Cycling in the South Downs

Bringing your bike with you to the South Downs? Looking for routes to ride in the national park? Whether you’re setting off on a long-distance bike tour or looking for a gentler route that the whole family can enjoy, we’ve got the information you’re looking for. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about cycling in the South Downs.

Best cycling routes in the South Downs

The South Downs Way

Long-distance trail, crossing the entire South Downs via a scenic off-road route.

Distance: 100 miles (160 km)

Start: Winchester, Hampshire

End: Eastbourne, East Sussex

Difficulty: Advanced 

Stretching across the entire length of the South Downs, this off-road route from Winchester to Eastbourne is suitable for cycling, walking and, in many sections, horse riding. If you're looking to cycle the South Downs Way, be prepared for up to 3,800 metres of ascent over the entire route – because of this terrain, a good level of fitness is required. Most cyclists prefer to complete the route over two or three days, stopping off for the night along the way, but it is possible to cycle the whole route in just one day if you're a true fitness fanatic. Mainline train services call at both the start and end points, as well as at Amberley, roughly halfway along the route. 

Ditchling Beacon Loop

A strenuous but rewarding hill climb just a few miles from Brighton seafront.

Distance: 12.4 miles (20 km)

Start/end point: Ditchling village centre

Difficulty: Advanced 

Located just a few miles from the bustling city of Brighton and Hove, Ditchling Beacon is one of the most challenging hill climbs in this part of the South East. With stunning views over the surrounding countryside and all the way down to the coast, this is a strenuous but rewarding ride. The toughest section, the hill climb itself, involves about 450 feet of ascent in just under a mile on a road with lots of twists and turns – care should be taken here.

Ilford Hill Loop

A moderate route exploring the coast and chalk downland around Peacehaven.

Distance: 13 miles (21 km)

Start/end: Centenary Park, Peacehaven 

Difficulty: Intermediate

This circular cycle ride sticks to bridleways, gravel tracks and a few quiet country lanes around the coastal village of Peacehaven in East Sussex. The ride is, however, quite undulating, with lots of small hills and one steep descent on a gravel section that may be more challenging. It's an easy route to navigate, as it follows the peaceful banks of the river Ouse before heading west along the South Downs Way and later pointing south and looping back to the start point – all of this is signposted.

Family cycling routes in the South Downs

Amberley to Arundel and back

Distance: 12 miles (20 km) 

Start/end: Amberley

Difficulty: Intermediate

This popular riverside cycle route runs along the banks of the river Arun between the small towns of Amberley and Arundel. With great views over Arundel Castle and Arundel Park, the path passes a mix of natural scenery including farmland and woodlands. You'll also cycle past the Arundel Wetland Centre, where you can look out for a variety of wildlife. There are no steep inclines and there are lots of pubs and cafés at either end if you'd like refreshments. Thanks to the area's good public transport links, it's also possible to get the train back to the start point and halve the distance cycled.

Centurion Way

Distance: 5.5 miles (9 km) each way

Start: Chichester

End: West Dean

Difficulty: Easy

This flat and easy route runs off the road along a former railway line, connecting the cathedral city of Chichester to the small settlements of Lavant and West Dean. Passing riverside scenery, a pretty copse and traditional buildings, the Centurion Way is a great way to see this part of Sussex by bike. West Dean, at the end of the route, is home to expansive gardens as well as the Weald and Downland Museum, an open-air discovery centre that's great for kids and adults alike. At the end of the route, call in at West Dean Stores and Tea Rooms for refreshments before setting off back to Chichester (it's also possible to take bus route 60 back to the centre of town if you're tired).

Hayling Billy Trail

Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km) each way

Start: North Hayling Halt

End: West Town

Difficulty: Easy

This family favourite is a great way to dust off the cobwebs after a lazy day on the beaches of Hayling Island. Running fully off road along a former railway line, this easy cycle route (which is located just outside the national park) takes about an hour to complete at a moderate pace for a there and back trip. The Hayling Billy Trail route runs close to the edge of Langstone Harbour, a Site of Special Scientific Interest that's home to a wealth of birdlife, and has great views over the water. There are two pubs as well as a fish and chip shop on Sinah Lane at the southern end of the trail if you're in the mood for refreshments at the finish point. 

 

With a wide range of places to go cycling – as well as some excellent mountain biking locations – the South Downs National Park is a great place to go for an outdoor holiday on two wheels.

If you’re planning on spending lots of time in the open air, you may well enjoy camping in the South Downs – and with its wide range of campsites, glampsites and caravan parks to choose from, Pitchup is here to help. 

Check out our full range of places to stay in the South Downs – and don’t forget to explore our other guides to the South Downs for more inspiration before setting off.