North Downs contains many hundreds of kilometres of public rights of way, including the 246km (153-mile) North Downs Way National Trail (NDW). The Greensand Way (GW) is another long-distance path that traverses part of the North Downs area; much of it is also comprised of bridleways and byways, hence it also makes regular appearances in this guidebook. Many of these rights of way – including sections of the NDW – are accessible to and very popular with horse riders and mountain bikers as well as walkers.
North Downs Way signpost
About the routes in this guide
The routes in this guidebook are day, half-day and shorter routes distributed along the length and breadth of the Downs. Routes 1 to 9 are located in or on the periphery of the Surrey Hills AONB and Routes 10 to 20 are located in or on the periphery of the Kent Downs AONB. The routes are divided into area sections in the guide. The area sections are roughly analogous with the areas covered by the various Ordnance Survey Explorer maps covering the North Downs (see ‘Maps’). As mentioned above, there is a greater concentration of routes in the Surrey Hills and in southeast Kent as many of the best trails are to be found in these areas. Good quality bridleways and byways are a bit thin of the ground in east Surrey and west Kent.
There is no description of a complete traverse of the NDW included here for the principal reason that much of the NDW is footpath-only, hence off-limits to mountain bikers. Alternative routes are too dependent on roads to make the traverse of the NDW by mountain bike a particularly enjoyable prospect.
This guidebook does not include routes for trail centres near the North Downs, such as Bedgebury and PORC (Penshurst Off Road Club) in Kent; the main reason being that route descriptions are superfluous for what are essentially turn up and ride trails, waymarked in some cases and self-evident in others. These dedicated trails are well worth visiting, especially for those with a fondness for singletrack and downhilling trails.
The route descriptions pay special attention to the nature of the terrain encountered as well as the major climbs and descents involved and any particular hazards of which to be aware. Facilities and services en route are also included. The routes are designed for maximum enjoyment of the mountain biking potential available on the North Downs, so there is some overlap and repetition in the use of particular stretches of bridleway and byway between several of the routes. Roads are avoided wherever practical, although in many cases stretches of road (mostly quiet country lanes) here and there can link up some great off-road trails.
Centres
The routes in this guidebook are distributed along the length and breadth of the North Downs. Centres include: Guildford, Dorking, Peaslake, Reigate, Oxted, Bearsted, Chilham, Chartham, Wye, Wrotham, Meopham, Elham and Temple Ewell.
Getting there and getting around
Essentially, there are two options for getting to the North Downs. Firstly, the area is well-served by the rail network. All the main centres along the North Downs are served by mainline routes from London and other areas of southeast England. There are also good rail links between London and the main towns around the North Downs and the branch-line stations in-between. All of the rides in this guide can be started from, and finished at, nearby railway stations and there are also options for extending or cutting short rides by means of other railway stations near most of the routes.
Much of the North Downs is well served by railway links
Most trains serving the North Downs area have dedicated space for two bikes, which is barely adequate. Although they can go in the door areas, it can be a hassle if you have to keep moving yours to let people off and on. Engineering works sometimes take place at the weekend on the southern rail network, and rail replacement buses do not carry bikes – so check before travelling. There are rush hour restrictions on taking bikes into and out of London on most lines in southeast England, so check these out before making your journey. Timetable information, as well as information on engineering works and on bike restrictions, can be found at www.nationalrail.co.uk or tel 08457 484950.
The second option is to travel by car. There are car parks at many sites all the way along the North Downs, which can make travelling by car more convenient (car parks are indicated on the route maps) than by train because of time restrictions, engineering works and long-winded rail connections. However, the less traffic there is around the Downs the better for everyone, so please leave your car at home if you can.
When to go
The North Downs are superb for mountain biking all year round and each season has its own particular charms. Obviously downland bridleways and byways are at their driest in summer – when you can fairly zip along the ridges and enjoy greater traction on the uphills. The summer months are also much busier than other seasons, especially at weekends and during the school summer holidays, requiring mountain bikers to be more aware of walkers, horse riders and other people out enjoying the Downs.
Spring and autumn are that bit quieter, but the weather and therefore conditions on the ground are obviously less predictable. Winter can be an excellent time for mountain biking on the Downs, so long as you’re not frightened of getting a bit (or a lot) muddy. However, after prolonged periods of rain the ground can be transformed into a highly adhesive quagmire in places, completely clogging-up your bike and actually rendering riding impossible. Wet sand can also be detrimental to your bike. See ‘Tools and maintenance’ on how to avoid damage. This is no excuse to avoid the Downs in winter as there are plenty of well-drained areas where mud and wet sand are not so much of a problem. Areas that are particularly prone to mud are indicated in the route descriptions.
Catching a breather in picturesque Peaslake before tackling Holmbury Hill (Route 6)
Safety
Most of the time, mountain biking is a perfectly safe activity and far safer than cycling on roads. Rutted, slippery and loose surfaces are frequently encountered, however, and if you take a tumble at speed, you risk causing yourself considerable damage. Riding downhill at speed is one of the great joys of mountain biking, but it is essential that you maintain control. If you can’t see what (or who) is coming round a bend, slow down. Likewise, if you have never ridden a particular downhill before and do not know what to anticipate, moderate your speed.
Make sure that your brakes are working efficiently and that your tyres are inflated properly (30–40psi, depending on terrain, conditions, your weight and so on), under-inflated tyres are more vulnerable to ‘pinch’ punctures or ‘snake bites’ – where the inner tube is pinched between the rim and a rock, kerb or rut, for example. Check that all quick release levers are tight and wheels are secure.
It is recommended that you always wear a helmet and appropriate clothing, and carry a first aid kit, plenty of water, some high-energy snacks, a map and compass (or GPS) as well as a mobile phone, and wear sun block in summer. Carry waterproofs in wet weather. Carry spare inner tubes, a puncture repair kit, a pump and basic tool kit. Carry lights if there is any chance that you will be returning during or after dusk.
If you go riding on your own, let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. In the event of a serious accident requiring urgent assistance, first make a note of all relevant details including location (with grid reference if possible), the nature
