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You are here: Events > Eastbourne Walking Festival

Eastbourne Walking Festival

Type: walking.

Eastbourne Walking Festival is a ten day celebration of the great outdoors. The event acts as a springboard to promoting the health and wellbeing benefits of discovering walking as a way of life. This event is carefully curated to provide something for everyone despite your age or mobility and is designed to introduce and inspire visitors and residents of Eastbourne to the incredible trails, paths, and stories of discovery throughout this Victorian town that is nestled right at the gateway to the South Downs National Park. The Walking Festival pulls together knowledgeable volunteers and industry experts to put on a programme of walks and talks and is supported by numerous fringe events that complement the ten day offering. The festival aims to promote engagement in appreciation and conservation of the natural world from plant life, animal life and marine whilst improving the health and wellbeing of participants in the short term and the long.

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Eastbourne Walking Festival

Eastbourne Walking Festival is a ten day celebration of the great outdoors. The event acts as a springboard to promoting the health and wellbeing benefits of discovering walking as a way of life. This event is carefully curated to provide something for everyone despite your age or mobility and is designed to introduce and inspire visitors and residents of Eastbourne to the incredible trails, paths, and stories of discovery throughout this Victorian town that is nestled right at the gateway to the South Downs National Park.

The Walking Festival pulls together knowledgeable volunteers and industry experts to put on a programme of walks and talks and is supported by numerous fringe events that complement the ten day offering. The festival aims to promote engagement in appreciation and conservation of the natural world from plant life, animal life and marine whilst improving the health and wellbeing of participants in the short term and the long.

FESTIVAL PROGRAM

2022 program, eastbourne's coastal downland (challenging).

A hilly 10-mile circular walk on Eastbourne’s coastal downland taking in Birling Gap, Belle Tout and Beachy Head. Some steep hills but the wonderful views make it all worthwhile! Please wear sturdy footwear and bring a packed lunch and drink.

Walk Leader: Alan Hibbert

Approximate distance: 10 miles

Start time:   10 am     Approximate finish time: 3.30pm

Exact meeting point (with post code or grid reference):  Dukes Drive, Eastbourne BN20 7XL (by cafe kiosk) Grid ref  TV600971

Do walkers need to bring anything?  Packed lunch and drink

Is there a café:    Café at start/finish

Are dogs welcome?  No

Public toilets at lunch stop

Is your walk Wheelchair friendly?  No

Downland Birds and Butterflies (Moderate)

Explore the beauty of the Downs and discover late summer butterflies and Downland birds on this 4 mile walk. Beginning in East Dean, this walk will take you through highlights such as Cornish Farm and Birling Gap.

Please note there is one steep incline and approximately three stiles to navigate. The majority of the walk is along footpaths except at the beginning where route is along a small section of road.

Walk Leader: David Beer

Meet at East Dean Village Car Park at 10am (BN20 0DR). Walk will take approximately 2.5 hours.

Public transport: 12/12A Eastbourne- Brighton bus service stops at East Dean and it is a short walk to the Village Hall.

There is a café at the start/end of the walk or en route at Birling Gap where toilet facilities can also be found.

Please note that this route is not wheelchair friendly.

No dogs allowed.

Looking for nautical helpers along the South Downs Way

Join your walk leader Gavin Boyd on a hilly walk along part of the South Downs Way and immerse yourself in all that nature has to offer. This 8 mile route will have approximately two or three stiles to navigate.

Meet at Bede’s School, Dukes Drive BN20 7XL at 10am (approximate finish time is 13:30pm). Bus 3 or 4 stop at Bede’s School.

Please bring plenty of refreshments for the walk as well as a picnic lunch. Café facilities can be found at the start and end of the walk and toilets can be found en route.

Please note that this walk is not wheelchair friendly.

The Development of Victorian Eastbourne

Beginning at Eastbourne Pier, this walk and talk will follow the seafront whilst discovering the history of stops along the way. From Devonshire Place to All Saints Hospital Park in Meads, uncover the development of Victorian Eastbourne on this walk through history. Please note this walk ends in Meads.

Walk Leader: Richard Crook

Approximate distance: 2 miles

Start time: 2:30pm

Approximate finish time: 5:00pm

Exact meeting point: Eastbourne Pier, BN21 3EL

Public transport to/from meeting point: Buses from the town centre to the Pier and from Meads back to the town centre.

Toilets can be located on the seafront.

This route is pushchair and wheelchair friendly.

Dogs are welcome.

Eastbourne Circular (Challenging)

This is a circular walk around the outside of Eastbourne, which starts from the pier and loops around the far edges of the town following the South Downs to Willingdon and then makes its way across to Hankham and around to Pevensey before coming back to the pier. It is a lovely walk encircling the town.

The first part of the walk on the South Downs involves a steep climb up and back down whilst the rest of the walk is relatively flat.

