A hiker has described her 'gigantic mistake' after tackling the Seven Sisters Cliff Walk in East Sussex, a trail recently named one of the world's most beautiful and 'eye-catching' hiking routes. Parul Sharma, a senior writer, set out on the adventure with her husband for his birthday, only to find the experience far more gruelling than expected.
The 'Easy' Hike That Wasn't
Despite online reviews classifying the cliff walk as 'easy to moderate', Sharma found the difficulty level to be 'hard, high, expert, nightmare'. The very first hill ascent left her winded, forcing an 'emergency meeting' with her husband to agree on shortcuts. She noted that fit pensioners passed her by as she struggled up the hills.
The Seven Sisters Cliff Walk ranked ninth in a global study by SportsShoes.com, which used eye-tracking technology to assign an 'eye-catching' score to hiking trails. The study crowned it one of the top 10 most beautiful hikes in the world.
A River Crossing and a Pint
After descending the first hill, the couple reached Cuckmere Haven, where they faced 'The River Crossing'. Despite the sharp, pointy rocks, Sharma insisted on crossing without taking a detour, calling it the most memorable and fun part of the hike. They then enjoyed a birthday lunch at the Cuckmere Inn, where Sharma had her first Sunday Roast and banoffee cheesecake.
The second leg of the hike began with a bus ride to Birling Gap. Sharma again questioned her commitment as she struggled up another hill towards the Belle Tout Lighthouse, which she described as not pretty enough to justify the climb. However, the view of Beachy Head Lighthouse and clifftop made it worthwhile.
Painful Aftermath
As the day ended, Sharma began to feel severe pain in her right foot and behind her kneecap, causing a limp that worsened by the time they reached London. 'Each step was more painful than the last,' she recalled. Despite the ordeal, she admitted she would probably do it again, but would moan and whine doubly throughout.
The Seven Sisters Cliff Walk remains a popular destination, but Sharma's experience serves as a cautionary tale for those underestimating its difficulty. According to the study, the trail's stunning views earned it a top spot globally, but hikers should be prepared for a challenging trek.
