HUNDREDS of walkers are set to descend on the coastline this month for the return of the popular Beachy Head Lighthouse Challenge.
Organised annually by the Eastbourne AM Rotary Club, the fundraising event has become a firm favourite on the local calendar, regularly attracting more than 1,000 participants from across the UK and beyond.
This year’s challenge takes place on Sunday, June 14, with participants setting off from 4pm to tackle the iconic coastal route.
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