There are many stiles (approx. 22-25), a couple of busy roads to cross, some walking along quiet roads and potentially some cows in fields.

Walk Leader: Allison Caffyn

Approximate distance is 18 miles. Total ascent is 1457ft.

Meet at Eastbourne pier at 9am, approximate finish time is 5pm.

There will be a halfway stop at a pub but please ensure you bring plenty of refreshments for the walk.

Dogs are welcome but should be kept on a lead throughout the walk. Owners should be aware that Walk Leader's dog is wary of other dogs.

Please note this walk is not wheelchair friendly.

A Walk of Two Halves

Beginning at Gildredge Road Bus Stop, we will catch the No.12 bus to East Dean where we will begin our walk onto the Downs. Heading along the coastal path, we will descend into the Cuckmere, into West Dean and Friston Forest, making our way back to East Dean where we will board the bus back to Eastbourne.

Please note that this walk will be very hilly and potentially muddy in the forest.

Walk Leader: Virginia Keltz

Please meet at the Gildredge Road bus stop 1G opposite the train station at 9:30. We aim to finish this walk between 4pm and 5pm.

Public transport to/from the meeting point: Taking bus to East Dean from Eastbourne but it is possible for people to meet the walking group at the bus stop in East Dean.

Please bring plenty of refreshments including a packed lunch and wear sturdy boots. There is a café midway at Cuckmere. Toilet facilities can be found at the start, midway and end of the walk.

This walk is not wheelchair friendly.

Dogs are not allowed.

Close and personal to the Long Man of Wilmington (Moderate)

Starting with far reaching views over Eastbourne, this route will descend to the village of Jevington. We will then head along the South Downs Way to the renowned ‘Long Man of Wilmington’ where we get up close and personal to the chalk figure carved into the hillside before descending and returning through the woodland.

Walk Leader: Alan Jones

This 8 mile route will start at 10am, meeting at Butts Brow Car Park, Butts Lane BN20 9EP (W3W – matter.cargo.kick OS Ref: lat=50.7929907 long = 0.24057122828) and will aim to finish at approximately 2pm.

Please bring plenty of refreshments including a flask and picnic lunch.

This route is not wheelchair friendly and there are not toilet or café facilities en route.

Heading for Paradise

We start on quiet roads to go gently uphill and join part of Jubilee Way, we rest overlooking Eastbourne with views to Bexhill on a clear day. Later we cross Paradise Drive and follow a signed path over a golf course, ending via Gildredge Park back to The Lamb. No Stiles but hilly. Suitable for people who are new to Downs walking, or returning after a break.

Walk Leader: Richard Page

Approximate distance: 3 miles Maximum no. of walkers: 25

Start time: 10.30am Approximate finish time: 1.15pm

Exact meeting point: The Lamb, Old Town GR 599995

Public transport to/from meeting point: Bus routes 1, 1A, 12A, 12X to The Lamb.

Please bring plenty of refreshments. There is a café or pub at or near the end of this walk along with toilet facilities.

Development of Victorian Eastbourne

Lots of bottoms.

Come and chat to Eastbourne’s Walking Champion Gill Mattock as she takes you on one of her favourite walks through Friston Forest and Jevington.  There are 2 hills but you will be rewarded with superb views of our beautiful downland (and bottoms!)

Approximate distance:  8 miles

Maximum no. of walkers:        20

Start time:  10.30

Approximate finish time:  3pm

Exact meeting point (with post code or grid reference):  Friston Pond  551983  BN20 0AU

Public transport to/from meeting point:  No 12/12A/12X from Eastbourne

Please bring plenty of refreshments including a picnic lunch and water.

Please be advised that there are no café or toilet facilities en route.

This route is not wheelchair friendly.

Ocklynge Cemetery Walk

Join local historian Kevin Gordon on a walk through Ocklynge Cemetery and uncover the stories of some of the people buried there. Kevin is a ‘Commonwealth War Graves Commission Champion’ and will be telling the stories behind many of the war-graves in the cemetery.

This walk will begin at the cemetery gates on Eldon Road (opposite Cavendish School), BN21 1UD at 10:30am with an aim to finish at 12pm.

There is limited parking in Eldon Road but it is on several bus-routes.

Please note that there are no toilet facilities and this walk is not wheelchair friendly due to gravel and grass paths.

In the Footsteps of Kings

The 1066 Country Walk is a long distance footpath in East Sussex, south-east England. It follows the progress of William, Duke of Normandy who in September 1066 brought his army to Pevensey, Sussex and went on to defeat King Harold in the town of Battle in what is now know as the Battle of Hastings. The outcome resulted in the Duke of Normandy becoming King William the First of England.

This part of the walk is leisurely stroll along the side of a number of rivers, so is nice and flat, with loads of wildlife and things to see. There are plenty of spots to stop and have a picnic and play some games. This is what we will be doing on this walk, we will visit the pigs at the beginning of the walk and once we are on the Pevensey levels, where King William camped before moving onto Battle, we will choose a nice spot to stop and play some games and have a bite to eat.

