I am about to be alone for a long chunk of time as my husband goes off to work abroad, so as part of staying positive and making the best of things, I decide to book onto a trip with Explorers Connect to walk the Seven Sisters, a series of chalk cliffs on England's south coast. I figure an outdoorsy weekend with like-minded people will help ease the loneliness, and give me something to look forward to during an otherwise difficult time.
Rather than driving, I opt to make it more of an adventure (and avoid London traffic) by taking the train from my local station, Beaconsfield, to Seaford on the south coast. From there I took a taxi the short journey to the Alfriston YHA, where our small group was booked in for the weekend. Heading to the local pub, the group eventually all arrives and we become acquainted over hearty food, good beer, and great stories.
Saturday morning is cold and clear, a relief after all of the rain we have had which led to sections of path being closed due to the water damage. We set out for a hike along the Sussex Heritage Coast, joining the coast at Cuckmere Valley and following part of the South Downs Way National Trail.
We hike along, pausing to take in sights, enjoying the famous white cliffs.
At Birling Gap we stop off to look at these houses. The soft chalk erodes quickly, particularly during any storms, and photographs from different years show the steady retreat of the cliff top. This terrace used to be much longer before houses were lost one by one to nature's destructive progress:
Further along, we pass these beautiful wild ponies, all shaggy and cuddly in their winter coats.
We encounter lighthouses too, both high on the cliff and closer to the sea.
The undulating cliff top path continues further, the weak winter sun giving atmosphere to the views.
Eventually we reach Beachy Head, the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain, and thus notorious as a site for suicides.
Luckily it also has a pub, so we head there for food and refreshment before taking a more direct hiking route back to the YHA - and its own nearby pubs for dinner.
The next day, Sunday, is the final day of the weekend, and kayaking is on the menu. It is really cold, so we all wrap up warm. We have a choice of entry methods to get onto the river - I go for the seal launch down the wooden steps. Great fun!
We have a simple paddle up the river, with a short break on the bank before returning.
Basic paddling, but good to be out and especially with such great company. This was definitely a good idea :)
