Cycling in Sussex
Sussex is home to the South Downs which is home to some of the best countryside and landscapes in the UK. It is understandable why so many people wish to go cycling in Sussex. Bike riding in Sussex is a fantastic way to get some exercise and to go out either in a group or individually and see the sights. There are many cycling routes in Sussex and this article outlines some of the best ones. The South Downs are so close to the English coastline that you get scenery unlike most other places in the UK. With cliff top and seafront cycle rides quickly turning into rides through open countryside.
The Coast Cycling Route
This is one of the best cycling routes in Sussex and as you would expect, runs along the south coast of the UK. The route starts in the famous seaside resort of Brighton and ends up 70miles away in Camber. This route offers some of the best bike riding in Sussex and experienced riders may be able to complete it in one day. Starting in Brighton, this route takes in Rottingdean (home to Rudyard Kipling) moving on through Saltdean and then Telscombe Cliffs. This cycling route then moves on to Seaford, Eastbourne, Hastings, Rye and then Camber. On the way it goes through Cuckmere Valley, past the Long Man of Wilmington, through Friston Forrest and Abbot’s Wood.
Although this route is quite long and can be completed in one day, many people prefer to take advantage of the excellent railway network when bike riding in Sussex and split the route up into more manageable sections.
The Cuckoo Trail
The Cuckoo Trail is suitable for families looking to go bike riding in Sussex. This is one of the best cycling routes in Sussex for those looking for a relaxing and undemanding ride. This route is roughly 13miles in length and offers some of the best cycling in Sussex in terms of the scenery available. The path is paved all of the way and suffers from very little traffic meaning that riders have the time to view the scenery without having to pay so much attention to other road users.
The Cuckoo Trail follows the old Cuckoo Line railway from Heathfield to Eastbourne Park, taking in Horam, Hailsham and Polegate along the way. Heathfield is located one of the primary ridges of the High Weald in what is considered an area of outstanding natural beauty. Horam grew out of a hamlet because of the Cuckoo Line in 1880. The local area offers fantastic bike riding in Sussex with picture postcard landscapes that include carved valleys and idyllic narrow country lanes. Hailsham and Polegate offer a very similar and unspoilt landscape. This is one of the best cycling routes in Sussex for spotting nature and wildlife. The Orange Tip butterfly shares the area with birds such as the Cuckoo and the Dunnock
The South Downs Way
This is probably the most famous of all the cycling routes in Sussex. It runs from the centre of Winchester (Hampshire) all the way to Eastbourne. It runs for over 100miles and takes in some of the best scenery in the country. It is quite demanding for both cyclists and hikers and many people choose to only take in parts of the trail. It takes in towns such as Arundel and the famous Beachy Head.