If you are looking to cycle the South Downs Way independently, we can lighten your load with our baggage transfer service, please contact us for a quote.
The South Downs National Park is a paradise for cyclists, offering hundreds of miles of off road cycle routes in a beautiful, rural setting. There are lots of route options for cycling the south downs, the most notable of these are the South Downs Way, around 100 miles stretching from Winchester to Eastbourne and the Downs Link, stretching some 36 miles and connecting the North Downs from Guildford to the South Downs, finishing in Shoreham-by-Sea.
We’ve put together some suggested itineraries to helps you plan your south downs cycling trip. You can cycle the South Downs Way in either direction, heading east from Winchester to Eastbourne or vice-versa, but you don’t need to be cycling the whole of the South Downs Way to enjoy these itineraries. We tell you how many miles each leg is and what the highlights are along the way, so you can pick and choose your favourites.
Here’s a brief description of the itineraries but if you click ‘More Information’ you’ll find out full details of the itinerary so you can learn about the highlights of each sector and what to look out for. Visit the destination guides to learn more about the towns and villages along the route
Very Quick Pace – 2 Days
Area: South Downs Way
Terrain: Suitable for mountain bikes
This is only suitable if you are very fit and short on time. It’s two long days of cycling and won’t allow you much, if any, time to make the most of the places you are visiting.
Quick Pace – 3 Days
Area: South Downs Way
Terrain: Suitable for mountain bikes
This is recommended if you have a good level of fitness and are short on time. If you can spare another day you’ll get more chance to enjoy the places of interest along the way.
Medium Pace – 4 Days
Area: South Downs Way
Terrain: Suitable for mountain bikes
This is recommended for anyone with a good level of fitness and will allow you some time to enjoy the highlights en route and to explore the villages and towns you are staying in.
Relaxed Pace – 5 Days
Area: South Downs Way
Terrain: Suitable for mountain bikes
This itinerary averages under 20 miles per day so will allow you to take it relatively slowly and give you time to enjoy your surroundings and visit places of interest along the way.
Downs Link Path – 2 Days, 37 miles
Area: St Martha’s Hill near Guildford to Shoreham-by Sea
Terrain: Multi use path
A 37-mile path linking the South and North Downs taking in beautiful countryside, river views and historical houses.