Downs Link — Adur riverside and Lancing College view (Shoreham-by-Sea)
Downs Link — Adur riverside and Lancing College view (Shoreham-by-Sea)
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
Cycling
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The Downs Link – Adur Riverside and Lancing College View at Shoreham offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and architectural grandeur at the southern end of the popular Downs Link path in West Sussex, England. This scenic stretch follows the tranquil banks of the River Adur as it approaches Shoreham-by-Sea, providing expansive views across the tidal river and its floodplains. Dominating the skyline from various points along the path is the magnificent Lancing College, an independent school renowned for…
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April 11, 2021
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Details
Informations
Distance 2.94 km
Uphill 10 m
Downhill 10 m
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Thursday 12 March
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65 %
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Max wind speed: 39.0 km/h
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The section of the Downs Link along the Adur Riverside near Shoreham is largely flat and features an excellent, well-maintained surface. It is suitable for all types of bikes, including those with skinny tyres, and is very accessible for walkers and horse riders of various abilities. Even in rainy conditions, the surface remains good, making it an easy and enjoyable route for most visitors.
While the intro mentions parking is available in Shoreham-by-Sea, specific parking locations are not detailed. It's advisable to look for public car parks within Shoreham-by-Sea, especially near the river or the town center, to access the southern end of the Downs Link. Parking can fill up quickly, particularly during peak times.
Yes, the Adur Riverside section of the Downs Link is generally considered dog-friendly. It's a popular route for dog walkers, offering open spaces and a good surface. However, always ensure your dog is under control, especially around other users and wildlife, and be mindful of any local signage regarding leads or restrictions.
The area is well-served by public transport, as it's located at the coastal terminus of the Downs Link in Shoreham-by-Sea. Shoreham-by-Sea has a train station with connections to Brighton, Worthing, and London. Local bus services also operate within the area, providing access to various points along the river and towards Lancing College.
The Downs Link and Adur Riverside can be enjoyed year-round due to its reliable surface. For birdwatching, the cooler months (autumn and winter) often bring migratory species to the river. To avoid crowds, especially on weekends and public holidays, consider visiting during weekday mornings or later afternoons. Summer weekends tend to be the busiest.
As the Downs Link reaches Shoreham-by-Sea, you'll find various cafes, pubs, and restaurants within the town itself. Many establishments are located near the river or in the town center, offering convenient refreshment stops for hikers and cyclists after exploring the trails.
The Adur Riverside is an important waterway supporting rich wildlife, particularly various bird species. Birdwatchers can often spot wading birds, ducks, and other waterfowl along the riverbanks and in the surrounding floodplains. The tidal nature of parts of the river also contributes to a diverse ecosystem.
Lancing College Chapel is a magnificent Gothic Revival structure and is considered the largest school chapel in the world. Visitors are often welcome to explore the chapel itself, marveling at its immense scale, intricate design, and the stunning 32-foot rose window, which is the largest in England and the largest built in Europe since 1538, comprising 30,000 pieces of glass. It's advisable to check the college's website for current visitor hours and any access restrictions.
The length of a walk or cycle along the Adur Riverside section of the Downs Link can vary greatly depending on your starting point and destination. The entire Downs Link is 36.7 miles (59.1 km) long, but the Shoreham section offers shorter, accessible routes. You can choose to do a short loop around Shoreham, or extend your journey further north along the Downs Link. Many enjoy a leisurely stroll for a few kilometers along the river, taking in the views of Lancing College.
The Downs Link path follows the former track beds of two disused railway lines, the Cranleigh Line and the Steyning Line, which were closed in the mid-1960s as part of the Beeching cuts. The path itself was opened in stages, with the extension to Shoreham-by-Sea opening on October 4, 1993. It repurposes this railway history into a popular multi-user path for recreation.
While the Downs Link itself is a linear path, it's possible to create circular routes by combining sections of the Downs Link with other local footpaths and bridleways around Shoreham-by-Sea and the Adur Valley. Exploring local maps or using a route planner can help you discover various circular options that incorporate the riverside views and potentially a closer look at Lancing College.