We signed up for the January AAC walk... this was to be from Brighton to
Newhaven along the coast path, an part of West Sussex we had not been on, so I
was expecting a wander around the coast path and beaches. Not a quiet and
secluded as I would have liked, but I guess for those from London it was. The
day did not start well as we circled Brighton looking for the station car
park. Not very well sign posted and we did end up going around in several
circles before arriving just in time at the covered entrance. I had chosen the
station car park as it was an all day price, and so freed us from any time
constraints, however I should have brought the sat. nav. as well.
The car park was at the northern entrance to the station, so we walked around
the side of the tracks to the front and latched on to a likely looking bunch
of people waiting in the foyer. A bit nervous and snappy to start with, but
calmed down later in the walk as things settled down, we signed in and once
everyone else had arrived set off down to the beach.
Extremely busy (in our view) we walked through the streets down to the
promenade. The beach here was empty apart from a few hardy souls, but we kept to
the busier promenade.
We did eventually drop down to the beach as we neared the Palace pier, and past
the fishing museum.
Then on past the arches of Madera terrace - currently being renovated, and on
the other side the Volt electric railway. AS we passed Keptown we moved onto the
beach (albeit on a metalized track laid over the pebbles).
Approaching the marina, there was still an "all weather" track we were on as it
passed a lot of shingle "management" on the beaches. At the marina, we had to
climb up in several zigzags to the top of the cliffs as the coast path was shut
- a shame really.
Looking out over the marina to the sea beyond.
On the top of the cliff we followed a wide section of grass between the cliff
edge and the A259, past Roedean school. Once we wee past the cliff danger area
we could drop down once more to the coast path - still a very urbanised walkway
with its inherent danger of cyclists and crowds.
We continued along the edge of the beach passing Rottingdean using the concreted
walkway beneath the cliffs.
Underneath Rottingdean still on this pedestrianised "access for all" pathway
Until we could climb up the cliffs near the leisure pool at the boundary to
Saltdean. I suspect the coast walk would have continued here, but I think this
was to climb up for easier access to the pub later! It did mean we climbed up to
the monument on the slight rise at the end of Saltdean.
From the war memorial, it was a short walk across the grassy swath to the pub
and lunch. Actually better than it looked from outside, and because service we
very quick we did not have to linger for vey long.
After lunch we continued along cliff top grassy area, passing Telscombe.
Into Peacehaven and the Greenwich Meridian memorial
From the memorial we could now see across to the start of the Seven Sisters
beyond the inlet for Newhaven. The ferry from Dieppe was just coming in. We also
passed some steps going down proving that there was a path on the beach side.
In place of walking around the end of the promontory and passing the fort, we
went inland and up Peacehaven heights, [passing the less luxurious areas along
this coastline.
Next following a grubby track past a holiday camp and up Rushy Hill and the TV
mast. This was supposed to save a kilometre on the walk, however we diverted
down a residential street (ostensibly to avoid a muddy section) which voided any
savings.
This tedious walk down the hill on pavements ended opposite the ferry berth, and views out to the harbour entrance.
We then followed the quays alongside the harbour up to the swing bridge, and across it to get to arrive at the railway station. From here it was a 15 min wait for the next train to Brighton, and a 30 min train ride. Thankfully the car was close by and everyone else slept while I drove home.
