The steps at Birling Gap enable you to reach the beach below.
Warning: Be aware of the tide times so you don't get stranded. Keep away from the cliffs due to falling rocks. Wear appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear. The rocks can be very slippery. Let others know where you are. Carry a mobile phone or radio. In case of emergency dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.
Birling Gap Steps
Beach Access
Access to the beach is via the steps at Birling Gap at the southern end of the car park via a walkway that extends from the cliff.
There are only three points of access to the beach nearby.
Birling Gap Car Park
Birling Gap Steps
The steps lead down from the cliff top to the beach below.
The cliff height at this point is around 30 feet or just over 9 metres high.
The steps maybe closed during bad weather.
Birling Gap Steps to Beach
Cuckmere Haven
At the eastern end of the Seven Sisters is the estuary of Cuckmere Haven. It is approximately 2.36 miles or 3.79 km.
Whilst the first quarter of the walk will be on pebbles, the remaining three quarters will be on very slippery, seaweed covered chalk beds. Take it slow and take it steady. Allow between two to three hours due to the awkward terrain.
Cuckmere Haven Beach Access
Cow Gap
This walk will take you underneath the Belle Tout lighthouse and past the Beachy Head lighthouse and is a distance of 2.91 miles or 4.68 km.
The walk can be quite treacherous with recent cliff falls and huge chalk boulders that you will need to either go around of climb over.
Allow three to four hours for this walk and take very great care.
Cow Gap Beach Access
Beach Exits
Always be aware of the time of high tide and where you are in relation to an exit point. If you can't make it back to the original starting point via the beach it is suggested to get back via the cliff top.
Don't take risks as as a very high tide could cut you off completely and you could drown.
Birling Gap Steps and Beach Access
After severe weather or recent cliff falls the steps which provide access to the beach at Birling Gap are likely to be closed.
Before visiting, please check on the National Trust website for the latest beach access information.
