Section 8 of 8, Wealdway
Folkington to Eastbourne
10.6 miles (17 km). About 4 hours, moderate.
Start: TQ 559 038. Finish: TV 617 989. OS grid.
Take it with you: download this section's GPX file (it opens in OS Maps, Komoot, Outdooractive or a GPS unit) or open the start in OS Maps.
Diversion in place on this route. On section 1 (Gravesend to Vigo Village), not this one. The details are on its page.
Up and down
About 376 m of climbing and 437 m of descent; highest point 200 m.
Getting there
The section starts at Folkington.
No bus stop or station within a kilometre of the start. Nearest: a bus stop, 1.3 km away (Directions); Polegate station, 2.6 km away (Directions).
Getting back
The section finishes at Eastbourne. Stations and bus stops near the finish:
- Station
- Eastbourne, 860 m from the finish. Directions TV 609 991
- Bus stops
- Eastbourne Pier, 20 m from the finish. Directions TV 617 989Pier, 40 m from the finish. Directions TV 617 989Hippodrome, 160 m from the finish. Directions TV 617 990
Planning the Wealdway
- Planning the whole trail: explorekent.org.
- The guidebook the trail recommends: Guide to the Wealdway (Kent Ramblers).
What to expect
Underfoot: paved or flagged 20%, grass 16%, earth, rock and mud 14%; the rest (49%) isn't recorded.
About 5% on roads with traffic.
On the way: 1 stile, 6 gates, 1 flight of steps.
Steepest climb: about 75 m in a kilometre (1 in 13), starting 1.6 miles in.
From OpenStreetMap, where mappers have recorded it: check before you go.
Pubs and cafés
- Pubs
- Eight Bells, Jevington: 1.7 miles in.The Pilot Inn, Holywell: 9 miles in.The Belgian Café, Eastbourne: at the finish. Food.Victoria, Eastbourne: at the finish.Drop in the ocean, Eastbourne: at the finish.Drop in the ocean, Eastbourne: at the finish.Jesters Sports and Music Bar, Eastbourne: at the finish.Phoenix, Eastbourne: at the finish.The Crown & Anchor, Eastbourne: at the finish.The Ship Inn, Holywell: 9.1 miles in, about 250 m off the way.And 6 more within a quarter of a mile.
- Cafés
- The Kiosk, Holywell: 8.9 miles in. Seats outside, step-free.Cadence Clubhouse, Holywell: 9 miles in.Holywell Tea Chalet: 9.2 miles in.The Beach Shack, Eastbourne: 10.1 miles in. Seats outside.Duke's Delicatessen & Cafe, Eastbourne: at the finish.Kessa Coffee House, Eastbourne: at the finish.the beach cafe, Eastbourne: at the finish.Fresco, Eastbourne: at the finish. Seats outside.Coffee Drops, Eastbourne: at the finish.JoJo's Tea Room, Eastbourne: at the finish.And 19 more within a quarter of a mile.
As OpenStreetMap records them. Opening times change, so check before you set off.
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