.svg)
1-day Chalk men and winding river: Alfriston to Seven Sisters
Wander through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Sussex, from the chalk-cut Long Man to the Oxbows of Cuckmere Haven, culminating in the Seven Sisters white cliffs. With BPT's historian and naturalist Dawn Champion.
Join us for a one-day guided pilgrimage from Alfriston, weaving through some of the most evocative sacred places of the South Downs. We begin in Alfriston, with St Andrews built on a mysterious mound before rising to Wilmington and pausing beneath its ancient yew tree. We then ascend to the iconic Long Man of Wilmington, whose vast chalk outline watches over the valley like a timeless guardian.
Our path continues to the quiet beauty of Litlington and tiny Lullington Church, one of England’s smallest, before wandering through Friston Forest and discovering the views that inspired Eric Ravillious. After following the gentle oxbows of the River Cuckmere we finish on the shingle at Cuckmere Haven, standing beneath the soaring Seven Sisters white cliffs—a perfect place to reflect, breathe, and let the day settle into the heart.
The Cuckmere valley can be dynamic at this time of year - we may be met with a day of hushed wintry peace and stillness, or a wild day of wind and crashing waves. We'll let the land write our journey and see what it inspires as we go.
About your guide
Dawn Champion is a historian, naturalist and pilgrim whose rural upbringing has given her a deep love of the land. After a career with English Heritage and the Wildlife Trusts, she now works for the British Pilgrimage Trust, reviving a culture of pilgrimage and helping more people discover the benefits of this ancient tradition with modern meaning.
Travel Arrangements
If driving, meet at the Seven Sisters Country Park car park at 9.45am for a lift share to the start point. This will mean your car is waiting at the end and is a much easier way of finishing the journey. Parking costs around £7 for all day. Some of the group will take others to Alfriston and be returned to their vehicles at the end of the day.
If coming by public transport, meet at The Tye outside St Andrew's Church at 10.15am. Buses connect you to Alfriston for the start, or from Exceat at the end. The nearest train station for Alfriston is Berwick, we recommend booking a taxi if you need to transfer at the start of the day. The Exceat buses connect to Eastbourne or Seaford train stations.
Toilet Facilities - There toilets at the beginning and end of this journey. Please bring anything you might need for calls of nature along the way.
Who can come? Anyone over 18 (or under 18 with parental guidance, bearing in mind the walking distance).
Is this religious? This is a faith-neutral pilgrimage including a variety of traditions and practices. We operate a “Bring Your Own Beliefs” policy, where pilgrims can choose when to engage and participate. We ask that all pilgrims respect one another, whatever their beliefs.
Will I be asked to share my feelings with the group? We like to keep things light and breezy, so there will be no group emotional sharing moments, even though people may be coming for emotional reasons. If you want to share your feelings in personal conversation when walking with others that is up to you, but certainly not compulsory.
Are there fitness or access limitations? This route involves stiles, steep hills, and conditions may be muddy underfoot in places. Pilgrimage is moderately intense; if you find walking all day a challenge, this type of pilgrimage may be an unsuitable activity for you right now. Unfortunately this pilgrimage is not suited for mobility-impaired people or those requiring wheeled access due to the terrain. If you have other access needs please get in touch to discuss how we can best include your individual requirements. There is one big hill, and some smaller ascents of 40 - 50 metres by path or steps.
Can I bring my dog? Sadly not - we can’t accommodate dogs on our guided pilgrimages. However, if you have a registered assistance dog, they are welcome.
Do you offer concessions? We offer some free or discounted places to pilgrims on certain types of income-related Universal Credit, PIP, DLA ESA , JSA etc. Contact us to find out if you qualify.
What does the price cover? This pilgrimage is a fundraiser for registered charity British Pilgrimage Trust. 20% of the ticket fee is VAT. 10% of funds raised are donated to the places we visit along the route. Around 50% of your ticket covers the costs of providing the journey, including research and route surveys. Any remaining funds support our charitable work including thousands for free resources to enable people to make their own journeys. For more details about our charitable activities, please check here.
