The Cuckoo Trail: Heathfield to Eastbourne Greenway
Historic Cuckoo railway line, Wealden woodlands, and Sussex coast
Distance: 23 km (14.3 miles) | Estimated Duration: 1.75 hours | Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Heathfield | Finishing Point: Eastbourne / Hampden Park
📥 Download Free GPX Route File (Garmin, Wahoo, Strava, Komoot)
Ride Overview & Terrain
The Cuckoo Trail is a beloved traffic-free shared path running along the route of the former railway line named after the historic tradition that the first cuckoo of spring was released at Heathfield fair. Cycle south through bluebell woodlands and lush pastures via Horam, Hellingly, and Hailsham to finish near the seaside resort of Eastbourne.
A picturesque, completely traffic-free 14-mile paved greenway following the historic Cuckoo Line railway through the Wealden countryside to the coast.
Travel & Getting There with Your Bike
By Train: Take Southern train from Victoria to Polegate or Hampden Park. Bicycles permitted off-peak without prior booking. (Nearest station: Stonegate Station (7 miles from Heathfield) or Polegate / Hampden Park / Eastbourne (Southern end), travel time: 1h 20m from London Victoria to Polegate or Eastbourne).
By Car & Parking: Cycle-friendly parking available near the start point.
Cyclist Coffee Stops, Cafes & Pubs
Recommended cyclist-friendly cafes and refreshment stops along The Cuckoo Trail: Heathfield to Eastbourne Greenway:
- ☕ Maybugs Cafe, Hailsham: Popular refreshment stop for cyclists.
- ☕ The Cuckoo Restaurant, Horam: Popular refreshment stop for cyclists.
Cycling Tips & Route Advice
- Tarmac surface throughout; smooth and fast for all bicycle types including lightweight road bikes.
- Very gentle gradient descending from Heathfield towards the sea.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance, duration, and difficulty of The Cuckoo Trail: Heathfield to Eastbourne Greenway?
The Cuckoo Trail: Heathfield to Eastbourne Greenway is a 23 km (14.3 miles) taking approximately 1.75 hours, graded Easy. Starts at Heathfield and finishes at Eastbourne / Hampden Park.
How do I get to The Cuckoo Trail: Heathfield to Eastbourne Greenway by train?
Take Southern train from Victoria to Polegate or Hampden Park. Bicycles permitted off-peak without prior booking. (Nearest station: Stonegate Station (7 miles from Heathfield) or Polegate / Hampden Park / Eastbourne (Southern end), travel time: 1h 20m from London Victoria to Polegate or Eastbourne).
Where can I park near the start of The Cuckoo Trail: Heathfield to Eastbourne Greenway?
Cycle-friendly parking available near the start point.
More Scenic UK Cycle Rides
Olympic Box Hill Loop • The Crab and Winkle Way • The Windsor Castle Ride • The Kent Castles Loop