Discover National Parks: Hop on a bike and explore the South Downs!
April 13, 2022
There’s nothing quite like the freedom of a cycle ride through the countryside, the breeze on your face and breathtaking views to admire.
Whether you’re looking for a gentle bike ride with the family, or looking to use some serious pedal power to do some off-road mountain biking, the South Downs National Park is full of wonderful opportunities for cycling.
One of our ongoing priorities is to help connect urban areas to the National Park, allowing people to cycle up into the South Downs and enjoy the views and wildlife. It’s hard not to be invigorated by a bike ride surrounded by this lush green landscape and the soothing chorus of birdsong!
If you’ve never cycled into the National Park before, here are three cycle routes that offer a great day-out:
Centurion Way ride, West Sussex
You can catch the train to Chichester and be in the heart of the National Park within half an hour or so.
The Centurion Way is a 5.5 mile (9km) path that runs between Chichester, Lavant and West Dean following the old Chichester to Midhurst railway line.
If cycling from further afield, it also connects with the South Coast Cycle Route at Fishbourne.
The route finishes in the beautiful downland village of West Dean, which has a village store and tearooms, church, pub and the 6,400-acre West Dean Estate. The estate is made up of both arable and pastoral farmland and many of the pretty cottages are Grade II listed.
The stunning West Dean Gardens are definitely worth a visit, offering a gentle walk with a wide range of historic features to enjoy, including the restored walled garden.
Find out more in our Centurion Way leaflet here.
Rowlands Castle ride, Hampshire
The village has a railway station on the main London to Portsmouth line, so is a great stepping stone into the National Park.
This is a lovely circular cycle ride along country lanes, offering some fantastic views of the South Downs. The highlight for most will probably be the charming St Huberts, also known as “The Little Church in a Field”. This chapel contains some of the oldest wall paintings in southern England, dated c.1330, and the only known one of St Hubert. It’s also the site of a deserted medieval village. Make sure you have your camera ready as the scenery, particularly on a sunny day, is truly amazing!
There is also some excellent open access chalk grassland at Chalton Down.
All the pedalling is bound to work up a sweat and thankfully there are two fantastic watering holes on the ride at Finchdean and Chalton to quench your thirst or enjoy a spot of lunch!
Find out more about the Rowlands Castle ride here.
Peacehaven ride, East Sussex
This is a gentle ride that will take you from the hustle and bustle of the coast into tranquil downland, taking in valleys, the River Ouse, and the famous 5000-year-old South Downs Way.
The route also includes part of the Egrets Way, which is a new route for cyclists and walkers connecting Lewes to Newhaven. Around half of the planned network has been built and is in use, with sections of pathway running between Lewes and Kingston, Southease and Rodmell, and Southease and Piddinghoe. A lovely way to see the River Ouse valley and a great connection at Southease railway station!
Find out more about the Peacehaven ride here.
If you’re feeling a little more adventurous and energetic check out this mountain bike guide to the South Downs Way. Did you know the 100-mile route is the only UK’s National Trail that is fully traversable by bike?
If you don’t own a bike why not hire one? There are lots cycle hire companies across the National Park with a range of bikes available to get all ages back in the saddle and exploring the South Downs. Find out more here.
Enjoy your ride!
