The best cycling routes in South Downs

Exploring unique chalk terrain

The South Downs are primarily a chalk escarpment that sprawls across England’s south east, creating a huge region of rolling countryside. Cycle routes in the South Downs come in many shapes and sizes thanks to the variety of terrain that the national park offers, with river valleys, undulating farmland and peaceful meadows. With more woodland than any other national park in England, you can pedal for hours under the watchful gaze of oaks and beech trees.

The highest point in the area is Butser Hill at 890 feet (270 m), so no matter where you go cycling in the South Downs, you’ll never be facing too-lengthy a climb, although they can be steep. Routes will take you through utterly beautiful landscapes, with serene river valleys complete with traffic-free trails and plenty of birdsong. Rivers like the Meon reveal more about this unique landscape, with its flawlessly clear, chalk-filtered water. Pedal alongside to discover quaint villages, friendly cafes and pretty lunch stops.

Riding throughout the area is sure to bring you fantastic views with little effort on your part. When you reach a ridgeline, look down across wooded valleys, past farmhouses nestled into hills and out to the English Channel. The South Downs is nothing if not green and in spring and summer, you’ll find yourself gliding through every shade imaginable. 

See history around every bend

If you like to have intriguing objectives on your forays, bike rides in the South Downs will deliver more than their fair share of historic sites. The Long Man of Wilmington is one of the region’s most incredible sites. This fascinating carving shines with its chalk white outline against the vivid green grass and is of unknown age. 

If you cycle to Bignor in the middle of the South Downs, you’ll find the well-preserved remains of a Roman villa. Rest your bike up and marvel at the incredible mosaic floors uncovered by a farmer over 200 years ago. 

North of Bignor, discover the 18th century water pump and mill at Coultershaw Bridge. This glimpse into the local industrial past is the perfect sandwich stop before you explore the surrounding bridleways and country lanes.

Grand country houses side-by-side with open commons and hilly woodlands give cycling in the South Downs a perfect blend of nature and human history.