5k Run Peacehaven: Scenic Clifftop Views from Howards Park

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 5.4km out-and-back route offers a refreshingly flat, off-road experience along the stunning Newhaven-Brighton Clifftop Path. Starting at Howards Park, you’ll trade the pavement for a well-trodden coastal trail that boasts panoramic views of the English Channel. With only 13 meters of ascent, it is an ideal choice for runners looking for a rhythmic, steady-state effort or a fast tempo session without the interference of South Downs inclines. The terrain is firm enough for standard road shoes in dry weather, though you’ll appreciate the natural cushioning of the trail as you breathe in the revitalizing sea air.

Peacehaven itself is a unique coastal town perched atop the iconic white chalk cliffs of East Sussex. Established just after the First World War as a "Garden City by the Sea," it sits directly on the Prime Meridian—meaning you are literally running between the Eastern and Western hemispheres. As you follow the clifftop, look out for the dramatic Bastion Steps and the geometric patterns of the sea defenses below. This stretch of the Sussex coast is a beloved local secret, offering a sense of openness and tranquility that is hard to find in the busier neighboring hubs of Brighton or Newhaven.