Walk Leader: Jim Murray

We meet at Pevensey Castle near the Royal Oak and Castle pub, where there is plenty of Parking. You do have to pay here but it is only £3.00 for the day.

Please bring your own picnics and outdoor games.

Dogs welcome but there are usually sheep in some of the fields.

We do have to cross the busy Pevensey Bypass, which at the point we cross has clear line of sight in both directions, so we might have to wait a minute or two to get a safe clear space to cross.

This walk is approximately 7km.

Public transport to/from meeting point: https://moovitapp.com/index/en-gb/public_transportation-Pevensey_Castle-London_and_South_East-site_6827490-2122

Eastbourne Promenade Walk

Starting at the Lifeboat Museum, we’ll walk along the main promenade to the Pier and back again to the Grand Hotel. Along the route you’ll hear about the development of Eastbourne as a resort built “by gentlemen, for gentlemen”. Discover the history of some of Eastbourne’s best landmarks along the seafront and finish at the Devonshire Quarter with it’s wonderful array of cafés and pubs.

Walk Leader: Kim Adams

Meet outside the Lifeboat Museum (BN21 4BY) at 11am. We aim to finish this walk at 12:30pm.

There are toilet facilities en route.

This walk is pushchair and wheelchair friendly.

The Performance Path

Starting from Helen Garden, this path takes you down steep stairs to Holywell beach. It pauses in the Italian Gardens, follows the seafront promenade, and finishes at Towner Gallery. Along the way, you will see a dancer perform for you. This dancing tour guide will identify features of the performance locations and tell you how these inspire her movements. Please bring your own earphones to enjoy the music provided for each performance.

Walk Leader: Yanaelle Thiran

Approximate distance:  3.6 km                                    Maximum no. of walkers:   15

Start time:  At low tide.  Sunday 18/09, 11:00          Approximate finish time:     12:15

Exact meeting point:  Helen Garden, BN20 7FE. Enter the park from Duke’s Drive, turn right, and we will meet on the bench by the bike racks.

Public transport to/from meeting point:  The bus stop Foot of Beachy Head (stop ID: esuadpda) is just across the road from the meeting point.

Please bring ear- or headphones and a playlist (sent when they register) downloaded on their phone or other device.

There is a café and toilet facilities at the end (Towner Café)

Please note this route is not wheelchair friendly as it includes going down the stairs at Holywell.

Let's go fishing

Join your walk leaders Paul and Barbara Agent on a scenic 7 mile walk along field paths and the Cuckoo Trail, passing picturesque fishing lakes along the way.

The walk will set off from below Cophall roundabout at 9:30 and aim to finish at 2pm.

If requiring public transport, walkers can get the 51 bus to Polegate and then walk to start.

Please note that there are no toilet facilities. Make sure to bring a picnic and plenty of refreshments as there is no café nearby.

Village Hop

Join walk leader Lindsey Gwynne on a circular walk taking in five Sussex villages and the stunning views of the Sussex countryside.

Starting at Berwick Station at 10am, this route is approximately 10 miles and will aim to finish at approximately 4pm.

Exact meeting point: Berwick Station  BN26 6SZ (postcode of Berwick Inn, opposite station)

Public transport to/from meeting point:  Trains from Eastbourne.

Please bring plenty of refreshments (water, picnic, coffee stop refreshments etc.). There is a pub at the beginning/end of the route where toilet facilities can be found. There is also a composting toilet at the coffee stop.

Please note this route is not wheelchair friendly.

Getting to know Mary Ann Gilbert

Join your Walk Leader Kath Boak on this picturesque 2 mile circular walk below Beachy Head to Whitbread Hollow. Please be aware that there is one steady incline.

Meeting at Helen Gardens (BN20 7XL), this walk will begin at 10:30 and aim to finish at 11:30. If requiring public transport, walkers can catch the Bus 3/3A from Eastbourne station which runs every 15 minutes.

Toilet facilities can be found at the beginning and end of the walk and a cafe (The Kiosk) is located at the end of the walk.

Historic Meads Walk

Enjoy a leisurely walk around the Meads area of Eastbourne, "where the Downs meet the sea". Includes the Italian Gardens, St John's Church, Meads Village and the wonderful mansion houses nestling at the foot of the South Downs. Find out about some of the famous local residents and hear the story of the notorious Dr John Bodkin Adams. The walk starts at the thatched tea-chalet in The Helen Garden (Dukes Drive, BN20 7XL, next to Bede's School).

Approximate distance: 1.5 miles          Maximum no. of walkers:   25

Start time: 14:00                        Approximate finish time:  15:30

Exact meeting point (with post code or grid reference):  The thatched tea chalet in The Helen Garden, BN20 7XL

There are toilet and cafe facilities nearby.

