The Seven Sisters Cliff Walk in East Sussex has been named one of the world's most beautiful and 'eye-catching' hiking trails, according to a new eye-tracking study conducted by running shoe retailer SportsShoes.com. The study used technology to monitor eye movements of participants exposed to iconic hikes from around the world, assigning each trail an 'eye-catching' score based on visual captivation.
Seven Sisters Cliff Walk: A Top 10 Hike
The UK's Seven Sisters Cliff Walk secured a spot in the top 10, offering unmatched sea views and serene sands backed by breathtaking white cliff tops. The trail covers a 12-mile route from Seaford to Eastbourne, taking between four to seven hours to complete. The cliffs have featured in iconic British films such as Atonement and Harry Potter.
According to the study, the most beautiful hike overall is France's Calanques de Marseille in Calanques National Park, with white limestone cliffs dropping into turquoise coves.
Details of the Hike
Most hikers begin in Seaford and end in Eastbourne to experience the famous views of the Seven Sisters as they approach the top. Along the way, hikers tackle seven hills of varying steepness. The best point to capture all seven cliffs in one shot is at Hope Gap, while the best views from the top are at Belle Tout and Beachy Head lighthouses.
There is a stopgap at Bearling Gap Cafe, where hikers can rest and enjoy food and drinks. A National Trust centre nearby provides toilet facilities.
One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: "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."
Top 10 Most Beautiful Hikes
The full top 10 list includes:
- Calanques de Marseille, Marseille, France
- Plitvice Lakes Trail, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
- Lauterbrunnen Valley, Bernese Oberland, Switzerland
- Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Cusco, Peru
- Bastei Rock Formation, Saxon Switzerland National Park, Germany
- The Narrows, Zion National Park, USA
- Étretat Cliff Walk, Étretat, France
- The Loop, Kalbarri, Australia
- Seven Sisters Cliffs Walk, East Sussex, England
- Causeway Coast Way, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
