Paddleboarding-Exceat to Alfriston

Paddleboarding-Exceat to Alfriston

A tide assisted paddle up and ever narrowing and meandering river to a village steeped in history, with views of the undulating chalklands of the South Downs opening before you. To your right, Friston Forest cloaks the hills, while the Litlington White Horse, etched into Hindover Hill, seems to gallop above the river.

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

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 Exceat 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 Litlingdon cream tea in dappled sunlight in this friendly hidden gem of a café, Litlingdon Tea Gardens, tel. 01323 870222; refreshing beer in great location in Long Man Brewery, tel. 01323 871 850; great food and garden in lovely 17^th century pub, The Plough and Harrow, tel. 01323 870632. Alfriston lovely pub garden backing onto village green, Six Bells, tel. 01323 870811.

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.

Special points

Timing is key to this tidal trip, start approx. 2.5hrs before HW or as soon as the water reaches the wooden steps leading from the meander onto the river. This will give you plenty of time to visit the village, relax and catch the ebb back to the steps without having to get caught in the mud banks below the steps on your return.

Exceat to Alfriston Paddleboard Route