Across the road and into the trees

Join your walk leader Gavin Boyd for a scenic walk through Friston Forest. Beginning at East Dean car park, this 10 mile walk will allow you to take in the wonderful sights of the landscape around you.

The walk will begin at 10am from East Dean car park (BN20 0DJ) and will aim to finish at around 2:30pm. If public transport is required, buses 12; 12A and 12X stop at the East Dean bus stop.

Please bring plenty of refreshments and a picnic if required. Be aware that there may be some mud in the forest so wear appropriate footwear.

There is a café and toilet facilities at the start/finish of the walk.

Dogs are not allowed on this walk.

Folkington Frolic

Taking in the sights of the South Downs, we will leave Chalk Farm (Willingdon) and walk to Folkington Church where there will be a break for refreshments. Returning via a different route, we will take in more of the sights that the South Downs has to offer.

Please note that part of the route is slightly steep and rough.

Walk Leader: Lindsey Gwynne

Approximate distance:  5 miles      Maximum no. of walkers:        20

Start time:  10.00am                     Approximate finish time: 1.00pm

Exact meeting point:  BN20 9JD (Chalk Farm)

Public transport to/from meeting point: Bus stop on A2270 Eastbourne Rd. Walk 10 mins along Church Street to Coopers Hill, turn right, Chalk Farm is 100m on left.

Please bring plenty of refreshments. There will be a pub with toilet facilities at the start/finish.

Chalk Farm Ancient Mounds and Archaic Grassland

Learn about the ancient archaeology of Butts Brow, the surrounding landscape and the pristine and rare Chalk Grassland habitat on this 2 mile circular walk.

The walk will meet at Butt’s Brow Car Park (charges apply) at 1pm and will aim to finish at 3pm.  Please note that the terrain is unsurfaced paths and grass with some steep slopes. There will also be stiles and gates.

Bring binoculars if you have them.

Walk Leader: Tim Squire

Exact meeting point:  Butt’s Brow Car Park, Butts Lane  nearest postcode at bottom of lane BN20 9EN (Grid reference is TQ57940170; What3words: value.blaze.puddles)

Please bring plenty of refreshments. No toilet facilities. Well behaved dogs on a lead are welcome.

Workaday Eastbourne

Step back in time as you join your walk leader Alan Wenham on a walking tour of historical sites. Highlights of this 1.3 mile walk include the original locations of the public utilities where walkers will be able to see them as they were through old photographs.

The walk will begin at 14:30 outside the Co-Op Store on Seaside (BN22 7RJ ) and we will aim to finish at 15:45. If public transport is required, the closest bus stop is the ‘Archery’.

There is a café at the beginning but no toilet facilities en route.

This route is wheelchair friendly.

In Stepp Walk (Walking with Resistance)

Beautiful cliff walks over 3 of the Seven Sisters, from Friston Church over Crowlink, stopping at Birling Gap for light refreshments and toilets, carrying on to the village of East Dean where there are 2 further coffee stops, plus The Tiger Inn with toilet facilities if needed.

Walk Leader: Julie Ford

Approximate distance: 5 Miles Maximum no. of walkers: 6

Start time: 10:00 am Approximate finish time: 12:30 – 1:00 PM

Exact meeting point (with postcode or grid reference): BN20 0AU.

Public transport to/from meeting point: No 12 Bus from Eastbourne and Brighton

Please bring plenty of refreshments. There is a café and toilets en route.

For more information about what Instepp is about please visit the website www.instepp.co.uk.

Cuckmere Meander

Starting at Seven Sisters Country Park Visitor Centre we walk through Friston Forest to Westdean, where it is reputed that Alfred the Great had a palace, then on to Charleston Manor.  From below the White Horse we walk along the Cuckmere River to the sea at Cuckmere Haven and then back through the Country Park.  No road walking but we cross the A259 twice.

Walk Leader: John Riley

Approximate distance:  6 miles     Maximum no. of walkers:  20

Start time:  10.00                         Approximate finish time:  13.30

Exact meeting point (with post code or grid reference):  Outside entrance to Seven Sisters Country Park Visitor Centre, near Seaford, East Sussex, BN25 4AD

Public transport to/from meeting point:  12X from Gildredge Road (stop G1) at 09.33 arrives at Seven Sisters Country Park at 09.51.  For return to Eastbourne there are regular 12A and 12X buses.

Two car parks serve the Park.  Charge £4 all day.

Please bring plenty of refreshments including a drink and snack for mid-morning stop and possibly sandwiches for lunch at end of walk.

The Saltmarsh Café at the Visitor Centre serves refreshments and food. Toilet facilities can also be found here.

'The wind it did whistle and the waters did roar' Music at Beachy Head

Starting with a steep hill, the land gets easier as we take a short rove of just over a mile to Beachy Head where we’ll cross the road and explore The Beachy Head Story Museum whilst I play a short set of songs accompanied by autoharp. We’ll take in the views before returning to our start point.

