2026 Beachy Head Lighthouse Challenge

AROUND 1750 walkers took part in the annual Beachy Head Lighthouse Challenge on Sunday afternoon.

The event - which started in 2013 - was organised by Eastbourne AM Rotary Club, and more than £14,000 has been raised for St Wilfrid's Hospice and other charities.

Rotarian Martin Wellings said: "What a day! The walk was enjoyed by so many people, and we are thrilled by the very high level of support for this event.

"Walkers came from far and wide, and they all had smiles on their faces as they walked and then completed the Challenge.

"It was a tremendous day all round. Thank you to everyone who made this a very, very special day for Eastbourne."

The arrival point is by the kiosk at the foot of the Downs adjacent to Bedes on Eastbourne Seafront.

From there, participants walk to the check-in area at Whitbread Hollow before setting off across the Downs to Cow Gap, down the steps to the beach and then over rocks, boulders, sand and slippery seaweed to the lighthouse.

Martin said: "The feeling when you reach the Lighthouse is always a special one, a real sense of achievement.

"Of course, there is then the journey back, but it was a lovely day and everyone could admire the wonderful scenery of our beautiful town."

The original Challenge was set up in conjunction with the 'Save the Stripes' campaign to raise money to repaint the Beachy Head Lighthouse at a cost of £30,000.

Had this not been undertaken, the iconic red and white stripes would have been allowed to fade and eventually disappear. 

Due to the popularity of the event, Eastbourne AM Rotary Club has continued to organise the Challenge every year since, with the help of volunteers.

There are very few days when it is possible to walk around the lighthouse as it has to take place during spring tides, when it is light enough and on a weekend.