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Discover the South Downs National Park — 20 rail to trail rides

Alice Baddeley

Discover the South Downs National Park — 20 rail to trail rides

Mountain Biking Collection by Alice Baddeley

20

Tours

60:42 h

465 mi

34,800 ft

The South Downs National Park is a haven for off-road cycling, offering varied trails that cater to riders of all skill levels. Nestled just north of the south coast, this national park is a beautiful and diverse protected area covering parts of Hampshire and Sussex. It became England's newest national park in 2010, recognised for its unique landscapes, rich cultural heritage and abundant wildlife.

The South Downs Way is a significant and iconic feature within the South Downs National Park, representing one of Britain’s most famous long-distance trails. Covering approximately 100 miles (160 kilometres), this cycling and walking National Trail runs along the stunning chalk escarpment of the South Downs. You can find a three-day Collection of the South Downs Way here:
komoot.com/collection/888595

This Collection showcases the very best of the South Downs National Park, with 20 off-road loops that all start and end at different train stations within, or close to, the park’s boundary. With over 20 stations close by, it’s arguably the best-connected national park in the country.

In addition to the South Downs Way, the Tours also encompass portions of several other trails, including King Alfred's Way, Monarch's Way, Shipwrights Way, Mid-Sussex Link and the Serpent Trail. Many of the routes are rich in history, with prehistoric sites, Roman influence, majestic castles, agricultural heritage, literary and artistic connections, medieval villages, and poignant World War II landmarks.

Expect a tapestry of landscapes with rolling hills, chalk downs, white cliffs, river valleys, ancient woodlands, wildflower meadows, sea views, patchwork fields with grazing livestock, heather-covered hillsides and sandy heathland. Such habitats attract rare species, creating abundant biodiversity hotspots.

One of the most enticing features of each Tour is the excellent array of pit stops you’ll encounter along the way. In each of the descriptions, I’ve detailed a list of places to refuel, ranging from country pubs to cycling cafes. Every Tour has at least one great place to stop, enabling you to turn your adventure into a full-day experience.

The terrain, elevation and distance vary significantly in each loop, so I’d suggest reviewing each Tour description and profile to find one that best suits your preferences and abilities. Overall, I’d recommend riding a hardtail mountain bike, but a sturdy gravel bike with wide tyres will also suffice. Bear in mind that many of the trails can become very muddy or slippery after wet weather, so the drier months are a perfect time to embark on these rides.

With a selection of 20 loops to choose from, you'll find yourself spoiled for choice, yet each Tour boasts its own distinct and unique appeal. Once you’ve had a taste of cycling in the South Downs National Park, consider heading to the New Forest, the neighbouring national park with its flatter terrain and compact gravel paths. You can find my Collection of off-road cycling in the New Forest here:
komoot.com/collection/1844346

On The Map

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Tours

  1. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

    Winchester, the River Itchen and Cheesefoot Head loop — South Downs National Park

    02:23
    21.1 mi
    8.8 mph
    1,200 ft
    1,200 ft
    Intermediate
    Intermediate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

    Venture to the historic city of Winchester and embark on a picturesque loop around the northwestern corner of the South Downs National Park, surrounded by the serene waters of the River Itchen.

    

    Begin your adventure by starting on the South Downs Way from its inception in Winchester. Follow the path along

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  2. 04:22
    36.3 mi
    8.3 mph
    2,200 ft
    2,200 ft
    Intermediate
    Intermediate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

    Uncover the wonders of the western corner of the South Downs National Park with this extensive loop that features stunning views from Beacon Hill, a long flat section of the Meon Valley Trail and a winding ride around the captivating Forest of Bere.

    

    Starting at Shawford station, your ascent begins along

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  4. 03:32
    28.7 mi
    8.1 mph
    2,200 ft
    2,200 ft
    Intermediate
    Intermediate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Embark on an exhilarating journey with steep climbs, thrilling descents, nature reserves, breathtaking viewpoints and incredible panoramas of the Sussex and Hampshire countryside.

    

    From Petersfield station, you'll venture northward to Ashfield Hanger. This national nature reserve is nestled within a woodland

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  5. 03:24
    30.1 mi
    8.8 mph
    1,525 ft
    1,525 ft
    Expert
    Expert mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the Tour may require you to push your bike.

    Discover the most northern corner of the South Downs National Park with this loop that winds through forests, cuts across military ranges and traverses steep beech-clad hills known as the Hampshire Hangers.

    

    From Bentley station, the route starts with a serene cycle through Alice Holt Forest, a royal forest

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  6. 03:25
    25.9 mi
    7.6 mph
    2,025 ft
    2,025 ft
    Intermediate
    Intermediate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

    From Rowlands Castle set out on an undulating loop through the grounds of a manor house, a national nature reserve, a country park and a breathtaking section of the South Downs Way.

    

    The first half of the loop passes through Stansted Park, home of a grand Edwardian mansion. It then weaves through Kingley

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  7. 03:12
    25.7 mi
    8.0 mph
    1,975 ft
    1,975 ft
    Intermediate
    Intermediate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

    Indulge in some of the finest countryside in West Sussex with this scenic circuit of heathland, woodland, pine forests, a former railway trail and open ridges.

    

    Starting at Liss station, the route traces the path of a disused military railway track. You'll soon find yourself amidst the beauty of Iping

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  8. 03:09
    23.6 mi
    7.5 mph
    1,625 ft
    1,650 ft
    Intermediate
    Intermediate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Explore the northern quarter of the South Downs National Park with diverse landscapes that showcase part of the greensand ridge, an extensive sandstone escarpment forming part of The Weald.

