Mountain Biking on the South Downs. Peter Edwards

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climb steeply up and over Pen Hill. Descend to the edge of woods, bear then keep over a to continue on the SDW. At the next (near Buriton Farm) dogleg then and soon begin climbing, steadily at first, becoming steeper, on chalk track. Keep at a fork shortly before the gradient eases then levels. At the next turn and climb gently around the flank of Treyford Hill. As the SDW bends E, continue along the ridge, over Didling Hill and Linch Ball before descending steeply over Cocking Down on chalk track that gives way to farm road. Pass some livestock sheds before arriving at the A286.

      A The nearest train station is Chichester, 14km to the south. By bike, the best option is to ride along the A286 for 6km before joining the Centurion Way cycle route just south of West Dean for the remaining 8km.

ROUTE 2

      South Downs Way: Day Two – Cocking to Ditchling Beacon

Start	Cocking Hilltop car park SU 875 167
Finish	Ditchling Beacon car park TQ 333 130
Distance	55.5km (34½ miles)
On Road	4km (2½ miles)
Off Road	51.5km (32 miles)
Percent Off Road	95%
Ascent	1395m (4580ft)
Grade	hard
Time	4hrs 30mins–5hrs 30mins
Pub	The Bluebell at Cocking; The Plough at Pyecombe
Café	Moonlight Cottage at Cocking; Hiker’s Rest at Saddlescombe Farm

      Overview

      This stage starts with a stiff climb up Manorfarm Down and then takes in five sections of the main South Downs ridge, which are variously intersected by the A285, the Arun Valley, the A24, the Adur Valley and the A23, before the final long, gradual climb to Ditchling Beacon. From the top of Manorfarm Down, the South Downs Way (SDW) traverses the ridge to Crown Tegleaze before descending precipitously to cross the A285, then climbing up and along the ridge to Bignor Hill and descending to the Arun Valley. After crossing the Arun, there is a long on-road then off-road climb to the summit of Amberley Mount; between Amberley Mount and Barnsfarm Hill, the SDW glides along the ridge on excellent tracks with a few minor ups and downs before the long descent to the A24. The very long, very tough climb from the A24 to Chanctonbury Ring is followed by a welcome coast along the ridge and then the descent to the Adur Valley. The long off-road, then on-road climb from the Adur to Truleigh Hill precedes a real rollercoaster ride along excellent chalk tracks taking in Edburton Hill, Perching Hill, Fulking Hill, Devil’s Dyke and West Hill before dropping down to cross the A23 and beginning the stage’s final climb to Ditchling Beacon. There are great views south and east across the Downs to the Channel coast and north across the Weald to the North Downs. The route follows a combination of well-maintained bridleways and byways and minor roads and conditions are generally excellent, although some tracks – especially those across the valleys and declivities – can get a bit churned up in wet weather. There are many pubs, several cafés and a few water points at intervals along the route (see map). Many sections of the SDW are popular with mountain bikers, walkers, horse riders and other users – slow down and give way.

      The tough climb to Amberley Mount

      Directions

      1 From Hilltop car park, cross the road – beware fast-moving traffic – and continue along Hillbarn Lane before beginning to climb steeply up Manorfarm Down. When the gradient eventually eases, continue along the ridge, gaining and losing a little height as the SDW gently rolls along and enters woodlands. The track emerges from woods near Graffham Down and continues gently rolling along before climbing a little across the flank of Crown Tegleaze and entering woodland.

      Passing Crown Tegleaze along Graffham Down (photo: Andy Dodd)

      2 Emerge from the woods, go through a gate and descend SE (steadily at first becoming steeper) diagonally across fields along Littleton Down. Go through a gate and continue descending steeply to a . Descend on a farm road, passing Littleton Farm to arrive at the A285. Turn onto the road then dogleg onto a track road and continue . The track bends sharp left then right and begins to climb steeply, entering woods. The gradient eases then climbs steadily around the flank of Sutton Down. Continue over a and go through a gate and along a field edge on the flank of Glatting Beacon. Go through another gate, turn then next to continue past a parking area. Fork onto a bridleway and soon begin to climb steadily up and over Bignor Hill.

      3 Pass a memorial stone and descend steeply on a flinty chalk track. When the track bends right, slow down, turn sharp at a and continue descending steeply. The track bends right near the bottom and arrives at a near some livestock sheds. Turn

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