Cuckmere Haven and the Cuckmere Valley Walk
East Sussex
This dog friendly Cuckmere Valley walk leaves the Seven Sisters Country Park visitor centre at Exceat and follows the bone-white shingle path beside the Cuckmere River, the meandering Snake River that flowed wild before the cut was made, down to the open shingle of Cuckmere Haven with the Seven Sisters cliffs rising to the east. The route then climbs the chalk grassland of Seaford Head with the postcard view back across the haven, and loops home through the village of West Dean.
Dogs are welcome throughout but must be on a lead wherever sheep or cattle are grazing the meadows and along the cliff path on Seaford Head. The valley floor is flat and easy on paws, with the river and shingle giving plenty of paddling, while the climb up Seaford Head is a short pull. Parking is at the new Seven Sisters Country Park car park (pay and display) at the visitor centre, with toilets, cafe and a dog friendly bar at The Cuckmere Inn nearby.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 9.5 km (5.9 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr
- Walk Type
- Coastal, River
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- Visitor centre, cafe, toilets and shop at Exceat; The Cuckmere Inn (dog friendly) at the bridge; pub at West Dean.
- Parking
- Pay and display at Seven Sisters Country Park, Exceat (BN25 4AD); free overflow at South Hill Barn, Seaford (BN25 4JQ).
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cuckmere Haven and the Cuckmere Valley Walk dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome throughout the route, which earns a solid 8/10 on our dog friendliness rating. The walk takes in the flat, easy valley floor beside the Cuckmere River, the open shingle of Cuckmere Haven, and the chalk grassland of Seaford Head — all with good sniffing and paddling opportunities along the way. The Cuckmere Inn near the bridge is also dog friendly, so there's a decent mid-walk or post-walk stop built in.
Can dogs be off lead at Cuckmere Haven and the Cuckmere Valley Walk?
Parts of the walk are suitable for off-lead dogs, but there are important exceptions. Dogs must be kept on a lead wherever sheep or cattle are grazing the meadows, and along the cliff path on Seaford Head. It's worth keeping a lead to hand throughout, as livestock can be present in the valley and on the headland at various times of year.
What should I know before visiting Cuckmere Haven and the Cuckmere Valley Walk with my dog?
The walk starts from the Seven Sisters Country Park visitor centre at Exceat (BN25 4AD), where you'll find pay and display parking, toilets, a cafe and a shop — handy for stocking up before you head off. The valley floor is flat and gentle underfoot, with the river and shingle offering plenty of paddling for water-loving dogs, while the climb up Seaford Head is short but worth it for the views. If the main car park is busy, there's free overflow parking at South Hill Barn in Seaford (BN25 4JQ).
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