BSumC 2019: The Seven Sisters and Friston Forest Walk
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This is one of the events organised as part of BIG Summer Camp 2019.
Tick one walk off your ‘bucket-list’ and join Chris and your ODL Summer Camp buddies on what is perhaps the most iconic walk in the South, the South Downs Way over the Seven Sisters. This rugged (rather hilly) stretch of stunning chalk cliffs between Cuckmere Haven and Birling Gap offers amazing views out in the Channel and is a nesting site for a range of sea birds.
Starting from Exceat, our route will follow the Cuckmere River and take us through the Seven Sisters Country Park, across the cliffs themselves to Birling Gap and on towards Beachy Head for views of the famous lighthouse. From there we will make our way back inland, crossing back through Friston Forrest to Exceat.
The walk distance is a about 10 miles / 17km and will take about 6 hours. As you may have guessed, there’s quite a bit of elevation (up and down) with each of ‘The Sisters’ being about a 60m climb. Whilst it is quite a strenuous walk, we will take our time and keep to a relaxed pace for the group to enjoy.
What to bring
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking, trainers are OK if the ground is dry and there’s little chance of rain
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated
Food & drink
You will need to bring a packed lunch, snacks and plenty of water. There are a couple of cafe along the way to pick bits up.