SOUTH EAST
03. Kemptown, East Sussex
Distance: 6.8 miles/10.9km | Time: 4.5 hours | Grade: Moderate | Total ascent: 55m
Right in the heart of Brighton, the community of Kemptown enjoys stunning sea views and hosts iconic open-air concerts. The new Sea Lanes National Open Water Swimming Centre adds to the charm with its 50m-long, 1.3m-deep lido. It’s the perfect place to start a captivating coastal walk, which winds through the impressive Roedean Estate and across the South Downs to Beacon Hill, before returning via the picturesque Undercliff Walk. Complete your tour of the area with a swim in the heated outdoor lido, or a more invigorating dip in the cool waters of Sussex Bay.
1. START
Begin your journey at Sea Lanes on Madeira Drive. Head east along the seafront, staying right with Madeira Drive where Duke’s Mound branches off left. Shortly after, look for a path leading up into trees. There are several paths, so don’t worry if you miss the first. Pick a route east along the terraced hillside beneath Kemptown until you reach an underpass on the left; take it to join the clifftop path beside Marine Drive. As you ascend, marvel at the stunning views of Brighton’s coastline. Follow the clifftop path for a mile.
2. 1.7 MILES
As the impressive buildings of Roedean School get closer, look for a car park on the left just beyond Roedean Road. Take one of the grassy paths away from the sea alongside the school’s left-hand boundary. Just after the entrance to Roedean School, turn right on to the public footpath.
The path climbs behind the school through fields, offering glimpses of the prestigious campus and its magnificent buildings. Follow the path for half a mile as it winds east across the South Downs, where you will be rewarded with vast views of the English Channel and Brighton’s cityscape. The way drops to Greenways Road.
3. 2.6 MILES
Join the road opposite (Beacon Hill), climbing for 200m. Where the road veers left, take the footpath to the right up to Beacon Hill (65m), an ideal spot for a rest and a chance to take in the sweeping vistas.
4. 3 MILES
Descend south-east from the hilltop through vibrant wildflower meadows to pass Rottingdean Windmill. Aim for the left corner of the field and walk down to Marine Drive via Sheep Walk. Turn left, then shortly after right on to Rottingdean’s High Street to reach the seafront.
5. 3.7 MILES
Turn right on to the Undercliff Walk, a remarkable coastal path that stretches for three miles along the base of the chalk cliffs. Enjoy the smell of salty sea air as you walk back towards Sea Lanes. Swim at Sea Lanes pool (members only), or enjoy a refreshing dip in the sea.
USEFUL INFO
Starting point
Sea Lanes National Open Water Swimming Centre, BN2 5TS. Limited street parking. Accessible by bus (routes 12, 12A or 27).
Terrain
Pavements, coast path, and gentle ascents/descents on the South Downs. Not wheelchair/pushchair friendly.
Map
OS Explorer OL11
Swim
Swim in the sea beside Brighton Pier. You need to be a member of Sea Lanes to use the 50m heated outdoor pool. sealanesbrighton.co.uk
In association with
