Seven Sisters & Cuckmere Valley

The year began with an invigorating walk on a crisp January morning. We set off from the Cuckmere Valley car park and climbed steadily up Exceat Hill, before winding our way through West Dene and into the quiet, mossy depths of Friston Forest. From there, the path rose again towards Friston village, where we crossed the road by the church and continued on towards the coast.

Reaching the clifftops, the landscape opened dramatically into the iconic sweep of the Seven Sisters. We turned west along the coastline, tackling a series of slippery descents and steep climbs, each one rewarded with ever‑changing views across sea, sky and chalk. Eventually we dropped back into the Cuckmere Valley and followed the gentle curve of the oxbow river all the way to the car.

It’s a superb route that captures the very best of the Sussex countryside: rolling chalk downland, peaceful ancient woodland, characterful hamlets with historic churches, and one of the most spectacular coastlines in Britain.

Devil’s Punch Bowl

A January walk around the vast natural amphitheatre of the Devil’s Punch Bowl, its sweeping views opening up along the high ridgeline paths. One moment looking across a deep, ancient valley carved by erosion, the next weaving through quiet woodland where Scots pines, heather and gorse create a wonderfully wild atmosphere.

Hindhead Common offers a gentler, more contemplative stretch of the route, with broad sandy tracks and pockets of heathland. The viewpoints are exceptional—Gibbet Hill in particular provides one of the highest panoramas in Surrey, stretching out towards the South Downs. Wildlife is a constant companion here: Dartford warblers flitting through the gorse and ponies grazing the heath.

Burpham

A very wet walk beginning in Burpham village, with flint cottages, a handsome church and the gentle curve of the Arun setting the tone before a climb onto the Downs. On top of the hill, the landscape opened out dramatically: broad chalk slopes and airy ridgelines. The South Downs Way taking us over Racham Hill first, where the views sweep across the Arun Valley towards Arundel.

Continuing over Springhead Hill, the character shifted subtly again. Here the Downs felt more intimate, with rolling contours, pockets of woodland and long, flowing paths that invited an easy rhythm. Dropping back towards Burpham, we were treated to a final panorama of the valley before re-entering the village’s sheltered charm.

Houghton Forest & Bignor Hill

A circuit through Houghton Forest, up onto Bignor Hill and across to Westburton Hill providing one of the most varied and rewarding walks in this part of the South Downs. Houghton Forest itself is a pleasure to wander: tall pines, quiet beech avenues and soft, springy paths that feel wonderfully secluded even on busy days. As you climb, the trees thin and the landscape opens, revealing the broad chalk ridge that leads towards Bignor Hill.

A walk blending woodland calm, high Downland drama and rich historical texture—one of those routes that feels both expansive and deeply rooted in the landscape.

Woodingdean

Leaving Woodingdean village, we climbed towards Swanborough Hill towards Lewes and the Ouse Valley. The South Downs Way traces the ridge here, and on either side there were (flooded) open fields and the sea in the distance. Bullock Hill offered a quieter, more remote stretch.

From there, we headed through Castle Hill National Nature Reserve and up Newmarket Hill, then back to Woodingdean. It’s one of the most rewarding loops on the eastern edge of Brighton.