Walk Leader Liz Pearson

Approximate distance: 2.5 miles   Maximum no. of walkers:   15

Start time:  10am                         Approximate finish time:  11.45/12.00

Exact meeting point:  The Kiosk, Foyles Way, BN20 7XL

Public transport to/from meeting point: Bus No 3A from Eastbourne train station

Please bring plenty of refreshments. There is a kiosk at the beginning and a pub at Beachy Head, where there are toilet facilities. Toilets can also be found in Helen Gardens near the start point.

Please note that this route is not wheelchair friendly. Dogs are welcome.

“This little piggy went to market”

Starting at the Eastbourne Downs Golf Club, this 7 mile walk will provide incredible views of the Downland as your walk leader Gill Mattock guides you through a valley to East Dean market (with time allowed for refreshments and browsing).  You will then return to your start point via Friston pond, taking in the scenery as you go!  Lunch is available at the Golf Club at the end of the walk.

We will meet in the car park of Eastbourne Downs Golf Club at 10am and will aim to return by 1pm. If public transport is required, the No. 12 bus stops by the South Downs Way.

Refreshments will be available to purchase at East Dean market or at the Golf Club at the end of the walk. Toilets are located at East Dean Village Hall.

Please note this walk is not pushchair/wheelchair friendly.

Motcombe Meander

Join local historian Kevin Gordon as he takes you on a leisurely 2 mile walking tour around the Motcombe area, discovering local places of interest. Highlights include St. Mary’s Church, Motcombe Gardens, Manor Gardens and Gildredge Park.

This walk will start at 10:30am beside the Lamb Inn, Church Street, BN21 1HH and will aim to finish at 12 noon in Gildredge Park. If public transport is required, several bus routes run past the Lamb Inn.

There are several pubs and cafes in the area for refreshments but walkers are welcome to bring their own. Toilet facilities can be found in Gildredge Park.

This route is pushchair and wheelchair friendly but be advised that many of the footpaths are gravel with one steep hill.

This 8 mile route will start at 10am, meeting at Butts Brow Car Park, Butts Lane BN20 9EP and will aim to finish at approximately 2pm.

Walk In Stepp (Walking with Resistance)

Ramble with a ranger round seven sisters country park.

Join SDNPA Ranger Fay Pattinson on this 3.5 mile circular walk around Seven Sisters Country Park whilst you learn about the landscape, its habitats, management and enjoy the view as you go! Questions about the National Park and what we do are actively encouraged. Please be aware that there are some steeper uphill and downhill slopes, grass and chalk tracks underfoot and some stiles and gates.

This walk will set off at 10:30am from the entrance to the Seven Sisters Country Park in front of the main gate with the cattle grid (by the A259 bus stop on the southern side of the road, opposite the Seven Sisters Country Park Visitor Centre). Exact meeting point:  BN25 4AD/ TV519994/What3words:postings.embodied.whimpered. We will aim to finish at around 12:30pm.

If public transport is required, the No. 12; 12A and 12X Coaster buses stop at Seven Sisters Country Park.

Please bring refreshments, if needed. There is a café at the beginning/end of the route at Seven Sisters Country Park Visitor Centre, where toilet facilities can also be found.

Dogs are welcome but they must be kept on leads & owners must pick up after their dogs.

Historic Meads Tour

Approximate distance: 1.5 miles         Maximum no. of walkers:  25

Start time:  14:00                       Approximate finish time: 15:30

Toilets can be found en route.

Pushchair and wheelchair friendly.

Exact meeting point (with post code or grid reference):  Dukes Drive, Eastbourne BN20 7XL (by cafe kiosk)…...Grid ref  TV600971

Do walkers need to bring anything?  ie. a flask or picnic?  Packed lunch and drink

Is there a café:  Cafe at start/finish

Walk Leader: Liz Pearson

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Step into September with walking festivals

Posted by Laura Hughes | Aug 24, 2021 | Things to See & Do | 0 |

Looking for some new walks to enjoy in East Sussex? Perhaps you’d like to try a guided walk and learn more about an area’s history and nature? This September there are two walking festivals you can join, with everything from coastal treks to countryside strolls which are bound to boost your mood . There is something for everyone no matter your age or ability.

The High Weald Walking Festival: 11 – 19 September 2021

Enjoy all that the High Weald landscape has to offer with a selection of walking routes.

Walks include a circular route of Burwash, a walk through western High Weald full of woods and farmland, Buchan Country Park, plus more. Expect to spot plenty of wildlife and enjoy beautiful countryside sites.

You can choose from a guided walk or select a self-guided walk in Wealden (available from 1 September).

