Trip Highlights

  • A popular mountain bike cycle route starting in Winchester and travelling through the South Downs National Park to Eastbourne. A challenging three days of cycling on mixed terrain, rewarded with breathtaking views.  

    The route begins near Winchester Cathedral, one of the largest in Europe. Along the route there are plenty of museums and gardens to visit including Arundel Castle, alternatively enjoy the scenery of the national park including sights of the Seven Sisters cliffs. 

    Enjoy this adventure on one of our e-Bikes and we can drop it off and collect it for you. We'll also send you route guides and downloadable GPX files to map your route for you.

  • Duration
    4 day itinerary | 3 days riding

    Grade
    Challenging

    Start | Finish
    Winchester, UK | Eastbourne, UK

    Distance
    156km Approx

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South Downs forest cycle path
South Downs Way sign post
South Downs

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival

Arrive in Winchester and check into your accommodation. Use the rest of your day to explore the local area. If you arrive on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday check out the local street market. 

If you choose to have you're bike dropped to you, we will meet you in Winchester on this day.

Day 2 | Winchester to Cocking (59km approx)

You'll start the day in Winchester, the Saxon capital of England. The cathedral is the largest attraction of the city with it's 900 year old Gothic architecture. The route features many undulating hills and today is the day you'll hit the highest of them, Buster Hill at 270m. From the top you'll be able to see the Isle of Wight so it's worth the push! 

Prior to this you'll have already warmed up with a climb to Cheesefoot Head and Breacon Hill to the ancient beeches. With each of these climbs there are epic downhills to enjoy before you reach your first overnight at Cocking. 

Day 3 | Cocking to Lewes (68km approx)

Today starts with a ride towards Charlton Forest, an uncharacteristic section of the route within a woodland. It's then on to more climbs and views across the South Downs. Make sure to spot the Clayton Windmills, known locally as Jack and Jill as well as the London to Brighton Roman road.  

One of today's final climbs will be Ditchling Beacon at 248m above sea level, and you'll be rewarded with magnificent views in every direction.  You'll now head towards Lewes where you'll get to have a nights rest. 

Day 4 | Lewes to Eastbourne (31km approx)

A shorter day which the legs will surely be happy about. There's still plenty to see however as you leave Lewes following the riverside and head back to the South Downs Way to continue the journey. Once you've crossed the River Ouse you'll have coastal views down to Cuckmere Haven. There's then a descent to the pretty Tudor village of Alfriston, a perfect pit stop for a bite to eat. 

The final section takes in the Cuckmere Valley as well as the Seven Sisters as you pass along the coastal cliff tops. If you want to take a dip in the sea there's an opportunity at Birling Gap before you head towards Beachy Head with panoramic views from it's chalky cliff. It's then a short distance on to Eastbourne, a pretty Victorian seaside town and the last stop of this adventure.  

Suggested Accommodation

Check out our recommended accommodation options. All vetted by ourselves and our customers.

Winchester, Hampshire

The Winchester Hotel and Spa

The perfect place to relax ahead of your adventure. Conveniently located to explore Winchester, whilst also boasting quality spa facilities. What could be better?

Cocking, West Sussex

The Blue Bell

A quintessential British Pub, offering comfortable rooms, free breakfast and the perfect pitstop on this route.

Eastbourne, East Sussex

The Pilot Inn

Located around 1 mile from the centre of Eastbourne, we love this accommodation as its right on the beach. Rooms are comfortable and cosy and the breakfast is great. A great place to round off your adventure.

Some more useful info

Biking Info

Bike Type
In general we recommend a mountain or gravel/hybrid bike due to some off-road sections on our route. A road bike would not be suitable for this route.

Bike Hire
We have an excellent range of bikes available to hire for this adventure. Check out the range here.

Packing

Clothing
We recommend padded cycling shorts and a comfortable top for all of our rides. Remember light waterproofs may be needed at any time of year, and a warm fleece or jacket is recommended for cooler days/evenings. Other items you may find useful are cycle gloves and a gel seat cover. Bike helmets are required at all times on our biking adventures. 

Out partners at Layer offer a great range of sports and casual apparel. Check them out here.

Footwear
If you do not use cleated cycle shoes we recommend you try to bring stiff-soled shoes as they provide better support for cycling. Comfortable footwear is useful when not on the bike. 

Equipment
A daypack or panniers are recommended. We also advise you to bring a reusable water bottle or alternative water delivery pack (Camelback etc.), cycle glasses, puncture repair kits and spare inner tubes. Sun cream may also be required. 

Nutrition and Hydration
It is important to stay well hydrated. Tap water is fine to drink but there won't be many places to refill on the rides. We also encourage you to travel with sufficient food and snacks. A lot of the rides are in remote areas meaning shops will be few and far between.

Travel and Transfers

Starting the route
The South Downs Way is within close reach of London so there are regular trains to Winchester. There are also bus services from across the country.

Parking
Should you choose to drive, there is long stay car parking available in Winchester.  

Getting from Eastbourne to Winchester
There are multiple trains from Eastbourne to London if you require onward connections or flights. Should you need to return to Winchester to collect your car the easiest option is by train, taking approximately 2hr30. 

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South Downs Way

South Downs Way

£385.00
£385.00
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