Beachy Head Lighthouse Challenge 2026

It’s almost here again - the annual Beachy Head Lighthouse Challenge.

The Challenge is organised each year by the Eastbourne AM Rotary Club and has proved very popular, usually attracting in excess of 1,000 participants from all over the country - one couple even flew in from America last year!

The date this year is Sunday June 14 from 4pm.

Organiser Martin Wellings said: "I really do urge you to book and take part in what is a thrilling experience.

"It really is a unique event. For those who have not completed the Challenge before, it essentially involves a marshalled walk to and around the Beachy Head Lighthouse, which is only possible on certain days of the year."

The arrival point is by the kiosk at the foot of the Downs adjacent to Bedes. From here 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.

On return, all participants receive a certificate to authenticate that they are one of a select group of people who have undertaken the Lighthouse Challenge!

Martin said: "We have grown in numbers over the years and this year we are expecting a bumper turnout.

"More than 600 people have already registered.!

There is a modest entry fee with all proceeds used for local charitable purposes, including donations for the club’s regular beneficiaries, RNLI (Eastbourne) and others.

For the first time this year a key charity has been nominated to receive a special donation, and this will be St Wilfrid’s Hospice which continues to provide wonderful care to residents of Eastbourne, Hailsham, Heathfield, Uckfield, Seaford and everywhere in between.

Full information, including the booking process via Ticket Tailor, can be found at www.eastbourneam.org