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Andy Goldsworthy chalk ball (Route 11)

When to go

The South 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. But the summer months are also much busier than other seasons, especially at weekends and during the summer holidays, and so require greater vigilance for 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, as long as you’re not frightened of getting muddy. However, after prolonged periods of rain the chalk/clay soil in certain areas can be transformed into a highly-adhesive quagmire, completely gumming up your bike and making riding impossible. This is no excuse to avoid the Downs in winter, as there are plenty of well-drained areas where mud isn’t so much of a problem. Those areas prone to mud are indicated in the route descriptions.