Experience some of the most challenging and scenic cycling terrain in southern England on 20 graded sportive routes through the south east, from the rolling Surrey and Chiltern Hills and the dramatic chalk escarpments of the North and South Downs to the wooded valleys of the High Weald, the wide open roads of the New Forest, and the Berkshire Downs above the Thames Valley. With miles of quiet, cycle-friendly roads and routes accessible from London and the major towns of the south east, this is one of the finest sportive training regions in the country.

Suitable for beginner and experienced cyclists alike, this comprehensive Cicerone guidebook describes 20 graded sportive routes across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Kent, Surrey, and East Sussex, carefully chosen to help you prepare for a sportive event or simply ride as classics in their own right. Routes range from 60 to 117km (37–73 miles) with between 425 and 1420m (1395–4660ft) of climbing, from flat routes ideal for pacing and cadence training to tough, hilly routes where climbing is the name of the game.

• Choose from 20 graded sportive routes across the south east, covering the New Forest, North and South Downs, High Weald, Surrey Hills, Chiltern Hills, and Berkshire Downs, with routes starting near Sevenoaks, Maidstone, Brighton, Reading, High Wycombe, Southampton, Dorking, Brockenhurst, Marlow, and Oxford.
• Tackle routes as standalone rides or link selected routes together for longer challenges, with shortcuts and variants available throughout to tailor every ride to your fitness, goals, and available time.
• Navigate with confidence using numbered route descriptions accompanied by clear 1:250,000 mapping and gradient profiles, with GPX files available to download for all 20 routes.
• Plan every ride with practical information on timings, ascent figures, food stops, and access details, alongside comprehensive listings of bike shops and cycle repair facilities throughout the south east.
• Prepare thoroughly for sportive cycling with useful tips on fitness, nutrition, equipment, and what to expect when covering longer distances by bike, giving you everything you need to get the most from your training.
• Ride year-round with confidence, with all 20 routes rideable in any season with the right cold and wet weather clothing and lights, making this one of the most flexible and accessible sportive training guides available.

Take on the roads, downs, and wooded valleys of south east England with confidence using this trusted Cicerone guidebook. From the Surrey Hills and the High Weald to the New Forest and the Berkshire Downs, this is the essential companion for sportive training and riding in one of England's most cycle-friendly regions.

20 Classic Sportive Rides in South East England – Quick Facts

Location: Southern England – Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Kent, Surrey, and East Sussex
Routes covered: 20 graded sportive routes (60–117km/37–73 miles; 425–1420m/1395–4660ft of climbing)
Difficulty: Graded from flat and fast cadence training routes to tough, hilly routes with significant climbing; suitable for beginner and experienced cyclists
Terrain: Quiet country roads throughout; chalk downland, wooded hills, river valleys, forest roads, and coastal plain across the south east
Key centres: Sevenoaks, Maidstone, Brighton, Reading, Windsor, High Wycombe, Portsmouth, Southampton, Basingstoke, Newbury, Eastbourne, Fleet, Reigate, Dorking, Redhill, Brockenhurst, Marlow, Theale, Hungerford, Oxford
Route highlights: New Forest, North and South Downs, High Weald, Surrey Hills, Chiltern Hills, Berkshire Downs, Thames Valley
Navigation/mapping: Numbered route descriptions with 1:250,000 mapping and gradient profiles included; GPX files available to download for all 20 routes
Flexibility: Selected routes can be linked for longer challenges; shortcuts and variants available throughout
Accommodation & logistics: Comprehensive bike shop listings, food stop information, access details, and practical advice on getting to and around the south east with your bike
Best time to go: Year-round; all routes rideable in any season with the right clothing and lights
Companion title: 20 Classic Sportive Rides in South West England (also available from Cicerone)

Author Highlight

“An excellent system of trains, motorways and trunk roads make light work of delivering riders to wherever they want to cycle. Furthermore, the area offers sportive riders an eclectic mix of locations and country roads. From the brooding landscapes of the New Forest, to the rolling contours of the High Weald and Surrey Hills – mile upon mile of exciting terrain exists on which cyclists train and prepare for their favourite event. The number of cyclists riding every day in these beautiful areas proves that there’s room for everyone.”

- Colin Dennis, author of 20 Classic Sportive Rides in South East England

Introduction

About Sportives

The south east of England

Getting there and getting around

When to go

Accommodation

On the road

Safety

Emergencies

Equipment

Bike maintenance

The rules of the road

Maps

Navigation

Feed Stations

Using this guide

Route 1: Rattle and Hum, Brockenhurst (New Forest)

Route 2: Pony Express, Brockenhurst (New Forest)

Route 3: Kings of Meon, Portsdown (Hampshire)

Route 4: Top and Tail, QE Country Park (South Downs)

Route 5: Windoverstoke, Andover (Hampshire)

Route 6: The Gibbet, Hungerford (Berkshire)

Route 7: Dragon Slayer, Hungerford (Berks/Wilts)

Route 8: Isis, Reading (Berks/Oxon)

Route 9: Devil’s Highway, Theale (Berks/Hants)

Route 10: The Hogs Back, Fleet (Hants/Surrey)

Route 11: Mud, Sweat and Gears, Godalming (Surrey)

Route 12: Surrey Hills, Headley (Surrey)

Route 13: Reservoir Cogs, Redhill (Surrey/Sussex)

Route 14: Park and Ride, Brighton (East Sussex)

Route 15: Weald-a-Beast, Maidstone (Kent)

Route 16: Battle Plan, Eastbourne (Sussex/Kent)

Route 17: Merry Wives, Marlow (Bucks/Berks)

Route 18: Wycombe Wanderer, Marlow (Bucks/Oxon)

Route 19: Oxtail Loop, Kidlington (Oxon)

Route 20: Ox and Bucks, Kidlington (Oxon/Bucks)

Appendix A: Route summary table

Appendix B: Bike shops and cycle repair outfits

Appendix C: Useful contacts

Seasons

From early winter starts to lazy summer evening rides, all the routes in this guide book are perfect as part of your year-round training regime.

Centres

Sevenoaks, Maidstone, Brighton, Reading, Windsor, High Wycombe, Portsmouth, Southampton, Basingstoke, Newbury, Eastbourne, Fleet, Reigate, Dorking, Redhill, Brockenhurst, Marlow, Theale, Hungerford, Oxford.

Difficulty

Sportive cyclists of all levels of fitness and ability will benefit from a mix of flat, cadence training specific rides to unforgiving lung-bursting routes where climbing is the name of the game. Check out the hill grades to each ride and choose the route on which you want to train. Don't forget to mix-and-match your routes for variation of training.

Must See

20 cycle sportive training rides that cover the most challenging and scenic areas of the Southeast of England: The New Forest, North and South Downs, the High Weald, Surrey Hills, Chiltern Hills and the Berkshire Downs all have mile upon mile of cycle friendly roads on which to train for your favourite cycle sportive event.

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