London to Brighton, the long way

Gravel/CX/MTB | GPX Bikepacking Route | Cycle paths & trails | 134km/84miles

A westerly London to Brighton off road route that covers some challenging terrain around Leith Hill, MTB’s biking heaven!

It’s perfectly possible for experienced gravel riders to ride this in a day, however, taken at a leisurely pace, the route makes an easy-going weekend adventure, or stay a night in Brighton and ride back home on the eastly route!

Ride Description

Heading off from Clapham Junction, the route crosses Wimbledon to join the Tasmin Trail around Richmond Park. Chance for a final coffee in Kingston before the routes heads out to the hills.

Follow the Hogsmill on fast off road on well maintained gravel paths through Horton Country Park and Ashtead Common on towards Dorking along the River Mole Valley.

Climbing steadily through MTB territory to Leith Hill the summit of the ride, where you can stop for coffee at the café in the bottom of the tower. MTB riders may need to resist the urge to play on the trails here, (Summer Lightening trail starts by the tower)

After Cranleigh the route joins the North Downs Link, an old railway that leads directly to the South Downs. Near Horsham you have the choice of staying on the Link (easy but quite dull riding however possibly best option in Winter) or follow the route through the woodlands of the Upper Weald through Steyning and on to the South Downs.

Both route options join at Upper Beeding from where its’s classic South Downs riding all the way into Brighton.

Start and End Points 

Start: Clapham Junction

Finish: Brighton Station

Ride Details 

• Distance: 134km | 84 miles
• Climb: 1760m | 5800 ft 
• Percentage off-road: 74%
• Trail surface: Natural |Gravel |Woodland Single Track | Cycle path
• Mudometer:  medium with some muddy patches in wet weather

Places to visit

34 miles:          Leith Hill

Is this ride for me? 

Ideal for riders with some off-road experience and reasonable fitness. Fitter, more experienced riders can complete this route in a day.

Is my bike OK for this ride? 

Recommend using a MTB or other Gravel/CX bike.