Book your guided walk on the website now, as availability is limited: High Weald Walking Festival programme 2021

Eastbourne Walking Festival: 17 – 26 September 2021

The Eastbourne Walking Festival has more than 70 walks to choose from. Discover trails, coastal paths and learn more about the history of Eastbourne.

Journey to the Holywell spring, enjoy a circular walk of Butts Brow, explore Folkington, the Seven Sisters and, many more. Information about using public transport to get to destinations is provided.

Self-guided walks for Eastbourne are also available.

Book your guided walk now: Eastbourne Walking Festival

Happy walking!

About The Author

Laura Hughes

Is steadily getting through her bucket list of places to visit and books to read. Always looking for life hacks to reduce, reuse and recycle.

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Eastbourne Walking Festival Celebrates 10th Anniversary With 49 Walks

It’s time to get those walking boots out and put your best foot forward as the Eastbourne Walking Festival returns for its 10 th  year.

The 10-day festival, from 15-24 September, is a celebration of the great outdoors and aimed at encouraging people to get out and about, be more active and discover the joys of walking.

There are 49 guided walks which are free to book at  www.EastbourneWalkingFestival.com/book .

From tranquil strolls and historic trails through to challenging hikes across the South Downs National Park, there is something for everyone of all ages and abilities.

All walks are free to sign up to, but many will fill up very quickly and people are encouraged to sign up in advance to avoid disappointment.

Among this year’s walks is a 3.5-mile guided introduction to the Downs; a 12.5-mile walk along the South Downs Way; a Downland Ramble from Eastbourne Golf Club to Birling Gap and a Walking with Resistance event across three of the Seven Sisters.

Away from the countryside, there is a chance to discover the stories and histories of 10 seafront churches; a Seahouses History Tour; and a seafront walk with local dance artist Yanaëlle Thiran featuring choreographed performances along the route.

Eastbourne’s Walking Champion Gill Mattock said, “There really is something for everyone at this year’s 10 th  Eastbourne Walking Festival.

“The festival acts as a springboard to promoting the health and wellbeing benefits of discovering walking as a way of life and is carefully curated to provide something for everyone despite age or mobility.

“It has been designed to introduce and inspire visitors and residents of Eastbourne to the incredible trails, paths, and stories of discovery both in our beautiful Victorian town and in the South Downs National Park on our doorstep.

“The festival pulls together knowledgeable, experienced walk leaders and industry experts to put on a programme of strolls, walks and hikes during the 10-day event.”

For further information on the Eastbourne Walking Festival, visit  www.EastbourneWalkingFestival.com

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Eastbourne Walking Festival

The ever popular Eastbourne Walking Festival returns 18 – 27 September, encouraging visitors and residents to grab their walking boots and explore Eastbourne!

The 10 day festival is comprised of over 50 free-to-join guided walks, alongside a number of itineraries for self-guided walks around the town.

Eastbourne Borough Council Lead Cabinet Member for Tourism and Enterprise, Councillor Margaret Bannister said “This annual festival is a fantastic opportunity to showcase some of the amazing coast to country landscapes and famous landmarks that surround Eastbourne.

Walkers can enjoy a series of themed walks, ranging from Mindfulness and Wellbeing to the Archaeology of the Seven Sisters and even a Vintage Post Box walk!

With an anticipated increase in UK staycations for the remainder of the year, particularly those focused on getting out in the great outdoors, the Eastbourne Walking Festival will be a key driver for our town’s tourism industry.

Visitors can take comfort in the knowledge that Eastbourne’s accommodation providers, restaurants and services have worked incredibly hard implementing the necessary safety measures to successfully become COVID-ready, and what better place for a staycation than the UK’s sunniest town!”

To allow for social distancing, guided walks will have a limited capacity with walk leaders receiving additional training on leading walks safely to comply with current guidelines.

More information on the Eastbourne Walking Festival, including signing up to guided walks through the event’s online calendar, can be found on the brand new website,  www.eastbournewalkingfestival.com . With limited spaces available on each walk, book your space now to avoid disappointment.

Follow us an share your walking pictures, we would love to hear from you! Twitter – @EBLewesWalkFest Facebook – @EastbourneLewesWalkFest

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• COUNTRYSIDE WALKS Browse through a selection of self-guided walks in the beautiful countryside of the South Downs National Park
• TOWN WALKS Browse through a selection of self-guided town walks in Eastbourne and Lewes
• WHAT'S ON IN EASTBOURNE Find out what else there is to see and do during your visit to Eastbourne!
• WHAT'S ON IN LEWES Find out what else there is to see and do during you visit to Lewes!
• ACCOMMODATION Browse through hundreds of quirky and quaint places to stay in the South East and book through our official tourism websites!
• BECOME A WALK LEADER If you think you've got what it takes - find out more about how to take part in this year's festival

What is Eastbourne and Lewes Walking Festival?

