I’ve recommended the Undercliff walk in articles before, but I thought I’d make a full guide, a Walkthrough, if you will, for … you know… the Walk.
It’s good to stroll along, get some headspace and some of that life-instilling fresh air. The lapping of the waves, the Sea wind, it’s exactly what I picture when I imagine serenity. It’s just as good, if not better on a colder, windy day too. Get wrapped up warm and witness the Sea crashing against the wall that encompasses the path.
It’s also a great jogging route, with stairs to climb up and jog back towards civilization about 1.5 Kilometres in. For those wanting a longer run, the trail ends at Saltdean, and makes for a 10 km round trip there and back. There’s plenty of Bus stops close by along the way should you hit the wall, and a fair few food places, thanks to the Seaside towns the walk runs alongside.
Upon arrival at the start, it may not look like much, admittedly it’s true starting point as in an ASDA car park, which is never going to be particularly stunning. I think the fact that I still consider this, one of Brighton’s hidden gems, despite its inauspicious beginnings, speaks volumes for the serenity and enjoyability of this walk.
Luckily, if starting at an ASDA car park is an issue you cannot look past, you can join the trail a few hundred metres later, by cutting through the Marina. On a sunny day you’ll think you’re in Monaco!
You’ll know you’re on the right walk, as the cliffs will be hanging over to your left, and the infinite Sea will be to your right, and you’ll find yourself on a concrete pathway that stretches along the coastline. The Walk meanders for Miles, taking you past the quaint seaside town of Rottingdean, and finishing at the larger yet somehow equally quaint, Saltdean.
About 30-45 minutes from the start of the walk, is Ovingdean Cafe, a spot to grab a snack or some Ice cream, relax and sit down, or even have a mosey on the small rocky Beach. There’s also some steps that lead up the cliff face, for a convenient bus stop, or a beautiful alternative walk back, which I’ll touch on a little later.
Another 45 minutes or so further and you’ll find yourself at Rottingdean, home to several pubs, and a sweet little beach front. It’s with exploring a tiny bit if you like smaller seaside towns, and it shouldn’t be too long of a detour either. If you want to carry on Saltdean is another 30 minutes down the path, with the walk trailing off here. There’s a great Pizza place in V.I.P pizza, where you can make up for all those burnt calories.
On the way back, whether you finish at Saltdean or the convenient steps, or anywhere in between, the views and sights transform, as the cliff-top views on a sunny, or even a grey day, are humbling.
If you opted to take an early leave up the stairs, the trail back is particularly stunning; with a grassy cliff-top trail, laden with plants and flowers in the summer, it’s nothing short of picturesque. It’s a sight Monet would have loved to paint, and it starts right on the edge of Brighton.
You shouldn’t need to bring much, but a Waterproof Jacket is definitely handy for the rainier/stormier seasons, especially at high tide to protect from Seaspray. A fleece may also come in handy, in addition to the jacket, as during the colder months the combination of sea and rain can chill you to the core.
A warm hat could also help protect you from the elements. A water bottle is always recommended, but is a must for the Summer, as is sunscreen and sunglasses. Comfortable yet versatile shoes recommended.
You wont need hiking boots per-say, but some sturdy comfy shoes would come in handy, should you take a detour to the beach, or for the grassy cliff on the walk back. Of course you’ll also need a lunch box if you plan on walking the full distance there and back, and don’t want to stop at either of the towns.
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27 Marina Way, Brighton Marina, Brighton BN2 5UU
