A level linear route largely along a cycleway taking in the Ouse Nature reserve and the seaside. Several possible diversions into the reserve and one for walkers along the coast. This route is largely by the road, so does not have quite the dramatic scenery of other routes. But it does give you a glimpse of the Netherlands, with cycle routes beside main roads and wetlands in the Nature reserve.
[1] Starting out from Newhaven station leave the platform and go down the slope to the main road. Turn right here and follow the pavement across various roads, past McDonalds and the retail park on your right (parking possible). Pass Sainsburys’ on the left and then a second roundabout. Shortly after this the pavement becomes a cycle route about 3 metres wide and enters the Ouse Valley Nature Reserve.
(A) Most of the reserve is grazing for sheep or cattle and some is used to grow crops. An area is used to store floodwater and landscaped mounds are planted with native trees, shrubs and wildflowers to attract wildlife. In spring and summer the air is alive with the song of skylarks. More than a hundred types of bird have been recorded and the managers hope that the nationally threatened lapwing will return to breed on the specially managed areas. The flood storage areas are only intended to fill up during heavy rain but recently have been very dry during the summer. In winter, they are a good place to watch seabirds. http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/leisureandtourism/countryside/coast/ouseestuary/default.htm.
The route winds its way through the reserve. There are two turnings up to the right that you might want to explore. At the end of the reserve the route runs straight ahead by the road until it reaches the Tidemills car park.
If you wish to head to the beach early, turn right at Tidemills car park and follow the track across the railway to the sea. Here you can turn right to explore the beach (sand at low tide at the Newhaven end) or left to meet the main route at Bishopstone seafront. This route is partly on concrete but you must also make your way across pebbles, which can be rough underfoot. Not suitable for wheelchairs except possibly Trampers.
Otherwise, continue in your current heading to Bishopstone, before turning right down Marine Road towards the sea. After you go under the railway bridge the cycle paths ceases and you are on a narrower pavement, always at least 0.8 metres wide.
[2] Pass the camp site, and shortly after, when you reach the seaside the cyclepath starts again. Follow this until it starts to go up a rise. Don’t go up this, but instead turn right to get on to the seafront. Turn left and follow the seafront for as long as you want. Pass a park on your left and then notice Dane Road on your left.
[3] The easiest way to get to the station is to turn up Dane Road and follow it to its end. The station is on the left.
If you would like to walk further along Seaford front, the promenade ends at the foot of Seaford Head and adds an extra 1.2km each way.