One Man and Seven Sisters
In my drive to cover some paths I've not walked in near memory, I have combined two routes in one and the length is faintly ridiculous. I suggest a bus back to brighton from Beachy Head but I pushed on and did a coast walk best kept for another occasion. No matter because it was a glorious day that began with mist and emerged into sunshine and sparkly water. I am aware not everyone was enjoying themselves on these infamous cliffs but many took the opportunity to hop the rope for harmless, if not slightly heart-stopping photo opportunities. This made quite the spectacle.
The hills above Jevington are reminiscent, in parts, of the grandiose drama at Devil's Dyke and adorned with archeological features, evidence of an age of numerous human activity. The chalk slopes support a very particular ecology and everywhere the sheep and Exmoor ponies display their best sides. A train to
Polegate is not too ardous and you could descend to Eastbourne also for a public transport to exit.
From the station, cross the track south along the High Street, take Church Road and continue down the A2270. Bear right on the Thatchings then Park Croft. You'll be spotting the sails of the Tower windmill. from the early 1800s, in need of restoration. Opposite is Windmill Place which turns into a footpath, roughly following the Wannock millstream. Over Farmland Avenue, the path follows the edge of the school field. I can't recommend this as it is quite narrow in parts where the fence in collapsed. The cow parsley left me covered in dew and tiny white petals. Into Jevington Road opposite and the path that crosses the stream on the right, clear and deep. The theme continues into Old Mill Way and out into the sheep field. The water mill was demolished in 1974 but the wheel was saved and went to Kent.
Follow the permissive path that takes the line of the edge of the field and then the trees. You'll be guided very well until you meet the Wealdway. Following it north and west will take you to, in their words, charming Folkington Church and through The Holt. The cookery writer Elizabeth David is buried here. Bear left and the path emerges onto the slopes and within view of The Wilmington Man. As I approached, once again, he was partially shrouded in mist but the sun was beginning to break through. Take a left at the crossroads and cling to the fence to walk alongside the top of The Man and on the north side of Windover Hill. Rejoin The South Downs Way. On the right, you can look down the valley and see the sea and the Litlington Horse carved into the Hindover Hill. The slopes hereabouts are and have been special for a great deal of time. The sheep were being herded at Hill Barn. Stay on the South Downs Way as you descend towards the church at Jevington. There is a water point here but if you follow the path out the back you'll reach The Eight Bells, where more refreshment, including breakfast, can be had.
After I partook in said breakfast and caffeination, I continued up. Opposite, follow the Wealdway to The Combe. The cows were gently occupying the gate area. A man and his dog declined but I braved their backsides. In some ways, regrettfully, I took the slightly lower path. The upper 1066 Country walk takes you directly through the neolithic archeology but you'll have already encountered many permitted paths on the access land. Wander at will. Continue south on the 1066 path to meet the Butts Brow car park.
There are numerous trails here but follow the line of the Wealdway, with Eastbourne below east and the Eastbourne Downs Golf Club to the west. It is sad to see the dead ash along here. Continue in the same direction on the South Downs Way. Cross East Dean Road at the club house and you'll reach the white trig point by the dew pond. Pass the car park beyond and cross Beachy Head Road. Keep following the South Downs Way. I confess to have descended towards Holywell in error which saw me skirting the cliff and Whitebread Hole before having to ascend once again to rejoin the Wealdway at the memorial. In hindsight the retreat at Holywell would not have been a bad place to finish. Back at the top, over Beachy Head Road is the excellent visitor centre. You can visit the pub. I had some lunch. The bus stop is also here.
From here it is plain sailing to follow the cliffs west on what is now part of the King Charles III England Coast Path. Beyond the seaward Beachy Head Lighthouse is Belle Tout Lighthouse where you can stay and further you can descend to Birling Gap where there are more facilities. Buses go to Eastbourne. This was not convenient for me. For some reason, I thought it an easy enough choice to keep going. Just a small matter of the string of hilly cliffs named the Seven Sisters. With each descent the blisters strengthened and it was relief that the Cuckmere swung into view. The South Downs Way will take you gently down to the meanders where a reassuringly flat concrete path will carry you to another Visitor Centre and bus stop. The buses are regular in both directions. A girl's birthday was in need of some preparation so away to Brighton and back to the homeward Hill.
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