Glynde to Seaford

A long linear walk from Glynde station through Firle Park and West Firle up to the South Downs Way, over Firle Beacon to Alfriston for lunch, down the Cuckmere valley to Cuckmere Haven and along the cliffs to Seaford station. It is the only route found that starts at Glynde and climbs Firle Beacon, and it heads away from Lewes rather than back. The source gives km, with miles in brackets; its directions still call the Trevor Arms 'closed and awaiting redevelopment 2021'.

The ground

Rated 8 out of 10. The field path out of Glynde can be very muddy in winter or overgrown with crops in summer (a road alternative is given). The A27 is crossed with care on the road alternative, or by an underpass on the field path. A climb through Firle Park to the ridge, then the South Downs Way over Firle Beacon (217 m). Riverbank along the Cuckmere, forest paths, a beach at Cuckmere Haven, and a cliff path into Seaford where the source warns the chalk edge is unstable and to keep at least 25 m back.

Livestock

No livestock warnings. A cattle grid is mentioned on the track above Cuckmere Haven.

Pubs and cafés on the way

• SteamworksGlynde stationstart
• Ram InnWest Firlemidway
• George InnAlfristonmidway
• Plough and HarrowLitlingtonmidway
• Cuckmere InnExceatmidway
• WellingtonSeafordend
• SteamworksSeaford stationend

The line on the map

Between Alfriston and West Dean the line follows the router's choice of valley and forest paths, which may differ in places from the walk's own.