Paddleboarding-Cuckmere Haven to Seven Sisters

Paddleboarding-Cuckmere Haven to Seven Sisters

This advanced paddleboarding trip is perfect for those with strong technical and route planning skills. The reward is a stunning trip to Sussex’s only river mouth untouched by a port, and a chance to glide along one of England’s most iconic coastlines.

A full route description can be found in our book Paddleboarding South East

Distance to Cuckmere Haven 4.8km (return); to Beachy Head 6.4km (one way)

Paddling environment: 3 on Cuckmere River, 5 on coast

Route map https://islandeering.co./interactive-map

Access restrictions No licence required

Parking South Downs Country Park Car Park (charges), East Dean Road, Cuckmere Valley, Exceat, BN25 4AD. Grid ref. TV 518 994; What3Words blanks.throat.converter

Launching riverside adjacent to car park

Pitstops café in charming historic 16th Century farmhouse, Saltmarsh Farmhouse and Kitchen, opposite car park, tel. 07932 686121; fabulous views for a pint, close to the Exceat Bridge, The Cuckmere Inn, tel. 01323 892247; National Trust café, Birling Gap, tel. 01323 423197; if returning via East Dean stop at its the 15th Century village pub, The Tiger Inn, tel. 01323 423209

Lessons, hire and tours Buzz Active in the South Downs Car Park www.buzzactive.org.uk/locations/buzz-cuckmere/ , tel. 01323 463300

Getting there Exceat on A259 between Seaford and Eastbourne; bus return from Birling Gap on Coaster X3 from East Dean to Exceat www.buses.co.uk/services/BH/13X

Special points

The wooden steps down to the river from the meander are in a poor state so take care. Below the steps the mud banks are particularly gloopy and only covered approx. 2-2.5hrs either side of HW.  If going one way to Beachy Head, leave ideally around HW to benefit from the slack or ebbing tide down the river but giving you enough time to get to Birling Gap before mid ebb.  Check wind and swell conditions before you leave at https://www.surfline.com/surf-report/birling-gap/613bcd30aef7046f44c02f20

Cuckmere River, Exceat to Seven Sisters Paddleboard route