3.7 of 5 (8 votes)

The nose of the Downs

A moderate walk (low hills and fells (below 600m)) in national park South Downs starting and finishing in East Sussex, England, about 14.90km (9.26 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 4:45h. It is unsuitable for families with children, prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent 186m (610ft)
Descent 194m (636ft)
Max. Elevation 200m (656ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss 380m (1246ft)
Start
Polegate
End
Eastbourne
Distance 14.90km
(9.26mi)
Duration ~4:45h
Difficulty  
Moderate
Car Free Walks TeamCreated by Timwoods on 08 Feb 2016
While the South Downs is bets known as a west-east walk, the final section can be done on a north-south axis. The Downs come to a blunt end just before the town of Eastbourne, and this walk from nearby Polegate gives you a taste of them from another, non-seaview angle. There are regular trains between Polegate and Eastbourne.

Walk Functions

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Walk Map

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Waypoints

OS Grid TQ583047
Take the train to Polegate station.
OS Grid TQ580046
Turn left onto the High Street and head past the church.
About 0.26 km (~0.16 miles) from
OS Grid TQ574033
At Wannock Farm, take the footpath that skirts beneath the Downs.
About 1.44 km (~0.89 miles) from
OS Grid TQ581028
Outside Willingdon, the path heads up Combe Hill and onto the South Downs.
About 0.81 km (~0.5 miles) from
OS Grid TQ576022
From the top, you will be greeted with stunning views across to the sea.
About 0.72 km (~0.45 miles) from
OS Grid TQ576010
Head along the Wealdway until it crosses the South Downs Way. Here, turn left onto the latter as it hugs the edge of the downs overlooking the woodland below.
About 1.23 km (~0.76 miles) from
OS Grid TV584988
The path passes just above the Eastbourne Youth Hostel.
About 2.38 km (~1.48 miles) from
OS Grid TV591972
Things start to get busier as you pass Black Robin Farm and encounter the day trippers at Beachy Head.
About 1.69 km (~1.05 miles) from
OS Grid TV589958
Continue on to the famous landmark for the stunning views.
About 1.43 km (~0.89 miles) from
OS Grid TV594957
Follow the steep slope down to the lower path, which leads into Eastbourne.
About 0.43 km (~0.27 miles) from
OS Grid TV600969
Continue along the path as it reaches the town.
About 1.37 km (~0.85 miles) from
OS Grid TV607976
The path follows Eastbourne's long seafront.
About 0.99 km (~0.62 miles) from
OS Grid TV617988
The best place to finish the walk is Eastbourne pier, preferably with a bag of chips. There are buses from here to Eastbourne station, or it's a 15 minute walk.
About 1.59 km (~0.99 miles) from

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