Eastbourne to Rye on NCNs 21 and 2 (mainly)

Before the worst of the heat wave kicked in, I cycled along the coast between Eastbourne and Rye using NCN21 (Eastboune to Pevensey Bay) and NCN2 (onwards to Rye), with a few variations. It was still a very hot day (max about 26°C), but not at Met Office red alert, moderated by the cooling sea breeze, which provided in addition a good tailwind. Here's a map, with thumbnail photos.

I parked at the Asda superstore near Sovereign Harbour, which is just off NCN21. Free parking is limited to a few hours, but all-day parking can be secured for around £2.50 using the handy 'Your Parking Space' app. I cycled approx 30 miles to Rye, and took the train back to Eastbourne, then cycled approx 4 miles back to my car via the sea front.

I followed the NCNs, except:

I took the coastal road via Normans Bay, rather than the more circuitous NCN inland route. The former includes a private road, which I suppose is why it was not chosen for the NCN, but it seems to be open to the public for all practical purposes.

Normans Bay road

between Pages Gap at Cooden Beach and Bexhill, I walked my bike along the sea wall: it's No cycling, but a breezy alternative to the suburban road

Prom at Cooden Beach

I avoided the steep climb on NCN2 out of Hastings by taking the East Cliff funicular railway: it's a novel experience in its own right, and the views from the top are well worth it. I then walked my bike across the clifftop Country Park

Funicular lower station

On board the cabin

View from top station

View from Country Park

On the way back from Eastbourne station, I deviated from NCN21 to go through the marina(s) of Sovereign Harbour.

Eastbourne station

Cycle path approaching Sovereign Harbour

Sovereign Harbour

I particularly liked the sea fronts at Bexhill and Hastings, with their varied architecture, especially the art deco De La Warr Pavillion at Bexhill and the restored pier at Hastings. After a period of decline and neglect, these former resorts seem to be regaining some sense of civic pride.

De La Warr Pavilion

Eastern end of Bexhill prom

St Leonards Rail Depot building

Liner-like Marine Court, St Leonards

Warrior Square, St Leonards

Former Palace Hotel, Hastings

The deck of Hastings Pier

The pier gives great views back to Hastings sea front

I also enjoyed the NCN2 cycle path through Glyne Gap between the two towns, Old Hastings, with its old fishing sheds, the aforementioned funicular railway, and the ride through the lovely Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.

Road leaving Bexhill

View towards Hastings

Descending to Glyne Gap

Cliff top path

There is also a rough track around the base of the cliffs

A variety of surfaces

All the fun of the fair

Hastings Contemporary (Lesson: not wise to use black near seagulls)

Hangings sheds for fishing nets

Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

The journey between Eastbourne and Pevensey Bay is a bit of a slog on busy roads. The long descent to Fairlight village after the Country Park is on a busy, fast, steep road; I enjoyed it going down, but would not like having to climb it. Unlike Bexhill and Hastings, the sea front in the centre of Eastbourne is not open to cycling.

Don't miss the inland views from the Fairlight Road

Cycle-friendly central Eastbourne

Between Pevensey Bay and Bexhill, and between Fairlight village and Winchelsea Beach, the sea is tantalisingly close, but there is no sea wall as such to ride along. You can however access the shingly beach in places to take in the sea views.