Seven Sisters Walk: Cuckmere Haven to Birling Gap

The Seven Sisters is a part of Sussex known for its dramatic landscapes and there is no better way to explore it than to do the Seven Sisters Walk, which consists of several ups and downs but breathtaking views throughout!

The Seven Sisters are white chalk cliffs that run along England’s South Coast, the Seven Sisters are like the white cliffs of Dover, which are famously known worldwide, but in my opinion much prettier.

The unique Seven Sisters cliffs run from Cuckmere Haven to Birling Gap and you can easily follow them up and down along the coastline on this Seven Sisters Walk.

Just picture this, you’ve got the stunning white cliffs glowing along the path in front of you, the grass ripples in the wind and the sunshine glistens on the ocean surface around you!

Follow my walking guide below to discover the beauty of the Seven Sisters and the English coastline.

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Table of Contents

The Full Guide for The Seven Sisters Walk: Cuckmere Haven to Birling Gap

The Seven Sisters Walk Overview

🥾 Distance: 8.5 miles / 13.5 km

‼️ Difficulty: Moderate

⏰ Estimated Time: 4/5 hours

🚗 Parking: Parking at Seven Sisters Country Park – Cuckmere Haven

🌤️ Weather: Seven Sisters – BBC Weather

📲 Online Map: Outdoor GPS – Then download the ‘East Sussex’ map, which we used and the map you can see in the route screenshot below.

Best Time of the Year to Visit

The Seven Sisters walk can be done year round but all depends on the weather that day.

Whilst it is still possible to carry out the walk during all weather conditions I would not recommend walking if it’s very windy or raining.

Due to the location of the walk all along the Seven Sisters cliffside, you may not feel that secure walking in severe winds with no barriers along the edge, it is also very open to the elements leaving you very open to the wind the whole way along.

I would recommend visiting in Spring, Summer or early Autumn, this way you can hopefully, guarantee yourself good weather. Just be aware this is a popular walk and can get very busy both in the car park and along the route on weekends, especially during the summer holidays.

What do you need for the Seven Sisters Walk?

As the Seven Sisters walk isn’t a full day out you do not need to bring too much with you but to cover all basis I would recommend:

Layers – for it is gets hotter or colder
Raincoat as you never know in the UK
Plenty of water
Snacks or lunch if you want to stop along the way
Suncream
Sunhat
Sunglasses
Swimwear & dry towel to swim in the sea after

The Route

Route Map

Where to Park

To start at Cuckmere Haven head the the South Downs Car Park, see the exact location on Google Maps below.

This is not a huge car park and can get very busy so ensure you arrive early especially if you are visiting on a weekend or during the summer holidays in the UK.

The car park is pay and display, you can either use coins or pay via the Ringgo app on your phone.

Once parked you can find 2 cafes selling food and hot & cold drinks as well as some snacks and toilets that are free to use before you start your walk.

Cuckmere Haven Car Park to Seven Sisters

Once you are ready to start just follow the signs to the Seven Sisters, as you begin you will need to cross a road and then follow the big path alongside the river to the seafront.

If you are using the Outdoor GPS map you can easily find your way by following the green South Downs Way path.

Here you will pass through some fields where there are ponies and other animals, ensure you keep dogs on a lead and treat these animals with respect.

Once you get closer to the seafront the path will split into 2, one heads down to the beach and the other on the left heads up towards the start of the Seven Sisters – make sure to keep left and follow it up to the top.

Along the Seven Sisters

Once you are at the top you will have a beautiful view all around you, make sure to stop often to admire it and take lots of pictures!

You will see the beach to your right and the path along the Seven Sisters walk all along to the left. Here you can also get a good idea of the many ups and downs that are to come.

Once you are ready start your journey up and down all seven of these cliffs until you reach Birling Gap at the other end. The views along the way are spectacular especially if you are blessed with some sunshine, the ocean glistens in the distance and you can often see lots of boats or kayakers out on the water.

To Birling Gap & Back!

Once you finish the last sister this is a good place to stop and have your picnic lunch or to have a rest and a drink before heading back.

Alternatively, if you want to get an ice cream, cup of tea, food or use the toilets then follow the path down to Birling Gap, where you can find a cafe and facilities to use. But consider that they can all get very busy!

Once you are done just head back to the Seven Sisters the way you came into Birling Gap and follow the Seven Sisters walk up and down back to the start of the cliff walk.

Quick Dip in the Ocean

If you are visiting on a sunny day or feel like having a cold water dip after this Seven Sisters walk then make sure to pack your swimwear.

As you finish the Seven Sisters cliff walk section you will see the beach in front of you, just head straight and follow the path diagonally down the side towards the beach.

If you do not fancy a dip you can just follow the path along the river and back to the car the way you came up.

Once on the beach find a spot and spend as long as you like soaking in the summer sunshine.

Please note that the ocean here gets quite deep quickly so best stay with children at all times whilst you are in the water.

Once you have finished swimming and are all dry just head back alongside the river back to the car park where you started.

If you want to stop off somewhere after your Seven Sisters walk for a bite to eat or drink in the sun then make sure to check out these wonderful nearby pubs The Plough & Harrow, The Cuckmere Inn, The Tiger Inn & The Sussex Ox.