Eastbourne and Lewes Walking Festival is a ten day event running from Friday 20 September through to Sunday 29 September 2019. The event acts as a springboard to a year round ongoing promotion of walking activities across the areas. This is an event for all ages that will encourage people to take a good walk on a regular basis, be it to improve their health and wellbeing or simply to learn new things and make friends. The festival aims to promote engagement in appreciation and conservation of the natural world from plant life, animal life and marine. There will be events taking place during the Festival based around this theme more so than the act of walking.

What can you expect to see during the Festival?

Participants will be able to choose from a selection of the most interesting urban and rural walks ranging from Eastbourne’s promenade all the way to the Twittens of Lewes. From historic Lewes town to our iconic cliffs in Seaford and Eastbourne through to the River Ouse, we invite you to find out more about the culture, history, and landscapes of one of the country’s most stunning regions. This is also a great opportunity for you to meet other walkers and find out more about the community walking groups in your area. The full list of walks on offer for you to sign up for, as well as other events happening during the Festival can be found by visiting the Walk Calendar.

What to do next

Browse through the website for inspiration on Self-Guided Walks in the area to take on yourself, with handy information available to help you along the way. Click through the Walk Calendar and find any walks that you would be interested in signing up for – once you’ve found them you can sign up for it on the same page. You will then receive an email confirming your space on this walk. If you need to find Accommodation in the area, we’ve got that covered too. You’ll be able to click through to the official tourism websites for Eastbourne, and Lewes, and book your perfect place to stay. If you have any other questions – please don’t hesitate to Contact Us . In the meantime, sign up to our free newsletter using the box to your right further up this page. Get cheap flights from Amsterdam ! Search for airline tickets, and book with lowcost.pro to save up to 55% on your airfare. 

While every effort is made to adhere to the details specified in the walk description, there may be the occasional last minute changes and walks may be cancelled at last minute due to the weather or ill health.  Please do book your walk in advance and let the walk leader know if you have to cancel. Please note, all of our walk leaders are volunteers and everyone taking part in any of these walks does so a their own risk. Participants are responsible for assessing their own risk, ability and safety. They are responsible for wearing appropriate footwear, waterproofs, drinking water and other equipment as needed.

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Eastbourne’s Smuggler’s Walking Festival

Eastbourne’s Smuggler’s Walking Festival gets underway on 17 September and is a great way to explore and discover some of the surrounding countryside as well as the area’s rich heritage. And who isn’t intrigued by this year’s description of the festival as involving, “ Smugglers Tales, An Ancient Pilgrimage Path and WWII Aerodrome …” . My boots have been cleaned and are ready to go.

Intrigue, fresh air and conversation … what’s not to love 

The Eastbourne Walking Festival features more than 50 free walks, which include a spot of mindfulness, as well as Nordic walking, historical outings, nature and even a brand new art trail.  Heritage Manager, Jo Seaman, will guide walkers from the Beachy Head Story through hidden coombes while pointing out archaeological discoveries and popular smugglers’ haunts from the 18 th and 19 th  century.

Andrew Durling from Eastbourne Pilgrimage Project, will also be revealing part of the ancient Old Way pilgrimage path to Canterbury while visiting Neolithic sites and the recently excavated Holywell Spring.  Other walks will highlight Eastbourne’s strong aviation links including the site of a WWI airship station and a WWII aerodrome, while bronze age burials will be revealed at the idyllic Crowlink.

Artist Fenya Sharkey will be leading a walk to the brand new Garden of Delights sculpture trail, which features an art trail across seven allotments. Urban walks will also celebrate Eastbourne’s “East End”, Old Town gardens and cemetery, the history of Ratton Estate – the former home of Lord Willingdon and Eastbourne’s “Radical History”.

These boots were made for walking 

Eastbourne Borough Council Lead Cabinet Member for Tourism and Culture, Cllr Margaret Bannister said, “ Walkers have never been more keen to put their best foot forward and our walk leaders have certainly managed to put on a fascinating and varied programme of walks this year, from gentle rambles and strolls along the prom, to challenging hikes across the Downs.”

Eastbourne’s Smuggler’s Walking Festival runs from 17 – 26 September, walks are free but must be booked in advance.  To book or for more information visit www.EastbourneWalkingFestival. com .

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Bourne2Walk Walk Eastbourne Walk Fest Trail

Eastbourne and Lewes Walk Fest has added a special trail to its walking programme, which as well as linking seven locations around Eastbourne, offers participants the chance to win some fantastic prizes too.

Local letter press print maker Clare Sommerville-Perkins has designed eight unique and bold festival prints which walkers can locate by creating their own walking route to navigate around Eastbourne.

By picking up a trail card at any of the seven participating venues, walkers will receive a stamp following the purchase of a drink. Once all the venues have been visited, completed cards should then be taken to the Welcome Building reception in Devonshire Park where they will be entered into a prize draw.

