Day rides in Sussex
East Sussex - West Sussex - Brighton and Hove all offer a fantastic variety of routes which are perfect for a day's cycling. We have listed the best spots below and included something for everyone; from leisurely family paths to something more challenging for experienced cyclists and mountain bike enthusiasts.
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| Cuckmere | The Forest Way |
Unless indicated otherwise, leaflets for all the routes featured on this page can be downloaded from the East Sussex County Council website.
1066 Circular. 25/28/43 miles, strenuous
A roller-coaster ride linking ancient towns, monuments and ports with the woods and hills of the Weald. The full route, via Hastings, Bodiam and Northian is 43 miles, with the Northern and southern loops between 25-28 miles each. The ride is strenuous, but well rewarded!
Rye and Winchelsea Circular. 20 miles, moderate/strenuous
This 20m ride links the fascinating old towns of Rye and Winchelsea, turning west to explore the broadleaf woodlands of Beckley Woods, fragments of the great forests that used to cover the Weald.
Pevensey Levels and Castles Circular. 24miles, easy/moderate
An easy 24m ride, taking you past shingle beaches and Norman Fortresses, and through the idyllic countryside of the Pevensey Levels.
Rye and Romney Marsh Circular . 25 / 30 miles, easy
Wide open spaces are the dominant theme of this gentle 25-30 mile ride, which takes you alongside canals, through marshes, using mainly quiet lanes and some ideal off-road cycling.
Brighton to Camber
National Cycle Route 2 includes the many delights of dramatic chalk and sandstone cliffs, the stunning south Downs, quiet beaches and the austere beauty of Pevensey Levels and Romney Marsh.
Seven Sisters off-road circular. 33 miles / strenuous, off-road suitable for mountain bikes only
The stunning views of sea and cliff make the climbs well worth the effort. Forest trails combined with mostly off-road cycling make this route a great option for exploring by mountain bike in dry weather.
Coastal Routes
Running along the East coast from Brighton to Camber, National Cycle Route 2 includes many delights such as dramatic chalk and sandstone cliffs, the stunning South Downs, quiet beaches and the austere beauty of Pevensey levels and Romney Marsh.
Rye to Camber and Lydd** 9 miles each way.
This mainly off-road route starts in Rye, a beautiful and historic town. It crosses the River Rother along dedicated cycle routes past lakes, and onto the Sea Wall at Camber. From Camber to Lydd is on cycle paths beside bird sanctuaries and bridleways, with on road section at Rye. Download Route info sheet.
Rottingdean to Shoreham Port ** 8 miles each way
8 miles one way, mostly traffic free From Rottingdean to Brighton the clifftop path offers spectacular views, whilst the flat paths along the promenades offer a fantastic way of exploring Brighton, Hove and Shoreham. Download route info sheet.
The Cuckoo Trail. 11 miles traffic free **
The Cuckoo Trail is one of the most popular family cycle rides in the South East, offering superb peaceful traffic-free cycling through a mixture of broadleaf woodland, open grassland, arable farmland, and pasture.
Ashdown Forest and Crowborough Circular. 29 miles, strenuous
A roller coaster ride taking in the unique lanes and landscape of the High Weald. The route takes you through lush pastures, woodlands, gorse and fern heathlands, and through many small villages.
Cuckoo Trail and Pevensey Levels Circular. 23miles, easy/moderate
This gentle circular ride combines the wide horizons of the Pevensey levels with the wooded beauty of the Cuckoo Trail.
Cuckoo Trail and Low Weald Circular. 24miles, easy
This delightful ride follows the flatter lanes to the west of the Cuckoo Trail. Taking in views of reservoirs and the South Downs, the route takes you through villages, and quiet roads lined with lush hedgerows.
Cuckoo Trail and High Weald Circular. 29 miles, moderate/strenuous
The quintessential Sussex Weald ride, taking you through woodlands, lush pastures and past teeming hedgerows. The attractive villages on the way are full of timbered houses.
Forest Way and Ashdown Forest Circular. 39 miles, moderate/strenuous
Cycling through tiny lanes, the climbs are rewarded by fantastic descents, and complemented by seven glorious traffic free miles along the Forest Way.
The Centurion Way** - 5.5 miles each way from Chichester to West Dean.
The Centurion Way takes you along the course of an old railway line. It passes through open farmland and woodland, leading to the edge of the beautiful South Downs, where you can extend your ride on the bridleways.
Download the Centurion Way leaflet from the West Sussex County Council website