Walkwise Walking Weekend Eastbourne South Coast and Downs

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Friday 14 March 16:00 - Sunday 16 March

(2 nights)

From £255.00

Listed by Spice National

Overview

From a walking perspective Eastbourne has the enviable position of being situated at the crossroads of the Sussex Heritage Coast and the edge of the South Downs National Park. This is where the Mediterranean like blue sea yields to the towering 280 hectares of white chalk cliffs on one of Britain's finest unspoilt coastlines. There are broad estuaries, shingle beaches great winding creeks and meandering river valleys and also peaceful picturesque villages with quaint thatched country inns. Then beyond the open chalk grasslands appear to seamlessly morph into the beautiful undulating hills of the South Downs. This year we are back in our favourite hotel in Eastbourne the 3 star Best Western York House Hotel, which occupies a stunning position on the seafront, offers the perfect blend of cuisine and comfort, and even has a pool for you to relax in after your day’s adventures! 

Sussex South Downs Eastbourne Beach

Includes

  • 2 nights accommodation
  • 2 breakfasts
  • 2 evening meals
  • 2 picnic lunches
  • 2 days of guided walks with a choice of walks each day

Extras

  • Single Room Supplement
  • Local transport costs to walks, if possible own cars may be used.
  • Guests: Guests & Non Members who are new to Spice are welcome to book at a £36 supplement though they may prefer to join to obtain the member rate and any deals that may be available at the time of booking/joining. Please call your local office to enquire about booking as a guest.
Beachy Head Sussex South Downs Seven Sisters
Walking Weekend Eastbourne, South Downs and Coast

Location & Itinerary

The WalkWise Walking Programme: 

No visit to Eastbourne can be complete without a walk along the coast and what a coastline it is! The huge white cliffs are the highest chalk cliffs in the country and they literally plummet down into the deep blue waters below. The coastline along the Seven Sisters does undulate somewhat (as the name suggests!) but this is one of the iconic walks in Britain and is simply a must for a trip to the area; it is quite simply a timeless classic of a walk. Further to enable us to make the most of the coast, we will take the bus out towards Cuckmere Haven or Seaford then we will walk back towards Eastbourne, thereby maximising our time spent by the sea!

For the second day we will head out onto the Downs seeking out quaint, sleepy villages and gently rolling hills. We have wandered around the South Downs a number of times and we have explored walks around the lovely village of Herstmonceux and Alfriston. There is also some lovely walking around the village of Willmington, which lies on the northern slopes of the Downs which could include wandering through picture perfect, English country villages, follow part of the South Down Way, visit the long man of Wilmington, and discover the legendary home of Banoffee Pie! We’ll see what the weathers like on the Sunday and choose the most appropriate walk for the day. So there you have it, an outline of our plan!

Remember, to allow you to choose a walk that suits you best, WalkWise UK will provide a minimum of two walks on each day, led by professional and knowledgeable walking guides. On both days there will be a harder walk of 10-12 miles with up to 1500ft of ascent, and a moderate walk of 7-9 miles with less ascent. However, as always our walking programme is flexible and many of these routes follow a bus route which means the walks can be adapted to ones requirements. Walk options will be reduced if booking numbers don't allow 2 guides in attendance.

Is this for me?

WalkWise UK will provide a minimum of two walks on each day, led by professional and knowledgeable walking guides. On both days there will be a harder walk of 10-12 miles with up to 1500ft of ascent, and a moderate walk of 7-9 miles with less ascent. However, as always our walking programme is flexible and many of these routes follow a bus route which means the walks can be adapted to ones requirements. Walk options will be reduced if booking numbers don't allow 2 guides in attendance.

Sussex South Downs Eastbourne Pier

Travel & Stay

Walking Eastbourne

The Best Western York House Hotel has the most stunning seafront position, just 400yds from Eastbourne pier. Here you can relax and enjoy a drink on the veranda and watch the world go by, or perhaps take a dip in the Bermudian Pool-oooh (and it’s indoors!). The hotel is well equipped, and the function rooms have all been sympathetically refurnished, providing the hotel with a tasteful yet modern look. The dining room, York Room and the Veranda Bar all serve food on a daily basis and the focus is on delivering good fresh food in a relaxed atmosphere. Indeed the hotel menu attracts both residents and locals alike. 

The hotel has some lovely bedrooms, many of which have views of Eastbourne's beautiful coastline. All the bedrooms are en-suite and are well appointed with digital TVs, radios, irons and ironing boards, and complimentary Tea and coffee making facilities and some rooms also have WiFi. Other facilities include a roomy and comfortable bar and terrace with amazing views of the sea, a restaurant and a conference and function room which has facilities for parties or meetings. 

Around the Hotel: There are many things to do in and around Eastbourne, most of which are within walking distance of the hotel. There is golf, leisure centres, piers, bars, restaurants, theatres, not to mention the beautiful beach that’s right outside the front door. Please ask our guides on the weekend for any further information. 

Getting There

Directions:

The Best Western York House Hotel is located on the seafront in one of the best locations possible, overlooking the magnificent carpet gardens and pier! The hotel is located on the front no more than a 10-minute walk away from the theatres, cinema, town centre, bandstand, seafront, wish tower, restaurants and bars. 

Parking is available along the seafront, which is pay and display. Alternatively, there is a secure multi story car park just 5 minutes walk away or free parking on the side streets. 

Availability & Pricing

TypePrice
Member Double Share (Must be 2)£255.00Available
Member Twin Share£255.00Available
Member Single£299.00Sold Out

Not enough spaces left for you? Join the waitlist

The Best Western York House Hotel, 14-22 Royal Parade, Eastbourne, BN22 7AP
Walking Eastbourne

Host & Everything Else

All walks are weather dependent

You MUST have:

• Walking boots

• A Water bottle (minimum 1 litre)

• A Rucksack with a plastic liner

• Waterproofs: jacket and trousers

• A Warm hat

• Warm gloves (not leather)

• Thick walking socks

• Base layer: (thin thermal or warm T-shirt. Best not to be cotton as it gets cold when wet)

• Over layer: (warm sweater or fleece)

• Extra layer: warm top for when cold (eg. when stopped for lunch)

• Comfortable walking trousers (not jeans as they are too cold & heavy when wet)

• Personal Medication

• A face covering and hand sanitiser

• Smart casual clothes for the evening.

You may wish to bring:

• Trekking Poles

• Vacuum flask (if you like hot drinks on the hill)

• Medium size Tupperware container or plastic bag, to put picnic lunch in.

• Sit mat 

• Sun glasses

• Lip salve

• Camera

• Personal first aid kit

In good weather and/or summer, you may also wish to bring

• Short trousers

• T - Shirts

• Sun hat

• Sun tan lotion

In poor weather and/or winter, you may also wish to bring:

• Gaiters

• Balaclava

• Extra warm clothing

Travel Insurance: It is also recommended that when travelling on holiday or attending Spice weekends away in the UK or overseas that you have adequate travel insurance in case of emergency, cancellation, etc. Travel insurance is an important aspect to booking a weekend or holiday, giving you protection against unforeseen circumstances.

Maps: The map(s) for this event are:

1:25000: Explorer 123 The South Downs Way, Eastbourne and Beachy Head

This event is organised and supplied by WalkWise UK Ltd, whose terms and conditions  apply and for whom your local SPICE group acts as an agent. Those booking enter into a contract directly with WalkWise UK Ltd. For availability and bookings contact your local SPICE group directly.  

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