If you’re after a challenging mountain bike route near Brighton through the picturesque countryside of West and East Sussex then look no further! In total it’s over 58km long and very hilly. In fact, there are almost no flat bits and if you manage to find some they’ll probably be quite muddy. But that’s what makes this cycling route so much fun! At the moment (Spring 2018) it’s definitely the hardest MTB route on this blog and I totally recommend it! The route is in a cycling distance from Brighton but it took me just slightly over an hour from London by car.
It starts in a little car park near Saddlescombe Farm on Saddlescombe Road. Once pass through the farm, cross a field, climb a hill and take a sweet descend you’ll ride across A23 towards Peycombe Golf Course. Shortly after you’ll join South Down Way for a few km to get to Burnthouse Bostall, which is a nice 1km long descent between South Downs Way and the road (Underhill Lane). Use the road to charge yourself as there’s a hell of a climb to Ditchling Beacon ahead of you!
Again, you’ll ride on South Downs Way for a bit until you turn to Plumpton Bostall to get down to B2116. And with the next climb you’ll start heading towards Ashcombe Bottom. For approximately the next 10km you’ll be cycling through the open farmland of East Sussex until you get to Falmer where you pass through University of Sussex and nearby Stanmer Park.
The next 3km follow a forest cycle path and after you cross Ditchling Road there’s going to be a cool descend through an open farmland. If you like sightseeing you can have a break by Chattri Monument – a war memorial on your left at the 35.5th km of this route.
The good news is that the hardest bit is done and as far as I remember the following 15km are relatively easy – you’ll cycle along the edge of Brighton and passing through Brighton Rugby Football Club, Waterhall Golf Course, Brighton or Hove Golf club.
Once you leave Brighton behind the cycling route takes you back to the farmland that might be rather muddy and exhausting. However, once you join South Downs Way again the path should be alright from there all the way back to your car!
This mountain bike route offers a lot of variety and if you live in Sussex or around Brighton it’s a must! Get the route in GPX for your GPS device under the below map by clicking on the “download” button. Enjoy the ride!
