Bexhill-on-Sea to Hastings: England Coast Path

Collington Station (Bexhill) - The Promenade - The Colonnade - Galley Hill - Glyne Gap - Bulverhythe - St. Leonard’s - Hastings Pier

Distance: 10.0 km (6.25 miles)

Max elevation: 19 m

Total Ascent: 81 m

Total Descent: 91 m

Tracking points: 716

This lovely stretch of coast, by and large, follows the renamed King Charles III England Coast Path with a few choices either to stay on the Promenade or drop down to the stoney shingle beach or easier flat sand whilst the tide has receded.

Parking up in Terminus road gains quick access to Collington station which takes advantage of the regular coastal train service back to Brighton from Hastings for the return leg.

Crossing the railway line by the footbridge and then following the Richmond Road out to the West Parade gives very convenient access to the Promenade, public toilets and a vintage cafe van. Before setting off eastwards along the Promenade, a landscaped beach garden seen through a picture frame window, draws attention to the salt loving plants which naturally grow on this part of the coast such as Sea Kale and Sea Campion.

The newly renovated seafront Promenade features well groomed flower beds and shrubs interspersed with sculpture and wooden seating. Passing the King Edward VII Memorial Clock Tower completed in 1904, originally intended to celebrate the coronation of the King in 1902, and now readorned with its distinctive modern colour schem by the council in 1992, the path continues on to reach the De La War Pavillion and the grade II listed Colonnade built in 1911 to commemorate the coronation of George V and used for outdoor concerts and events. The shingle beach with countless groynes can be accessed at many points along the path but worth noting between May and October is prohibited for dogs.

The Promenade takes a sharp left and right turn about the Bexhill sailing club and then past the Bexhill War Memoriel (c 1920] to now run parallel with De La Warr Parade and the many elegant Victorian and Edwardian townhouses along its route.

The view east now opens up as more green park space and gentle rolling hillside neighbour the beach and shoreline and the English Channel (Strait of Dover) begins to dominate the eye line. Reaching the Bexhill Sea Angling club, the path skirts the hillside to bring Galley Hill into view in the distance. Whilst the shingle beach festooned with both groynes and sea kayle is an option, an easier going path closer to the row of newly located, eye wateringly expensive, beach huts is quicker to eventually pick up the hard path at the ideally located Oceanside Cafe, a favourite with local dog walkers and surfers. A gentle stroll up the hill is rewarded by a lovely panoramic view of Glyne Gap Beach and St. Leonard’s beyond.

The going is much faster now along a prepared gravel and iron inlaid path. With the East Coast Railway line to the left and extensive beach to the right, the quieter path now travels onto Bulverhythe. Passing rugged rocky outcrops and flood defences and then slipping behind serried ranks of glamorous beach huts, the appealing West Marina Gardens and busy St. Leonard’s seafront promenade awaits ahead.

The Bathing Hut Cafe is perfectly located at this end of Bulverhythe Beach for coffee or brunch, and with now restored legs, the walk continues along the St.Leonards promenade parallel to the Marina seafront. Along the route, sculptures have been installed celebrating local hero’s of which James Robert Read, known by many as Jimi Riddle, and the frontman of the pro- metal band The Riddles, was one. A very generous, kind, and creative performer much loved in Hastings and far beyond. The arrow straight Promenade divides into upper and lower sections at the Royal Victoria Hotel where the St.Leonards pier once stood. Built in the 1880’s opposite the Colonnade, it was a leading tourist attraction gaining great popularity in the 1920’s and 30’s and at rival with it’s prestigious pier neighbour in Hastings. Sadly it fell into disuse after much redesign, at the start of the Second World War. At this point the promenade bends to the left to reveal Hastings Beach in all its grandeur with the newly rebuilt Hastings Pier ahead in the distance. A very busy and popular seafront populated with cafe’s, restaurants, bars and secreted beach cabins brings much seasonal pleasure to both residents and tourists. On the final approach to the pier the two-tier lower promenade is fully sheltered by the upper and has become known as Bottle Alley on account of the broken mosaic shards of bottle glass adorning the supporting walls. Glorious views out to sea with occasional seating and cafes along the alley, give cool respite and a chance to relax on a hot sunny day. Finally ascending by a gentle ramp to the entrance of Hastings Pier, extensive views back along the coast can be enjoyed from the vast decked area at the end of the redesigned Pier. An iconic attraction along the East Sussex Coast, the late Victorian Pier was a vibrant tourist attraction hosting in particular many legendary musicians from the 1960’s. When fully rebuilt after a devastating fire in 2010, a charitable trust raised significant funds for a complete reconstruction and the new venue continues to host many music events and festivals during the year along with a wonderful place to generally socialise and take a scenic outdoor stroll. Much awaits to explore in Hastings itself, but for now this lovely coastal link walk is brought to an end with a late lunch and a return back to Bexhill via the East Coast Railway from Hastings Station.

Garmin Track

Elevation profile