The venues taking part in the Bourne2Walk Trail are: The Hydro Hotel, Bella’s Cafe (Eastbourne Station), Eastbourne Downs Golf Course, Tennis in the Park Café (Gildredge Park), The Beach Deck, Towner Gallery and the Stage Door pub.

The Bourne2Walk trail has been created by Antonia Lucas from Walk Eastbourne together with Eastbourne and Lewes Walk Fest organisers, Eastbourne Borough and Lewes District Council.

Commenting on the trail, Antonia Lucas said: “The Bourne2Walk trail is a great way for walkers to explore different areas of Eastbourne, finding their own ways to navigate between the participating venues.  Clare has brilliantly captured the spirit of walking in each of her prints by using letterpress and vibrant colour to illustrate each day of the festival in a unique way and different prints can be viewed in each of the locations.  The trail can be walked in one day or spread out over a couple of days, but don’t forget to submit completed cards by 30 September.”

There are a number of great prizes up for grabs for those who visit all the venues, these include:

• Overnight accommodation for 2 people, with breakfast, at The Hydro Hotel
• Tennis coaching lesson
• Golf lesson for 2 with a pro
• A personalised tour of The Houses of Parliament
• A Towner Gallery curator’s tour of the collection
• A case of Harvey’s beer

The prize winners will be drawn on Monday 30th September 2019 at 2.00 pm.

The Bourne2Walk trail forms part of the Eastbourne and Lewes Walk Fest which starts on Friday 20 September and runs through until 29 September. 

During the ten day festival, walkers can choose from over 70 superb guided strolls around Eastbourne, Lewes and the South Downs, most of which are free.

All walks are listed in the festival brochure, available from Eastbourne or Lewes Tourist Information Centres, and can also be booked via the website www.eastbourneandleweswalkfest.org

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Eastbourne ALIVE Walking Tours

Eastbourne town centre, saturday 10, saturday 17 & saturday 24 february 2024.

You asked, we listened - the popular Eastbourne ALIVE Walking Tours are back! Eastbourne is ALIVE with art and creativity waiting to be discovered. To accompany the Turner Prize 2023 exhibition at Towner, a series of works have been installed in the town as part of Eastbourne ALIVE.

Over three Saturdays in February, people of all ages are invited to join walking tours of the works to find out more about the artists and stories behind them. The tours will be led by young ambassadors who are part of the pool of volunteers for Eastbourne ALIVE and Talent Accelerator, earning their work experience badges or gaining valuable insight into creative careers.

Participants will visit works including 2019 Turner Prize winner Helen Cammock’s  Garden  stretching across Eastbourne’s Winter Garden. The title is a reference to the building as a place where people have gathered, and communities have grown. Nathan Coley was shortlisted for Turner Prize in 2007 and his text sculpture  I Don’t Have Another Land is now on the façade of Eastbourne Library, inviting audiences to look again at the world around us, and ultimately, ourselves. On Terminus Road, Eve De Haan’s work It’s nicer to be nice, a healing garden , sparks conversations about well-being. The invisible enemy should not exist (Lamassu of Nineveh)  is a work by Iraqi American artist Michael Rakowitz, who reconstructed the original winged bull that used to stand at the Nergal Gate, northern Iraq, from 700 B.C until February 2015, when ISIS destroyed it. Grace Lau’s pop-up at Victoria Place Portraits in a Chinese Studio will give participants a chance to pose for a photograph in celebration of the Lunar New Year 2024.

In addition to these major works, the tour will stop at exciting public space interventions commissioned by Eastbourne ALIVE delivery partners Compass Arts and Devonshire Collective: from a shop at The Beacon turned into exhibition space to a compelling mural by Nadina Ali at the Eastbourne Redoubt seafront.

Eastbourne ALIVE Walking Tours will take place on Saturday 10, Saturday 17 and Saturday 24 February, all starting at 10.30am.

Limited spaces, book your free tickets here Route for all tours: 10.30am-1.00pm (2,5h) 

📍Eastbourne Station – meet up location! 📍Eastbourne Library – I Don’t Have Another Land by Nathan Coley 📍Terminus Road, The Beacon – A Big Conversation by Compass Arts 📍Terminus Road – It’s nicer to be nice, a healing garden by Eve De Haan 📍Victoria Place – Portraits in a Chinese Studio by Grace Lau 📍Victoria Place – Jason Bruges Studio x Eastbourne Experiments 📍Marine Parade Gardens – superstructure (public image) by Madeleine Pledge 📍Eastbourne Redoubt – Love, Empathy, Respect, Dignity by Nadina Ali 📍Eastbourne Pier – Still life by Adam Moore 📍Winter Garden – Garden by Helen Cammock 📍Towner Plaza – The invisible enemy should not exist (Lamassu of Nineveh) by Michael Rakowitz Opportunity to visit the Turner Prize 2023 exhibition at Towner Eastbourne

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