What is your refund policy? See our full policy on cancellations, postponements and ticket transfers here: https://www.britishpilgrimage.org/resources/guided-pilgrimage-refund-policy
If you would like to make a donation to support a place for someone on low income, please click here.
Date and time
About this event
.svg)
The Tye, Alfriston, Polegate BN26 5TL
More events
This was my first pilgrimage walk but won't be the last. Dawn was an inspiring guide in so many ways - teaching us, entertaining us and caring for us. It was wonderful to get to know new people as we trod in the footsteps of so many unknown walkers who had gone before us. I had a sense of awe at so many points - for the coastal scenery, the birdlife, the ancient trees and for the buildings that had witnessed so much history. And it was such a lovely surprise to be welcomed with tea in Apuldram Church - so very kind. I am very grateful that I could be part of this day.
Heather
Pilgrim
The Avebury Pilgrimage was a joyful experience. Guy brought wonder and deep connection to the group experience. The other pilgrims were warm, fun and willing to surrender to this rich experience of movement, landscape, the past and the unseen world all around us. Thank you Guy!
Laura
My favourite part was walking in silence and being able to just concentrate on the purpose of my pilgrimage without the noise and baggage of life getting in the way. Abigail was a wonderful guide. She was thoughtful and brought a calm and sense of spiritual purpose to the day. I absolutely loved the walk.
Tamsin
Many good moments but two things stand out: Chalice Well and the impromptu singing of a wassail song on the way up Glastonbury Tor, by an apple orchard. It was cold yet rather lovely to do a pilgrimage in the frost. Informed and engaging guide. Friendly and supportive fellow pilgrims. Such a good ethos.
Susan
I loved walking through the countryside and the fascinating sights such as the church mill and barrow. The lanterns were lovely too and the Wassail singing and cake were a lovely touch. The arrival at Canterbury was spectacular. It was a lovely day and Dawn is a terrific guide.
Sally
Sally
Dawn was absolutely brilliant. Brought the group together and was so knowledgeable . Really warm individual and so caring. Just an amazing experience all round. Can't thank you enough for the experience.
Stuart
Pilgrim
My favourite part was Dawn singing to us by Kits Coty - sublime when the sun came out for us at the end of the song. Dawn has a lovely sincerity and her singing was wonderful. Also the Canon’s pilgrim’s blessing In Winchester Cathedral was an unexpected and perfect end to the day
Alexandra
I enjoyed listening to Guy's singing in the different settings - enhanced the experience and linked us to the past. The whole day was beautifully facilitated with a perfect balance of history overview, time for reflection and walking. It was very special - thank you so much!
Jo
I signed up on a whim without really knowing what I had signed up to, and it turned out to be the most extraordinary, magical day - starting with Guy's singing in the Chapel and culminating at those fabulous springs. The information, songs, chat and group experience were all wonderful. I can't recommend this pilgrimage highly enough - and I also hugely appreciate all the references in the follow up email. Brilliant. Thank you Guy!!
Amanda
Pilgrim
I loved the whole pilgrimage. A day of great connection with people, nature, sacred places, past and present. Also particularly enjoyed Guy's singing which added something special and his commentary. Also the friendliness of fellow pilgrims in the group which was partly enabled by having a buddy and introductory exercise.
Jonathan
Pilgrim
Very grateful for the work that’s being done by all who are mapping the routes and sharing their knowledge. All this while I’m still mobile and can join in with day walks ... I asked for the book for my birthday and it has much in it. The Green King though was more my thing, lower key with lots in nature. I am very keen on sacred water sites (following the work of Veda Austin) so would enjoy more of those if possible. One day walks are really fab. Thank you everyone.
Catherine
Pilgrim
A fabulous enlightening day. The people, places and fascinating insights - I felt very privileged and grateful.
David
Pilgrim
Guy, I just wanted to say thank for your time and knowledge yesterday. It was an amazing afternoon in spite of the weather. I am sitting here today in quiet contemplation with a deep sense of peace bathing my heart in a warm, fuzzy glow. It is an extraordinary feeling. I think you must have been a troubadour in a previous life! With gratitude.
Jessica
Pilgrim
.svg)
What our pilgrims say
.svg)