Walk the Chalk begins today!
This five-day community arts and heritage festival, running until the 24 September, will celebrate the opening of the new King Charles III England Coast Path. Once complete, the path will be one of the longest coastal trails in the world.
Walk the Chalk celebration week will take place at South Hill Barn, Seaford Head Nature Reserve, Cuckmere Haven and the Seven Sisters.
The trail will provide a continuous walking route around the coast of England, linking iconic places and heritage sites with lessser known areas.The path will also unlock new public access to some parts of the coast for the first time.
Once completed, the path will be approximately 2,7000 miles long and fully walkable by the end of 2024.
Deanna Auker, Celebration and Engagement Project Manager for the King Charles III England Coast Path comments:
“It passes through some of our most dynamic and breath-taking landscapes on the South Coast and there’s truly something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned walker or new to the path. We greatly encourage everyone to get out and experience the joys of being in nature and our iconic coastline.”
And adds that:
‘The project encourages more people to learn about their natural heritage, by connecting them with the nature and wildlife on their doorstep’.
Walk the Chalk Celebration Week
Through free guided walks, members of the public can expect to learn all about the local flora and fauna, chalk, fossils, geology, local folklore, and the impact of climate change on the site location.
Walk the Chalk is a fully inclusive community event and is suitable for people of all ages. The guided walks and events will be accessible via public transport and walkable by people of all abilities.
Celebration Week will be open to visitors at the following times:
- Wednesday 20 September 4 – 9 pm
- Thursday 21 September 4 – 9 pm
- Friday 22 September 4 – 9 pm
- Saturday 23 September 1 – 9 pm
- Sunday 24 September 1 – 9 pm
All Walk the Chalk events are free, but free tickets need to be booked for the guided tours running from 20 – 24 September. You can select your preferred date and book tickets via the Walk the Chalk website.
As you’re taking part in the walk, don’t forget to brush up on your cliff safety!
Art and creatives
Six artists have been commissioned to work with local schools and community groups as they create site-specific installations for the main walking route during celebration week.
Other artists and creatives will also be taking part in the project, with special events, activities, and art across all three sites.
How to get there
Visitors are encouraged to use the free buses, public transport, or foot/bike to avoid traffic congestion. There will be a free shuttle bus that will transport visitors from Newhaven and Seaford stations throughout the celebration week.
No need to book, just look out for the signs and hop aboard!
Contact
Have you got a question or would like to know more? Send an email and one of the Walk the Chalk team will be in touch: hello@walkthechalk.org
