Seven Sisters From Visitors’ Centre

This walk covers the path from the Seven Sisters Visitors’ Centre to Haven Brows and ends at Flagstaff Brow.

Follow the entire walk . The route map is available on .

The Seven Sisters, a series of majestic chalk cliffs situated along the English Channel, are a defining feature of the South Downs in East Sussex, nestled between Seaford and Eastbourne in southern England. These cliffs, residing within the Seven Sisters Country Park, represent the remnants of dry valleys carved into the chalk South Downs, now progressively eroding under the force of the sea.

This remarkable collection of white chalk cliffs within the South Downs National Park epitomizes dramatic coastal scenery and natural splendour. Formed from the sedimentation of microorganisms, the cliffs dramatically contrast with the English Channel’s waters. The brows of these cliffs are adorned with verdant grasslands, blending natural and cultivated landscapes that provide sweeping vistas for walkers and nature lovers alike. The cliffs’ bases, known as the bottom, feature pebble-strewn beaches and tidal foreshores, continuously sculpted by the sea’s tidal forces and the chalk’s susceptibility to erosion.

The cliffs extend from west to east, starting just east of Cuckmere Haven, with each peak and intervening dip bearing its name. The sequence comprises seven prominent hills, with an eighth gradually forming as the sea continues its relentless erosion. From west to east, the named features are Haven Brow, Short Brow, Rough Brow, Brass Point, Flagstaff Brow, Flat Hill, Baily’s Hill, and Went Hill Brow.

The monument at Flagstaff Brow honors Captain William Charles Campbell, DSO, MC* (27 April 1889 – 26 February 1958), a World War I fighter pilot of Scottish descent. Captain Campbell, credited with 23 victories during his service, flew with No. 1 Squadron in 1917 and gained recognition as a prominent “balloon buster.” He distinguished himself by becoming the first British ace to shoot down five enemy observation balloons. In addition to these feats, he was credited with the destruction of eleven enemy aircraft and was involved in seven engagements where enemy planes were driven down out of control, including two shared victories.

Enhancing the region’s geographic allure, the Cuckmere River meanders through the valley, creating an estuarine landscape of salt marshes and wetlands. The area beyond the cliffs, characterized by the rolling hills and valleys of the South Downs, is a picturesque blend of farmland, woodland, and open spaces. This diverse and ecologically significant landscape, safeguarded within the national park, highlights the Seven Sisters’ environmental importance and beauty, cementing its status as an iconic part of England’s coastal legacy.