South Downs Sociable Walking Weekend - The Seven Sisters
Join Large Outdoors for a sociable walking weekend as we explore the Seven Sisters. Sit back and mingle with your fellow walkers while our team prepares home-cooked meals and plans great walks in the local area.
Experience Type: Multi-Day Experience
Duration: 2 nights
Accommodation: Hostel
Group Size: Maximum 30
Level: Active
Age: 18+
Dogs: No dogs, except trained assistance dogs
Public Transport: This trip is accessible by public transport, its either a 40 minute walk from Eastbourne Train Station or you can jump on the 12x Coaster bus. Please see the Meeting Location & Time section below for full details.
In a Nutshell:
Experience one of the south coast’s most famous landmarks, the Seven Sisters, and more on sociable walks led by friendly Large Outdoors guides.
Take in some of the South Downs Way’s “greatest hits” without committing to the full 100-mile trek.
Relax with a great group of fellow walkers at one of the brilliant local pubs, or at our comfortable hostel accommodation.
Enjoy delicious meals prepared by your Large Outdoors host - all included.
Book today…
Discover the Beauty of the South Coast: A Social Walking Weekend with Large Outdoors!
Join us for a social and relaxed walking weekend with Large Outdoors, based at the charming YHA Eastbourne. Nestled on the edge of Eastbourne, this venue offers easy access by both car and public transport, placing us right on the doorstep of the Seven Sisters and the stunning South Coast.
At Large Outdoors, we pride ourselves on bringing together fellow walkers for a weekend of new friendships, cherished memories, and plenty of laughter—a perfect pick-me-up for anyone in need. Our friendly hosts will warmly welcome you and ensure you're well-fed with delicious home-cooked meals. Plus, they'll take care of all the walk arrangements and guiding, leaving you free to focus on making connections.
Over two delightful days, we'll explore the captivating coastline, immersing ourselves in the beauty of the Seven Sisters and beyond. It's the ideal opportunity to unwind, make new friends, and enjoy the wonders of nature.
South Downs Walking Weekend Itinerary
Here’s what we’ve got planned - of course, we may have to offer alternatives or make amendments if the weather misbehaves or other unexpected situations arise!
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You’re welcome to arrive at our accommodation from 5pm, where you’ll be greeted by your Large Outdoors host for the weekend. Your task this evening is to grab a cuppa, make yourself at home, and get to know your fellow walkers. Our accommodation features great social areas where the conversation will soon be flowing!
We’ll serve a hearty, home-cooked meal at 8pm this evening, during which your host for the weekend will talk you through the plans for the weekend’s walks.
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After breakfast and packing up our lunches for the day, we’ll head out on our first South Downs walk of the weekend. Today, we’ll head in the direction of the spectacular Seven Sisters chalk cliffs. Our route may include a journey on a local bus (fare not included).
The Seven Sisters, a series of peaks and dips with names like Haven Brown and Rough Bottom, are one of the UK’s most recognisable coastal features. Our active walk today takes in breathtaking views across the English Channel from start to finish, including the iconic lighthouse at Beachy Head. We could even stop for refreshments at the popular Birling Gap’s National Trust café.
The route will offer plenty of opportunities to take photos (it’s an extremely photogenic area!) and soak up the fresh coastal air.
After our day’s walking is done, we’ll return to our accommodation, before another sociable dinner prepared by your host. The evening is then yours to while away, sharing stories and laughs with your fellow walkers.
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Today, after breakfast and packing up our belongings, we’ll check out of the hostel and head out for a half-day walk around the area’s hills, meadows, or wildlife-rich woodlands nearby.
We’ll aim to finish at around lunchtime. Perhaps you’d like to join your fellow participants for a final group lunch before we it’s time to say goodbye and head home.
Essential Information
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For our South Downs Walking Weekend, we have exclusive use of YHA Eastbourne, on the outskirts of the East Sussex town of Eastbourne. Less than half a mile from the South Downs Way, it’s the perfect base for our weekend’s walks.
Accommodation is single-sex shared, with en-suite facilities to all rooms. We’ll make good use of the comfortable communal areas for relaxing in the mornings and evenings, enjoying meals and a glass or two of wine together.
All bedding is provided, but please bring a towel and toiletries.
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Venue Address
YHA Eastbourne
East Dean Road
Eastbourne
East Sussex
BN20 8ESwhat3words: ///task.shared.lights
Nearest train station: Eastbourne (1.5 miles away)
Bus: The 12A and 12X buses stop outside the accommodation. Please check up-to-date timetables for information.
Parking: There is limited free parking at the accommodation.
Car shares / taxi share or travel buddy: You can use the Large Outdoors Members Group on Facebook to request or offer travel buddies or taxi sharing.
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Included:
2 nights’ accommodation at YHA Eastbourne.
2 days of guided walking in the South Downs area.
Hearty, home-cooked meals on the Friday and Saturday nights.
Continental-style breakfasts each morning.
A packed lunch for your Saturday walk.
Teas (including decaf and herbal options), coffee (including decaf option), and soft drinks at the accommodation.
Pre-event support from the Large Outdoors team.
Not Included:
Travel to and from the venue.
Any extra excursions or activities that incur a cost.
Alcoholic drinks - please feel free to bring a bottle! There are options in Eastbourne if you’d like to go to a pub or buy alcohol.
Any food or drinks purchased at any pubs or cafés visited.
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Please see our Multi-Day Experience Kit List.
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What level of fitness is needed?
This trip is rated Active.
Can I attend on my own?
Absolutely! In fact, the majority of our attendees are solo travellers.
When should I arrive?
You are welcome to arrive from 5pm onwards on Friday evening. Your host will be at the venue ready to greet you, and dinner will be served at 8pm. If you intend to arrive after 10pm, please let us know.
I’d prefer vegetarian or vegan meals - can this be arranged?
Yes, absolutely! We will always supply a vegetarian or vegan meal, but please note this must be requested well ahead of the trip - the remote location of our accommodation means we can’t pop out to buy additional ingredients. Complete the dietary section during the booking process and if your dietary needs change ahead of the trip please email the office and we’ll update your booking.
I’d prefer gluten-free meals - can this be arranged?
We will provide meals using gluten-free ingredients, but due to the shared nature of the kitchen we cannot provide strictly gluten-free meals. Please let us know you’d like gluten-free ingredients ahead of time by completing the dietary section during the booking process.
I am allergic to a specific ingredient - can you provide meals for me?
Due to the shared nature of the kitchen we are unable to provide meals suitable for those suffering from many allergies. Please contact the office before booking to discuss your requirements.
What transport is provided during this trip?
We do not provide transportation during this trip.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are not allowed on this trip, except for registered assistance dogs.
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Situated near Eastbourne, the Seven Sisters cliffs offer a rugged and scenic walking experience. These chalk cliffs, standing tall and majestic, overlook the English Channel, providing stunning views of the coastline. The environment is characterized by the raw beauty of the coastal landscape, with its eroded cliffs and rocky outcrops.
Walking along the cliff-top paths, you'll encounter diverse flora and fauna adapted to the harsh coastal conditions. The terrain varies from gentle slopes to steep inclines, offering a range of walking challenges for enthusiasts. With its unspoiled natural beauty and rich biodiversity, the Seven Sisters area is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
This map is provided for guidance regarding the general location. For detailed meeting information, please refer to the 'Meeting Time & Location' section.