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A guide to mountain biking (MTB) routes on the South Downs of Hampshire and Sussex, between Winchester, Brighton and Eastbourne. The 26 routes described in the book take in roller coaster rides, dedicated woodland singletrack and great downhills. Rides are graded for all abilities with information on local facilities and MTB gear and preparation.

Seasons

excellent all year round, with each season bringing its own experiences but prolonged rainy periods can turn the chalky soil into highly-adhesive mud

Centres

Eastbourne, Alfriston, Seaford, Lewes, Newhaven, Brighton, Worthing, Arundel, Amberley, Chichester, Petersfield, Cocking, East Meon, East Dean, New Alresford, Winchester

Difficulty

routes primarily aimed at experienced mountain bikers with a good level of fitness; most manageable for the less experienced/fit with extra time; graded by length: short, half-day and day; as well as strenuousness: medium, hard and very hard

Must See

endless chalk bridleways along Downland ridges with great views in every direction; challenging hills and exhilarating descents; great dedicated singletrack at Friston Forest, Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Wild Park and Stanmer Park; excellent pubs and cafés for re-fuelling
ISBN
9781852846459
Availability
Published
Published
25 May 2011
Reprinted
17 Apr 2023
Edition
First
Pages
240
Size
17.20 x 11.60 x 1.40cm
Weight
270g
Overview

The South Downs is a mountain biker's paradise. Thousands of kilometres of well-maintained byways and bridleways can be combined to create seemingly inexhaustible route combinations. The 26 routes in this book are graded (blue, red and black) for a range of abilities, and grouped into 6 sections: The South Downs Way National Trail (the whole route described in 3 stages) and routes around Winchester, Chichester and Petersfield, Arundel and Worthing, Brighton and Lewes and Eastbourne. They range from 14km to 57km in length and up to 95% off road, providing plenty of challenge for any mountain biker. Many tracks traverse well-drained chalk downland, providing superlative off-road conditions for much of the year. All routes are clearly illustrated on OS maps with numbered stages linking the route descriptions to maps. Extensive information is also included on facilities and services, including bike shops and mechanics, cafes, pubs and food shops, accommodation and transport links and tips on bike gear and preparation.

Table of Contents
Maps
Updates
Reviews
Downloads
Peter Edwards Cicerone author EDWARDS

By Peter Edwards

Since moving to Scotland from the south of England in 2006, Peter has developed a passion for the Hebrides. He lives at Rhenigidale on the Isle of Harris with his wife, Fiona, and their Labradors, Dougal and Mara.

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