Cuckmere Pilgrim Path – 12 miles, 1 day. Alfriston-Berwick-Alciston-Selmeston-Arlington-Wilmington-Lullington-Alfriston (circular).
This route touches many points on a short section of our flagship route, Old Way from Southampton to Canterbury. Due to its circular 1-day nature and being a particularly beautiful and special part of the Old Way, we heartily recommend the Cuckmere Pilgrim Path, which is well-waymarked and well-crafted.
Official Cuckmere Pilgrim Path website
Click to download route/s in GPX file format for your smartphone’s map app
Instructions for using a GPX file to show you the route offline on your smartphone
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- Alfriston Church
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- Alciston Church
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- Alciston Church Chancel
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- Wilmington Yew Tree
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- Wilmington Yew Tree
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- Long Man of Wilmington
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- River Cuckmere at Alfriston
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- Church of the Good Shepherd, Lullington
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- Alfriston Church from afar
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- Cuckmere Pilgrim Path
Thank you BPT for listing this beautiful pilgrim path walk. I walked this path with three fellow pilgrims last week. We covered 17km, choosing the lower route under the Long Man of Wilmington, rather than up and over, due to it being such a hot day. There are 7 ancient churches to visit on route, each soaked in history. Each church has a “pilgrim pot” where you can leave a thought or message for one that follows and take a thought for your journey. The church in Berwick has amazing wall frescos to see and Wilmington’s ancient yew tree is a shady spot to rest. The countryside is stunning and we were so impressed at how well signposted the route was. We started our walk from Alciston, planning to stop half way and have a tasty lunch in Badger’s in Alfriston. We passed a few pubs on the way too, so plenty of opportunities for refreshment if required.
This is route passes through some stunning countryside. We stayed in a B&B just off the route and started at Alciston walking in a clockwise direction. All the churches have embraced the Pilgrim Route with specially comissioned pots and a stained glass window at Selmeston. The route is well marked and there are plenty of places to pause and reflect or grab a bite to eat.
This was our first circular Pilgrim Path, which I thought might seem strange rather than heading for a final destination but we thoroughly enjoyed it and will walking more.