Created this route accidentally but definitely recommend it as a very enjoyable alternative if you have the time. My intention was to verify PolEas 2 but I decided to look at the Polegate Windmill (suggestion from PolEas 1 review) thinking I could review the missing bits using Google Street View. Don't waste time trying to use the off road alternative of the Public Footpath around Willingdon School, it's very neglected and difficult with fallen fencing and heavy overgrowth. Those small details aside this way copies PolEas 2 and it's a very enjoyable way to get close into the middle of Eastbourne through a 'wild' greenspace. Once down the main hill slope into Eastbourne the road wasn't quiet as I hoped for and so, in for a penny, I struck out on another alternative via another golf course in search of less traffic. During this walk I did walk a little way along both the moderately busy roads at either end of PolEas 2 and definitely prefer this quieter route even if it is more fiddly. But I'm sure a better way than PolEas 1 could be found for people who might not manage the slopes and stiles of PolEas 2 or 3....

Daisy C

Impromptu walk from Hailsham to Polegate after the bus I wanted to catch didn't show up and I figured it would be quicker to walk! All along a well marked and well maintained cycle route. Easy 5* slow way....

MJRW12345

There is a fair bit of road walking at the start and end, with the middle section along reasonably obvious footpaths and bridlepaths. The climb up from Lower Willingdon to Willingdon Hill is fairly steep and the bridlepaths on the top were quite wet and muddy....

MJRW12345

The route uses a pavement beside a quiet lane to get to Wannock at the edge of the Downs. Once on top, the walk follows a short section of the Weald Way, then meets up with the South Downs Way which it follows all the way into Eastbourne....

Bostal Boy

Much the same as the previous two reviews - this is a great walk, reasonably easy to follow and with a nice resting point half way at Folkington church!...

MJRW12345

This is the quickest walking route from Polegate to Eastbourne, but it's along the main road and misses many of the beautiful local features including the South Downs, Polegate Windmill, Ratton Drive, Willingdon Golf Club and various back footpaths and cut throughs. Noisy too! However, it is perfect for anybody wheeling their way....

CATHERINE H

It then moves onto field paths and country lanes across the Pevensey Levels. From Pevensey to Normans Bay the route uses an unclassified road which is unfortunately not free of traffic. From Cooden Beach to Bexhill, the route is along the seashore. There is a bit too much road walking between Pevensey and Normans Bay, but I'm still going to give the route 5*...

Bostal Boy

The Cuckoo Trail is a well path, direct route between Polegate and Hailsham....

Steve Cleverdon

The route goes right passed the Long Man of Wilmington and you can spot the White Horse too from this route too....

danravenellison

A very speedy and well paved route, easy to find and well signposted. Would recommend....

ShortLegsLongWalk

It heads to the right of an underground reservoir on a gentle climb up to the hamlet of Folkington, which has a pretty church but no other facilities. Carrying on over the hill, the path drops down into the Cuckmere Valley with more awesome views of Alfriston in the distance....

Bostal Boy

This path follows the Cuckoo Trail, an old railway line which has been transformed into an all-weather, hard-surfaced path....

Bostal Boy