Downs Link and South Downs Way loop from Guildford

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Bikepacking

Patrik Lundin

Downs Link and South Downs Way loop from Guildford

Cycling Collection by Patrik Lundin

2 routes

15:42 h

179 km

1,950 m

Starting and finishing in Guildford, only 30 minutes by train from central London, this 177-kilometre (110-mile) route offers stunning views and varied terrain and is ideal for London-based budding bikepackers.

The circular route takes in the traffic-free Downs Link, part of the well-known South Downs Way, and the Shipwrights Way bridleway. From quiet, flat tracks to leg-burstingly hilly chalk singletrack, while this might not be an incredibly long bikepacking route, it certainly makes up for it in variety.

Fish and chips by the sea, coffee and cake along the cycle path and a sunset on the trails: this is a perfect overnighter for a beginner backpacker offering really varied, easily navigated terrain and stunning scenery. If you'd like to break down the distance further, it could also make a great three-day route.

Check out the full Tour here to make your own itinerary: komoot.com/tour/539289413

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Downs Link and South Downs Way loop full Tour

181 km

1,880 m

Last updated: November 21, 2024

Activities

Day 1: Guildford to the South Downs Way
09:55
102km
10.3km/h
1,060m
870m
Setting off from Guildford, I quickly joined the Downs Link, a disused railway line that runs all the way to Shoreham-by-Sea. Sometimes arrow straight and mostly flat, this is perfect gravel bike territory, taking in a smooth path while trees on both sides obscure the landscape and focus the view on…
by Patrik Lundin
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Day 2: South Downs Way to Guildford
05:48
76.9km
13.3km/h
890m
1,090m
Waking up early, I quickly broke camp and headed off in search of a coffee. The air was full of dew as the sun slowly rose over the horizon. The route carried on just as it finished last night, stunning singletracks like white rivers visible for miles snaking across the rolling landscape. It was so beautiful…
by Patrik Lundin
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