew pond with a stunning view. A dew pond is a manmade pool built to provide a water supply for animals where there isn't a natural source. Also called Cloud Ponds or Mist Ponds, they are often at the top of hills and date from the 18th and 19th century.

Tip by

19.3 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types