    

    Starting in Liphook, the route traverses Stanley and Marley Commons before a long climb up Blackdown Hill, Sussex

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  9. 03:40
    29.0 mi
    7.9 mph
    2,400 ft
    2,400 ft
    Intermediate
    Intermediate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

    From the south coast, prepare for an excursion that reveals ancient tracks, sweeping sea views, dense forests, a former railway path and a famous horse racecourse.

    

    Starting from Bosham station, your adventure begins along the historic Centurion Way, a disused railway path now serving as a popular cycling

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  10. 03:40
    29.7 mi
    8.1 mph
    2,025 ft
    2,025 ft
    Intermediate
    Intermediate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

    Experience the beauty of open heathland by traversing the sandy commons of Sutton, Heyshott, and Graffham. Along the way, you'll encounter several historic landmarks, including Stopham Bridge, Graffham Sheep Pig and the ruins of Bedham Church.

    

    This is one of the longer Tours in the Collection, but the

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  11. 03:52
    26.9 mi
    7.0 mph
    2,250 ft
    2,250 ft
    Intermediate
    Intermediate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

    Embark on a journey infused with rich history, where you'll traverse dense woodlands, meander along open ridges and follow winding riverside tracks.

    

    After passing the impressive Arundel Castle, the route weaves through forest trails and eventually climbs to Graffham Down on the South Downs Way. You'll

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  12. 01:54
    14.3 mi
    7.5 mph
    1,150 ft
    1,150 ft
    Intermediate
    Intermediate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Set out on a thrilling expedition that showcases enchanting woodland, steep but gradual climbs, thundering grassy descents, a quaint hill top village and a short section of the South Downs Way with views for miles.

    

    The Tour begins with a climb on to the downs ridge, which rewards with a long open descent

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  13. 02:37
    20.1 mi
    7.7 mph
    1,325 ft
    1,325 ft
    Intermediate
    Intermediate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

    Embark on an adventure with sea views, wide open grassy expanses, a beautiful conifer forest and a short section of the South Downs Way with spectacular ridge-top vistas.

    

    The Tour traverses two hill ranges, treating you to breathtaking views while challenging your physical endurance. You'll appreciate

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  14. 02:35
    18.9 mi
    7.3 mph
    1,325 ft
    1,325 ft
    Intermediate
    Intermediate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

    Head to the seaside town of Shoreham-by-Sea to embark on a journey featuring coastal views, a serene riverside path, ancient hill forts and a wide open stretch of the South Downs ridge.

    

    The route takes in a section of the Downs Link, a former railway path following the course of the River Adur in Shoreham

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  15. 03:46
    28.5 mi
    7.6 mph
    2,400 ft
    2,400 ft
    Intermediate
    Intermediate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

    Embark on a thrilling off-road adventure that boasts spectacular views as well as some breathtaking cycling along ridges and up chalky escarpments.

    

    From Hassocks station, the route passes through the quaint village of Ditchling before a sharp climb up Westmeston Bostal to the South Downs Way. From the

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  16. 02:39
    19.1 mi
    7.2 mph
    1,675 ft
    1,675 ft
    Intermediate
    Intermediate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Prepare for a captivating adventure that combines serene woodland paths, chalky escarpments and ridge-top riding along the South Downs Way.

    

    From Falmer station, the route weaves through beautiful woodland at Stanmer Park, then climbs up towards Ditchling Beacon on the South Downs Way. A thrilling descent

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  17. 02:34
    17.3 mi
    6.7 mph
    1,900 ft
    1,900 ft
    Intermediate
    Intermediate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Set off from the historic town of Lewes on an undulating adventure that boasts spectacular views throughout. You'll also get a taste of Lewes as you wind through the narrow medieval streets that are full of character.

    

    The route climbs out of Lewes to Mount Harry and joins the South Downs Way, which weaves

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  18. 01:26
    11.6 mi
    8.1 mph
    725 ft
    725 ft
    Intermediate
    Intermediate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.

    Head over to Southease on the River Ouse for a simple loop with sea views, interesting history and a wildlife-rich riverside trail.

    

    Starting at Southease station, the Tour follows the River Ouse to Piddinghoe where it then climbs to Telscombe village, an ancient settlement with a population of just under

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  19. 03:37
    25.4 mi
    7.0 mph
    2,300 ft
    2,300 ft
    Intermediate
    Intermediate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

    Set off on an undulating adventure which takes in the beauty of the South Downs ridge, the picturesque village of Alfriston and the enchanting depths of Friston Forest's lush woodland.

    

    Starting from Bishopstone station, the route joins the serene traffic-free Ouse Valley trail before a sharp climb up

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  20. 03:01
    19.6 mi
    6.5 mph
    1,350 ft
    1,350 ft
    Intermediate
    Intermediate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

    Head to the northeastern end of the South Downs National Park, where you'll be treated to views of the towering downs from below, a wide open section of the South Downs Way and a glimpse into the grounds of Charleston, a modernist home associated with the Bloomsbury group.

    

    From Glynde station, you'll

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  21. 01:54
    13.3 mi
    7.0 mph
    1,275 ft
    1,275 ft
    Intermediate
    Intermediate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Discover the southeastern corner of the South Downs National Park with this exhilarating loop boasting dramatic chalk cliffs, time-worn paths and spectacular vistas.

    

    Your journey starts in Eastbourne, where you embark on a challenging ascent that forms part of the South Downs Way. Reaching the summit

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Like this Collection?

Questions and Comments

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Collection Stats

  • Tours
    20
  • Distance
    465 mi
  • Duration
    60:42 h
  • Elevation
    34,800 ft

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