New 33-Mile Coast Path Completed Between Shoreham And Eastbourne

The first section of the 33-mile England Coast Path has been completed, linking west to east Sussex.

It is the 17th full stretch to open and will form part of the 2,700-mile-long path, which will become the longest route in the world.

The route includes 'coastal towns, stunning sea views, iconic white chalk cliffs and rural landscapes created by the South Downs meeting the sea'.

It was opened today (May 19) by Natural England and will eventually connect the country's entire coastline into one long trail. 

Natural England say 'the walk will take people through some of the finest landscapes in England, as well as the many coastal towns, cities and ports which have shaped this island nation. And for the first time in the history of footpaths, legal rights of public access will be secured to typical coastal land including beaches, dune and cliffs, allowing walkers to access places they’ve never been before'.

Jim Seymour, Natural England Area Manager said:

“This trail encompasses the iconic white chalk cliff and sea views, the South Downs National Park with its abundance of wildlife, and the popular coastal towns.

“At a time when the benefits of connecting with nature are clearer than ever, it’s fabulous that we are opening up this 33-mile-long section of footpath across the South Downs and along the east and west Sussex coast.

“I have personally felt the value of walking a section of this route recently with my family and I look forward to exploring more of this new route, now that it’s open, on my next trip.”

Natural England described the route: 

This new trail covers a wealth of unique environments. Setting off from Shoreham-by-Sea, you cross the River Adur estuary. Here migratory wading birds and waterfowl can be seen on the saltmarsh and mud flats. Other sights include the old lighthouse in Shoreham Harbour with views of its maritime use, including unique houseboats, traditional boat yards and large commercial ships as they pass through Shoreham Port.

The trail leads onto Hove Esplanade – en route to Brighton, where remains of West Pier can be spotted, and the Brighton i360 viewing tower can be seen – the tallest structure in Sussex. Walk along the bustling promenade on Brighton seafront up to Palace Pier then past Brighton Marina. Here you can follow the Undercliff Walk as far as Saltdean. (There is also the option to take the clifftop route here.)

Once reaching Saltdean chalk clifftop, the walk leads you to Peacehaven and on to Newhaven. In Newhaven, you can visit several nature reserves, including Castle Hill Local Nature Reserve and Ouse Estuary Nature Reserve. Look out for a host of wildlife including migratory and nesting birds like lesser whitethroat and fulmars, wildflowers like birds’ foot trefoil and thrift, and plenty of butterflies and insects.

There are also historical sites to see in Newhaven, including WWII gun emplacements and the 19^th century Newhaven Fort. By the harbour, the quayside promenade offers great views of the fishing and leisure boats and the large Newhaven-Dieppe ferries that dock here.

Eastwards from Newhaven, the trail firstly goes around low-lying ~Seaford Bay including Tide Mills to Seaford esplanade, before reaching the Sussex Heritage Coast at Seaford Head. This famous, well-known stretch of coast line along the Sussex coast includes the iconic chalk cliffs of Seaford Head, Seven Sisters and Beachy Head, where the South Downs National Park meets the sea.

On this path you pass Cuckmere Haven, which is a popular visitor location for walkers, dog walking, bird watching, visiting the beach and for photography, as there are amazing views of the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs and Cuckmere River meanders.

On the eastern side of the Cuckmere River estuary is the Seven Sisters Country Park at Exceat, where the England Coast Path joins the existing South Downs Way National Trail. This follows the clifftop footpath along the Seven Sisters, Birling Gap, Belle Tout, Beachy Head and Eastbourne.

Beachy Head is another internationally famous site for both locals and visitors, with glorious views both seawards along the coast towards Hastings and on a clear day towards Dungeness and inland across the South Downs to Firle Beacon.

This stretch of the England Coast Path ends at Eastbourne Pier, where you can walk along the promenade by the sea in this popular coastal town.

Andy Le Gresley, South East National Trail Partnership Chair, said:

“This new 33-mile stretch of the England Coast Path is fantastic news for visitors to the beautiful and varied Sussex coastline. 

“The trail links several iconic Sussex locations with a high-quality, well-signposted walking route. Walkers can enjoy a unique variety of urban and countryside coastlines, and a mix of different terrains and views – from steep hills to easy promenades. 

“This new stretch of trail is also a vital link in the South East section of the England Coast Path. Once complete, the whole of the South East Coast Path will provide a new route for walkers, running from Shoreham-by Sea to the London Borough of Bexley.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank local authority access officers and Natural England staff for their years of hard work and dedication to design, negotiate and create this excellent new section of Coast Path.”