Cycling

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Cycling routes

We have selected and tested 44 circular routes follow roads and bridleways suitable for enjoyable cycling at various levels. Route descriptions include suggested start points, approximate length and pedalling time.

Our routes are split into three levels.

Beginner Relatively flat, quiet roads and easy off road suitable for all age groups and fitness levels.
Intermediate Some steeper gradients, harder off road and interaction with traffic. A reasonable degree of fitness is required.
Experienced Steep gradients, some busier roads and technical off road. A good degree of fitness is needed.

Cycle on the Downs Link

The Downs Link, established in 1984 as a link between the North and South Downs, is a scenic, flat bridleway between Guildford in the North and Shoreham-by-Sea in the South. It is the district's most popular cycle route and offers beginner, intermediate and experienced options. Click the PDF to open it below:

The Downs Link: Guildford to Shoreham-by-Sea (PDF, 131.66 Kb)

View our circular cycle routes

Southwater/Copsale

This route uses mainly country lanes and the Downs Link Bridleway. It passes through farmland and provides excellent views of the very rural area around Southwater.

Southwater/Copsale route map

Rudgwick/Slinfold

This route uses the excellent Downs Link, quiet country lanes and a short distance along a bridlepath. It passes through wooded areas and open farmland and some of the views across this hilly wooded area are quite spectacular.

Rudgwick/Slinfold route map

Storrington (Chantry Hill)/Lee Farm

This route is on bridleways and is a good introduction to mountain biking. The tracks are good and can be ridden in any conditions. There are excellent views south towards the coast and Arundel and north towards Horsham and the North Downs.

Storrington (Chantry Hill)/Lee Farm route map

Wiggonholt/Bury/Amberley

This route uses quiet country lanes and passes through several picturesque villages around the Arun Valley. There are spectacular views of Amberley Wild Brooks, the Arun Valley and the South Downs.

Wiggonholt/Bury/Amberley route map

West Grinstead/Partridge Green/Dial Post

A delightful ride around the open farm and parkland of this rural part of West Sussex.

West Grinstead/Partridge Green/Dial Post route map

Southwater/Nuthurst/Maplehurst

This route uses the flat, well-surfaced Downs Link, together with well-defined bridleways, to take the rider through the villages, fields and woodlands to the east of Southwater.

Southwater/Nuthurst/Maplehurst route map

Bramber/Old Shoreham

These interesting and varied routes make use of The Downs Link, The South Downs Way and minor roads.

Bramber/Old Shoreham route map

Broadbridge Heath/Warnham/Horsham

This route uses country lanes and the cycle path around Tanbridge House School. The route passes through wooded areas, by farmland as well as alongside Warnham Deer Park and over the Rookwood Golf Course.

Broadbridge Heath/Warnham/Horsham route map

Horsham/Rusper

This route uses predominately country lanes, passing through beautiful scenery and provides superb views cross the Low Weald. The route includes a number of steep hills.

Horsham/Rusper route map

Horsham/St Leonard's Forest

Horsham/St Leonard’s Forest route map

Henfield/Partridge Green

This route uses mainly country lanes, the Downs Link and a bridleway, but there are two short parts along the main A281 road which can be busy at peak times. The route passes through farmland and gives good views of the South Downs and the Adur Valley.

Henfield/Partridge Green route map

Steyning/Ashurst/Wiston

This route starts and finishes in the ancient and attractive village of Steyning, which is worthy of detailed exploration as indeed is Bramber.

Steyning/Ashurst/Wiston route map

Barns Green/Coneyhurst

The route passes through gently undulating hills, wooded areas and farmland. The views of the South Downs are particularly good in places. During the spring the route rarely leave superb bluebell woods. Trail conditions will be very muddy after rain.

Barns Green/Coneyhurst route map

Chanctonbury and Cissbury Rings

This ride visits the two Iron Age forts on the South Downs, west of Steyning and east of Findon, and incorporates part of the South Downs Way. It is on good tracks but care should be taken on some of the steeper descents.

Chanctonbury and Cissbury Rings route map

Horsham/St Leonard's Forest/Wimland

This route is mainly on bridleways and takes you through the middle of St Leonard’s Forest on Mick Miles’ Race, through Holmbush Forest and farmland north of the Horsham/Crawley Road and returning on the outskirts of Horsham. Going is muddy after rain.

Horsham/St Leonard’s Forest/Wimland route map

Horsham/Broadbridge Heath/Southwater

This route makes use of the cycle way between Warnham, Horsham and Southwater with stretches on The Pedlar’s Way, The Downs Link and country lanes. It explores the Horsham locality and visits Denne Hill, Rookwood Golf Course and Warnham Deer Park.

Horsham/Broadbridge Heath/Southwater route map

Copsale/Mannings Heath/Colgate/Nuthurst

This route uses bridleways in the wooded area to the east of Horsham and Southwater. It gives spectacular views of the area from the ridges to the west of Nuthurst and the east of St Leonard’s Forest.

Copsale/Mannings Heath/Colgate/Nuthurst route map

Southwater/Barns Green/Colins Cross

This route uses quiet lanes, good bridleways and The Downs Link and passes through typical Sussex countryside with beautiful wooded and country scenery including old Sussex dwellings.

Southwater/Barns Green/Colins Cross route map

Pulborough/Nutbourne/West Chiltington

This is quite a challenging, hilly route. (The circular route of Nutbourne Lane, Gay Street Lane and Gay Street is probably the most undulating part). However, it is an extremely pleasant country ride with some lovely views.

Pulborough/Nutbourne/West Chiltington route map

Bramber/Devil's Dyke/Wolstonbury Hill

This route follows and links two historic transport systems which have been closed for their original purpose and partly restored for recreational use.

Bramber/Devil’s Dyke/Wolstonbury Hill route map

South Downs Way/Monarch's Way (starting near Storrington)

This is a varied route with some long ascents and descents on good surfaces plus shorter, steeper and more technical sections of single track.

South Downs Way/Monarch's Way (starting near Storrington) route map

South Downs Way/Monarch's Way (Arundel- starting near Storrington)

This is an extension to Route 22 which incorporates an exhilarating descent off Amberley Mount to Houghton and along a beautiful section of the River Arun to Arundel.

South Downs Way/Monarch's Way (Arundel - starting near Storrington) route map

Horsham/Barns Green/West Chiltington/Dragons Green

This route takes the rider along quiet country lanes to the west and south of Horsham with the exception of the first section on the busy Worthing Road to The Boar’s Head public house.

Horsham/Barns Green/West Chiltington/Dragons Green route map

Horsham/Rudgwick/Loxwood/Itchingfield