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Best coastal hikes in East Sussex
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Best coastal hikes in East Sussex

Looking for hikes where the ocean's your soundtrack? These coastal routes let you hike with a sea breeze in your hair.

Here are some great hikes to explore in East Sussex.

Most popular hikes

1

Medium

Seven Sisters to Eastbourne

East Sussex, England · star 5.0 (3) · 12.2 km · Est. 2 hrs 59 min

2

Easy

England Coast Paths - Southeast S

East Sussex, England · star 4.7 (7) · 99.4 km · Est. 5 days

3

Easy

Royal Military Canal Path

East Sussex, England · star 4.6 (5) · 46.3 km · Est. 2 days

4

Medium

Camber to Dartford Station Walk via England Coast Path

East Sussex, England · star N/A (0) · 333.2 km · Est. 16 days

5

Easy

Castles of Sussex Walk

East Sussex, England · star N/A (0) · 302.5 km · Est. 16 days

6

Easy

Eastbourne to Alfriston by the South Downs Way

East Sussex, England · star 5.0 (1) · 20.5 km · Est. 2 days

7

Easy

Beachy Head to Birling Gap

East Sussex, England · star N/A (0) · 13.1 km · Est. 3 hrs 4 min

8

Easy

Rye Harbour Circular

East Sussex, England · star 4.0 (1) · 9.4 km · Est. 1 hrs 54 min

9

Easy

Beachy Head and Eastbourne from East Dean

East Sussex, England · star 4.7 (3) · 10.2 km · Est. 2 hrs 27 min

10

Easy

Cuckmere Haven and Seven Sisters Cliffs Walk

East Sussex, England · star 4.8 (5) · 8.0 km · Est. 1 hrs 50 min

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Reviews for coastal hikes in East Sussex

Jacob avatar

Seven Sisters to Eastbourne

lilrav · reviewed over 3 years ago

star star star star star

Not a difficult experience and an easy day trip if you are in London. Lovely hike to spend the day and then grab a chippy. Recommend ending in Eastbourne for better views of the cliffs.

Marcos Soto avatar

England Coast Paths - Southeast S

Marcos Soto · reviewed over 5 years ago

star star star star star

Ben avatar

Royal Military Canal Path

blue · reviewed over 2 years ago

star star star star star

No reviews available for Camber to Dartford Station Walk via England Coast Path.

No reviews available for Castles of Sussex Walk.

Frequently asked questions for hikes in East Sussex

What is the climate like for hiking in England?

In England, hiking in the spring (March to May) sees milder temperatures and flourishing wildlife, however trails may be muddy due to showers. Summer (June to August) offers the most stable weather with longer daylight hours but trails can be crowded, especially in national parks. Autumn (September to November) can be wetter but displays vibrant fall colours.

Winter hiking (December to February) is more challenging due to short days and colder, often unpredictable weather. Snowfall can make some trails inaccessible. Always check the weather forecast and equip accordingly. Experienced hikers may enjoy the tranquility and stark beauty of the winter landscape. 

Ultimately, the best time to hike in England depends on personal preferences and preparedness. England's official tourist site (https://www.visitengland.com/) provides in-depth information about various hiking trails and their seasonal characteristics. Be sure to research specific areas as climate can vary across the country.

Do I need a permit to hike in England?

In England, the "Right to Roam" allows hikers access to certain public lands without a permit. Some areas like national parks or Sites of Special Scientific Interest may have specific rules. Before hiking, check with the landowner, National Trust, or local council. Information on access rights can be found on the Natural England website (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/open-access-land-management-rights-and-responsibilities).

Is wild camping allowed in England?

Wild camping in England is generally not allowed without landowner permission, except in some parts of Dartmoor National Park. Breaching this can result in fines. It's advised to use official campsites or seek landowner consent for a more immersive experience. For more, visit the Dartmoor National Park's website (https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/visiting/planning-your-visit/camping).

Are there mountain rescue services in England?

In emergencies while hiking in England, dial 999 and ask for the police, then request Mountain Rescue. The Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW) is a volunteer-run organization that provides assistance in upland and lowland areas. More information can be found on their website (https://www.mountain.rescue.org.uk/).

Are there dangerous plants in England?

England's diverse hiking trails present a range of flora. Expect bluebells in ancient woodlands, gorse on coastal paths, and heather on moorlands. In protected areas, refrain from picking or damaging plants. The Woodland Trust provides more details on the UK's native species (https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants/).

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in England?

While hiking in England, you may encounter a variety of wildlife including deer, foxes, badgers, and numerous bird species. Beware of ticks in tall grass and midges in damp, shaded areas. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (https://www.rspb.org.uk/) offers useful information on encountering wildlife responsibly.

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