WALK
NEWHAVEN & PIDDINGHOE
WALK
Fancy a walk that combines coastal lookouts and cliffs, an old smugglers haven and a riverside ramble? Then do as Robert Veitch did and head to Newhaven and Piddinghoe for a glorious walk among interesting and varied landscape containing some remarkable views
F
rom West Quay car park head south along the pavement, beside the River Ouse, passing jetties, dolphins and boats along the way, accompanied by a whiff of iodine, seaside and quayside aromas, plus the squawking of gulls. After 500m the path turns sharp
right, around the marina to join West Quay. Continue along the pavement to the mini roundabout, before turning left into Fort Road. After 200m turn right by the lamppost adorned with the green ‘Seahaven Coastal Trail’ sign. The route wends a way up into Castle Hill Nature Looking south into Newhaven Marina
The Old Coastguard Lookout
Beside the River Ouse
Reserve, getting steeper beyond the 1.8m (5’11”) height limit, before swinging hard left, then bearing right, past the barrier where the drive splits. Keep climbing uphill, easing around to the right as the gradient starts to reduce and the roadway narrows. Turn left at The Old Coastguard Lookout and take the steps to the former gun battery. Under clear skies the view of the east pier and west pier arms, plus the coastline towards Seaford and Seaford Head will make the ascent worthwhile. Once the appetite for scenery is satiated, head west and follow the grassy path down steps through the flowering gorse and then along the cliff top. The path hugs the cliff edge, so take extreme care because there is no fence. Note the wild geraniums near Old Nore Point, clinging to the very edge of existence.
At the brow, turn and view the ground already covered, then continue west towards Peacehaven and Brighton, both easily visible ahead. At Cheyne Gap, the path sneaks inland to cross the day’s solitary footbridge, then it’s over a small brow and downhill. About 50m before the eastern periphery of Peacehaven, turn right at the fingerpost.
A whiff of iodine and the squawking of gulls Aim uphill, following the concrete drive to the yellow barrier and the sound of traffic. After the natural sounds of the coastline, the sound of modernity overwhelms the ears. Cross the A259 at the traffic island, then turn right and follow the pavement uphill, turning left 150m past the caravan park, into Maple Road. May 2022 | SUSSEX LIVING 119
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May 22 Walk – Newhaven.indd 119
21/04/2022 14:28
