South Downs Way

Alfriston → Eastbourne (Bridleway)

Distance: 7.97 miles
Ascent: 396 metres
Duration: 2 hours

An epilogue
« Not walked | Not walked »

Between the village of Alfriston and its eastern terminus in Eastbourne the South Downs Way has two alternative routes. The most popular — and the one we walked in 2010 is a footpath over Beachy Head and the Severn Sisters. Since horse riders and cyclists aren't permitted on that route, an alternative bridleway follows the northern edge of the Downs escarpment; that's the route I've followed today.

So as a birthday treat to myself I'm back on a National Trail.

There are essentially just two climbs on this route, with the village of Jevington at the halfway point providing a break between them. (Fun fact: Jevington is the birthplace of Banoffi Pie.)

I started the first ascent — Windover Hill — just before dawn, and had the downland to myself save for a solitary horse rider. By the time I reached Eastbourne, the dog walkers were out in force, and the sun had begun to warm the mist.

I had considered returning on the footpath across the chalk cliffs. But although it's been a good morning to be out, it's too cold to turn this into a circular walk. I took the bus back to the village.