Hastings, East Sussex

Ecclesbourne Glen

Valley

Place photograph

6.8

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

Check

Cost

Secluded

Feel

ValleyCoastalWoodlandWalkersPhotographersHistory lovers

Why it's Wildland

6.8

A steep, wooded ravine cuts down through Hastings’ sandstone coast to a secluded stretch of pebbles. Its shallow overhang is linked to the story of John Hancox, the East Hill Hermit.

Ecclesbourne Glen earns its appeal through a striking change of scene: from coastal paths into a narrow, shaded ravine of sandstone, stream and woodland. The Hermit’s Cave adds a human story, though the steep, potentially muddy paths make this a place for sure-footed visitors.

Secluded · Atmospheric · Wild

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Hastings, East Sussex

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The experience

Explore the wooded ravine on foot, looking out for its sandstone overhang and stream. The paths are described as steep and can be muddy, so allow time and wear suitable footwear. There is not enough sourced information to recommend a longer day itinerary.

Things to do

Find Hermit’s Cave

Look for the shallow natural overhang in the sandstone. It is described as half hidden by vegetation and easy to miss.

Walk through the wooded ravine

Explore the steep-sided glen, where shaded woodland, sandstone features and a running stream create a marked change from the exposed coast above.

Look for seasonal water

The stream may form small waterfalls, but these are described as seasonal; do not expect cascades on every visit.

Join a coastal walk

The Glen is reported as part of walking routes between Hastings and Fairlight. Check the route and conditions before attempting a longer walk.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · 1–2 hours

Quick escape: into the ravine

01
Start from an appropriate access point in Hastings Country Park; the source row identifies East Hill car park, but advises visitors to check arrangements.
02
Follow a suitable path down into Ecclesbourne Glen, allowing for steep or muddy ground.
03
Look for the sandstone overhang associated with Hermit’s Cave and the stream; return by a route you can safely manage.

Half day · Half day

Make a half day of it: ravine and coast

01
Explore the Glen and seek out its sandstone overhang, stream and any seasonal waterfall.
02
If conditions and route access allow, continue on a coastal path towards Fairlight Cove or Hastings, then return using a route planned in advance.
03
Check route length, transport and current path conditions before choosing a one-way walk.

Verified history

A local account identifies the cave’s occupant as John Hancox, a London draper who came to Hastings after falling on hard times. It says he lived in the cave from the 1890s until his death in 1918, and that landowner Rev. Sayer-Milward later allowed him to stay and gave him a small patch of land. These details are reported by a local photography account; they have not been independently corroborated here.

Folklore & legend

The cave is associated with the local story of the ‘Hastings Hermit’. Treat this as a local story attached to the place, rather than evidence of anything supernatural.

Hidden details

The cave is an overhang — Hermit’s Cave is described as a shallow natural overhang in weathered sandstone, rather than a deep cave.

Watch for the stream’s seasonal changes — The stream can create small waterfalls, but their presence is seasonal.

When to go

May · June · July · August · September · Early morning or late afternoon, according to the source row; these times may be quieter.

The source row recommends May to September for milder weather and flora in bloom. The stream’s small waterfalls may be seasonal, but the supplied sources do not establish their best viewing months.

The source row warns that winter can be wet and windy and paths slippery. Another supplied source notes muddy patches during rainy periods. Check conditions before walking.

Worth pairing with

Coastal path towards Fairlight Cove

A coastal walk between Hastings and Fairlight is described as a way to extend a visit, but check the route, conditions and transport before setting out.

What to look for

Look for the shallow, weathered sandstone overhang known as Hermit’s Cave, the stream and any seasonal cascades. The cave is described as easy to miss if you do not know where to look.

The story

Local story of John Hancox, known as the East Hill Hermit, who reportedly lived in the cave from the 1890s until his death in 1918.

Best time to go

Late spring to early autumn is suggested in the source row; the ravine’s stream and small waterfalls may be seasonal.

Late spring to early autumn is suggested by the source row. Early morning or late afternoon may offer a quieter visit; this timing is also suggested by the source row.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers · History lovers

Practical information

Opening & access

A wooded ravine in Hastings Country Park, described as reached by cliff-top paths or seafront trails. Paths are steep and can be muddy; check current access conditions before setting out.

Check before visiting

Parking

The source row identifies East Hill car park as a starting point; check current parking arrangements before travelling.

Check before visiting

Toilets

No toilets within the Glen according to the source row; check nearby facilities before visiting.

Check before visiting

Food & drink

No café in the Glen according to the source row; check nearby options in Hastings.

Check before visiting

Dogs

The source row identifies the Glen as dog-friendly; check current signage and local rules.

Check before visiting

Accessibility

The source row describes challenging terrain and says the Glen is unsuitable for wheelchair users or visitors with mobility impairments. Paths may be steep and muddy.

Cost

Check before visiting

Water

Stream; seasonal waterfall reported.