Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From The Willows car park the walk goes down through Alfriston to the river and takes the path along the west bank of the Cuckmere, downstream with the downs on either side. After about 2 km it crosses the footbridge to Litlington, a small village with a tea garden and the Plough and Harrow. It comes back up the east bank, which is the South Downs Way, to the white bridge at Alfriston, and crosses to the church on its green and the Clergy House beside it, the first building the National Trust ever bought, in 1896.
It is 5.0 km with 11 m of ascent; allow about 1½ hours. The grade is Easy: it is level all the way on the river banks.
The west bank is the rougher of the two and is muddy in parts, most of all in winter. The riverside fields are grazed, so mind the stock and keep dogs under control. The white horse on the hill above Litlington, High and Over, was cut in 1924.
The Willows is a pay car park: £2.50 for an hour, £3.50 for two when checked. The Dene, close by, is free but limited to three hours. The nearest station is Berwick, about 4 km away. The riverside path further south, between Litlington and Exceat, is closed in 2026 for bridge works; it is not on this walk.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Down one bank of the Cuckmere from Alfriston to Litlington and back up the other
- Alfriston Clergy House, by the church, was the first building the National Trust bought, in 1896
- The east bank is the South Downs Way; the west bank is rougher and muddy in winter
- The white horse on High and Over, cut in 1924, shows from Litlington
Getting there
Start: The Willows car park, Alfriston · Pay and display. 50.80919, 0.15781
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around The Willows car park: Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.
