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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 ‘ssss1’ 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.