South Downs / Sussex Downs
- Thread starter chris__P
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Chris, have a quick look at this thread. Aside from some first hand experiences, you will see a link to these rather fabulous pages.
That second link is to a site which contains route details, elevations and a lot of pix.
That second link is to a site which contains route details, elevations and a lot of pix.
Of course I have! I've run it 10 times and ridden Winchester to Ditchling Beacon missing the last 23 miles as I live nearby!
It's hilly and the first stretch (Winchester to QE country park) is a bit contrived so it has road bits which I chose to ignore and ended up cycling up a rocky stream bed. It's a terrific route and all rideable apart from one bit in the west whose name escapes me. I found it tough but well worth doing. There are some standing water points which can help if it's warm. It took me 10.5 hours but you're young and fit!
There are some signicant climbs such as Butser Hill, Beeding Hill, Chanctonbury. I did it in the dry but if it's wet underneath it would be a lot harder and the chalk paths can be treacherous.
It's hilly and the first stretch (Winchester to QE country park) is a bit contrived so it has road bits which I chose to ignore and ended up cycling up a rocky stream bed. It's a terrific route and all rideable apart from one bit in the west whose name escapes me. I found it tough but well worth doing. There are some standing water points which can help if it's warm. It took me 10.5 hours but you're young and fit!
There are some signicant climbs such as Butser Hill, Beeding Hill, Chanctonbury. I did it in the dry but if it's wet underneath it would be a lot harder and the chalk paths can be treacherous.
mangaman
Guest
Hi Chris - I assume you're taking the South Downs way as regional route 89 is in Chester on Sustran's website?
The south Downs Way runs from Wichester to Eastbourne and if you have a MTB is superb
It is hilly in parts but never too bad. The best bits I find are when you're actually up in the Downs - the views of the coast/Isle of Wight etc are amazing.
The worst bits are the chalk paths in the wet - they are like ice-rinks. Many's the time I've come a cropper up there in the wet.
I wouldn't recommend any road routes in that area if that's what you had in mind. Overcrowded with cars and not especially pretty.
The south Downs Way runs from Wichester to Eastbourne and if you have a MTB is superb
It is hilly in parts but never too bad. The best bits I find are when you're actually up in the Downs - the views of the coast/Isle of Wight etc are amazing.
The worst bits are the chalk paths in the wet - they are like ice-rinks. Many's the time I've come a cropper up there in the wet.
I wouldn't recommend any road routes in that area if that's what you had in mind. Overcrowded with cars and not especially pretty.
mangaman said:
Mangaman,do you remmeber the name of the really steep little nip in deepest west sussex I referred to? I'm pretty sure it's unrideable but there may be a longe, easier r diversion around it. I recall hearing peacocks screeching but I may have been halucinating!
This thread has whetted my appetite to have another go this summer.
BigonaBianchi
Yes I can, Yes I am, Yes I did...Repeat.
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mangaman said:
I'd be up for that
Thanks for all the replies. Information overload, but it certainly looks a nice hilly route.
I'm actually doing it as part of a long tour, would expect to be there very late May or early June, and would certainly be keen on some company (esp you Rich, surely we are destined to meet at some point?) So would be happy to make a weekend of it if anyone is interested?
Mangaman - where are you looking on Sustrans site? I'm going on the 2009 map here http://www.sustrans.org.uk/assets/files/general/sustrans-map-2009.pdf Is this out of date?
I'm actually doing it as part of a long tour, would expect to be there very late May or early June, and would certainly be keen on some company (esp you Rich, surely we are destined to meet at some point?) So would be happy to make a weekend of it if anyone is interested?
Mangaman - where are you looking on Sustrans site? I'm going on the 2009 map here http://www.sustrans.org.uk/assets/files/general/sustrans-map-2009.pdf Is this out of date?
GrumpyGregry
Here for rides.
fwiw i've never ever managed a 'clean' on the bridleway ascent of old winchester hill