It’s also far more accessible than it looks. No hiking experience needed, no special equipment, just good shoes and a willingness to walk uphill for a bit. There are a couple of hiking trails are which you can take, we’ll show you the route we choose.
What Are the Seven Sisters?
The Seven Sisters are a series of white chalk cliffs on the coast of East Sussex, running roughly 11 kilometres between Cuckmere Haven in the west and Birling Gap in the east. They are part of the South Downs National Park, and are one of the most iconic stretches of coastline in England.
The chalk that makes up the cliffs formed around 65 to 100 million years ago at the bottom of a shallow sea that covered most of what is now southern England. The sea level was so high back then that the area sat at roughly the same latitude as the Mediterranean today. What you’re walking on top of is essentially the compressed remains of billions of tiny marine creatures.
Despite the name, there are actually eight distinct peaks, not seven. There were originally seven when the cliffs were first named, but erosion created an eighth over the centuries. The name stuck anyway.
The name itself comes from Greek mythology, the seven daughters of Atlas and Pleione who were turned into the stars of the Pleiades cluster after they died. Same name, very different scale.
The Seven Sisters are frequently used as a film stand-in for the White Cliffs of Dover, because Dover’s famous cliffs are protected from erosion and have gradually turned green with vegetation. Seven Sisters erode naturally and stay bright white.
The Walk from South Hill Barn
This is the route we did and it’s perfect for anyone who isn’t a dedicated hiker but wants the full experience.
From the car park you head downhill first, it’s an easy slope with views opening up ahead of you. On the way you’ll pass a couple of farms and houses, just stay on the path and don’t disturb the locals. There are a few benches along the route, and on the way back these become extremely welcome.
Now you need to cross the Cuckmere River. If it’s a high tide, it means you need to walk up the river to the Cuckmere Inn, cross the bridge and then head back down the other side. It’s a 1 hour detour, so it might be a good idea to keep an eye on Cuckmere Haven tide times. https://www.sussex-tides.com/cuckmere-haven-tide-times
At low tide, the river can be crossed barefoot over a shallow stream or by stepping on logs.
Then the climb starts. It’s not technical, it’s not dangerous, it’s just uphill. Take it at whatever pace suits you, stop when you want to, and the views from the top make every step worth it.
We took about two hours total, but we were going slowly, stopping constantly to take photos and just stand there looking at things. You could do it faster if you wanted, but why would you.
How far you go is entirely up to you. The further east you walk along the clifftop, the more dramatic the views get as the cliffs get higher. Push on far enough and you’ll reach Beachy Head, the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain at 162 meters, with the famous red and white striped lighthouse sitting at the base far below.
But we think that the whole walk towards the cliffs is much more epic that walking on them, I don’t know, just a thought.
Walking Routes
We are not professional hikers or anything, we always choose the route with the most amazing views, and possibly the shortest one. But here are some options so you can choose what suits you if you want to explore Seven Sisters.
South Hill Barn to the clifftops and back: what we did. Easy to moderate, around 2 hours at a relaxed pace. No experience needed. This is the one for most visitors.
Birling Gap to Seven Sisters: start from Birling Gap car park on the eastern end instead. You get immediate cliff views from the very start, and the National Trust has a cafe there too. Shorter walk to the Sisters themselves, good if you want maximum views with minimum effort.
Seaford to Eastbourne via the South Downs Way: the full 14 mile route along the cliff tops from one end to the other. A proper full day walk, one of the most well-regarded coastal walks in southeast England. Only for those who actually want to hike.
Along the beach: technically possible at low tide from Cuckmere Haven but not recommended. The rocks are slippery, the cliffs above are unstable and drop rocks regularly, and if the tide comes in there’s no way back up. Don’t do this one.
Where to Park: South Hill Barn Car Park
We parked at South Hill Barn Car Park, which is the most convenient starting point for accessing the cliffs and the one we’d recommend. It’s free and there’s a small cafe on site if you need a coffee before you start or something warm when you get back. There are also picnic tables and benches, good for a proper sit-down after the walk.
From the car park the path down to the cliffs is easy and well-marked. No special preparation needed.
Things to Know Before You Go to Seven Sisters
- Go on a clear day if you can. On a good day you can apparently see the French coast from the cliff tops. We couldn’t on our visit but maybe we’ll return.
- The cliffs erode constantly so stay well back from the edge. The drop is deadly.
- There’s no shade on the clifftops. Bring water and sunscreen.
- The car park at South Hill Barn is free, the one at Birling Gap charges a fee.
- From London it’s about 90 minutes by car, or you can take a train to Seaford or Eastbourne and walk or take a bus to the starting points.
Seven Sisters is one of those places that belongs on any UK road trip. It doesn’t matter what the weather is doing, the cliffs look incredible regardless. We’d go back in a minute!
Until next time, be mesmerized 🤍
