Hi I'm 'local'
High tide is 10:30 GMT and at 6.9m fairly high - if anyone wants to get onto the Beach at Hope Gap - that would be 12:30pm at the earliest.
Although brought up in Seaford - I don't really know its neighbour Newhaven well, I have to admit it's never really struck as a photogenic place? There is a small beach, a port that has restricted access, and a large amount of new social housing. Like a lot of the towns the town centre is full of pound shops and boarded up buildings. Having said that - I don't know it well.
With Seaford there is a large open and largely bleak shingle beach. There is a year round coffee shop with outside seating, and down the eastern end is a man made sea defence and spit called Splash Point that used to be where the sewage came out. That end has some photographic opportunities.
On top of the cliff there is a large car park, with a shale path down to the Cuckmere's exit at the sea, with good views of the Seven Sisters. All but the last bit which becomes steep would be accessable for most. There is a grass path down to sea steps and the beach, which is little known about and very photogenic, rock pool, white cliffs etc. My 70 yr old Dad can get down there with ease but would be difficult for anyone with disability.
The other side of the valley, you can park at a NT car park and walk along a flat concrete path to the sea, this with a bit if help would be wheelchair accessable. A short climb also takes you to 'Brandts View' of the Cuckmere meanders.
There is a pub called the Golden Galleon just next to the Cuckmere road bridge crossing - my first job there 22 years ago - it was quite good then. No idea now. Large car park.
Transport - train at Newhaven/Seaford - I have an 12 yr old smelly estate and can help the carless, as I'm sure can many others.
Its Feb though - and could be a complete and utter wash out. I'm also anxious that we would break up the group with the less fit.
There seems to be a lot of interest in going to Dungeness on this thread. I've been looking for an excuse to go there for ages!
We have a date Feb 9th - I have it booked off with my family! Why don't the people who are definately going - commit on this thread. At this stage the hardest thing for most is to get the time off, we can finalise where we are going once we know numbers.
If we were to vote, I'd go to Dungeness - what are others thoughts.
I think it might be wise to have a plan B - if its going to rain all day, could plan B - be Brighton. We are never going to get stuck with access, food, drink, photographic opportunities there. Parking is pricey on the seafront, but reasonable in Churchill Square.
So my 'vote' would be
Feb 9th
Dungeness
Plan B - Brighton
for the carless - I'm sure we can arrange pick ups - what ever the weather/destination
