No hills to Brighton
Gravel/CX/MTB | GPX Bikepacking Route | Cycle paths & trails | 130km/80miles
London to Brighton with no hills, you've got to be joking?
Ok, so it's not a totally flat route, but hills are few and far between, those that you'll encounter are mere pimples making it an ideal route for cycling softies looking for a long weekend ride.
What's even better is that the majority of the ride is on well-prepared traffic gravel paths, so can be ridden on hybrid, mountain, gravel and cyclocross bikes, no excuses now, just get on your bike!
Ride Description
Heading off from Clapham Junction, the route follows runs across Barnes Common, and through Richmond Park to cross the river at Kingston.
Ride the avenues of Hampton Court Park and look out for the less-known Queen Anne facade of Hampton Court Palace and contrast this with the ornate better-known Tudor chimney fest.
The Thames towpath is well maintained here and takes you past the islands and eyots to Weybridge where you pick up the Wey Navigation. In Regency times this was a vital part of the canal network connecting the capital with the south coast avoiding the long sea route around Kent.
While not the straightest of routes, the navigation meanders peacefully through the Surrey countryside, passing several pubs and cafes to grab some refreshments.
Follow the b navigation through Guildford until it crossed the Down Link, a long old cycle path that uses the track of an abandoned railway and takes you pretty much traffic to the seaside at Shoreham.
Bear with NCR2 as it leads around the grim harbour before dropping down on the coast to bring you into Brighton.
Hill hounds may want to avoid the last section - I've posted up an alternative route that follows the South Downs Way from Steyning to Brighton.
Start and End Points
Start: Clapham Junction
Finish: Brighton Station
Ride Details
- Distance: 130km | 80 miles
- Climb: 615m | 2000 ft
- Percentage off-road: 76%
- Trail surface: Natural |Gravel | Tow Path | Cycle path
- Mudometer: medium with some muddy patches in wet weather
Breakpoints
This is a great ride for softies, there are numerous breakpoints and the journey can be easily divided into manageable chunks
Major stations along the route include Weybridge, Guildford, Christ's Church, Arundel and Shoreham by Sea.
Is this ride for me?
Ideal for all riders with little or no off-road experience - especially during the Summer, the fitter can make this in a day, however, the route lends itself to a long weekend ride. or 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?
The route can be ridden using a hybrid, MTB or other Gravel/CX bike.