A recent study by running footwear retailer SportsShoes.com has identified the Seven Sisters Cliff Walk in East Sussex as one of the world's most visually stunning hiking routes. Using eye-tracking technology to monitor volunteers viewing images of renowned walks, researchers assigned each location an 'eye-catching' rating. The Seven Sisters secured a top-10 spot, praised for its tranquil beaches, azure waters, and striking white chalk cliffs.
The Route and Its Appeal
Most walkers begin the demanding 12-mile hike in Seaford and finish in Eastbourne, allowing them to witness the famous Seven Sisters cliffs from the summit. The trail involves seven inclines of varying steepness, taking between four and seven hours to complete. The best vantage point for photographing all seven cliffs together is at Hope Gap, while the finest panoramic views can be found near the Belle Tout and Beachy Head lighthouses.
Facilities and Visitor Experience
Along the way, hikers can stop at the Bearling Gap Cafe for refreshments, with a National Trust centre offering toilet facilities. One visitor on Tripadvisor described the experience: "The cliffs are breathtaking from a distance, and the view from the edge, facing the open sea, is unforgettable. Heading down to the pebble beach gives you a completely different, striking perspective." The cliffs have also featured in films such as Atonement and Harry Potter.
Global Ranking
The study's top 10 list is led by France's Calanques de Marseille, followed by Plitvice Lakes Trail in Croatia, Lauterbrunnen Valley in Switzerland, Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru, Bastei Rock Formation in Germany, The Narrows in Zion National Park (USA), Étretat Cliff Walk in France, The Loop in Kalbarri (Australia), Seven Sisters Cliffs Walk in England, and Causeway Coast Way in Northern Ireland.
