Why a Sussex trail is considered among the best summer walks in Britain

A trail in Sussex with "picturesque" views has been named among the top 20 summer walks to embark on in Britain.

The walk along the Seven Sisters cliffs was included in a list from Countryfile.

Discussing the creation of the list, they wrote: "During the long, balmy days of summer, options for walking are seemingly endless.

"Step out of your door and stroll to your local park or reserve; amble through cool, shady woodlands; follow riverside trails and canal towpaths; relish the seaside charm of a coastal path; head for the high hills or climb mountains.

The views on the walk are said to be excellent (Image: Ray Turner/Camera Club)

"With so many options, choosing a summer walk can be tricky. To help you out, we've put together a selection of our favourite summer hikes."

The full list of the top 20 summer walks in Britain can be found on the Countryfile website here.

What was said about the Seven Sisters walk?

The Seven Sisters walk is said to be around four miles long (6.4km) and should take people around two or so hours to complete.

Its highlights were said to be the "excellent" views it offered alongside the smell of the sea.

They wrote: "At the National Trust hamlet of Birling Gap, the sea’s aroma sits strong in the air.

"From the top of the steps above the beach and its numerous rockpools, the views of the Seven Sisters and Seaford Head are excellent.

"For many, these huge chalk cliffs are even more picturesque than the famous White Cliffs of Dover up the coast."

The full recommended route (and a map) to embark upon can be found on the Countryfile website here.

Hikers will follow the South Downs Way along the cliff tops where they can take in an area "rich with spring flowers such as milkwort and round-headed campion".

They recommend looking out for kittiwakes and fulmars, nesting on the cliffs and at low tide you may be able to see the wreck of Coonatto, a Barquentine clipper.

At a certain point, walkers will head inland from Cuckmere Haven which is "strewed with wildlife-rich watering holes".

Recommended reading:

• Sussex circular walks you can try out around the county

• South Downs Way named among the 15 greatest walks in Britain

• Best dog walking routes in Sussex according to AllTrails

The page adds: "There is also a network of saline lagoons that attract oystercatchers and little egrets.

"The valley is of historical significance, too, with a number of World War II pillboxes and anti-tank defences, known as dragon's teeth, scattered across the coastline."

At the end of the trail, the site advises to "take advantage of the tearooms at the Exceat Countryside Centre" or the nearby Cuckmere Inn to have a "perfect ending to a summer's day walk".