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Directions

The SDW divides into three variants here – both bridleway routes are open to mountain bikers. The quicker, easier main route is described first: the longer, harder variant follows below.

Variant via Exton and Old Winchester Hill

Approaching Butser Hill

Looking back to Butser Hill

A The nearest train station is Chichester, 14km to the south. By bike, the best option is to ride along the A286 for 6km before joining the Centurion Way cycle route just south of West Dean for the remaining 8km.

ROUTE 2

South Downs Way: Day Two – Cocking to Ditchling Beacon

StartCocking Hilltop car park SU 875 167FinishDitchling Beacon car park TQ 333 130Distance55.5km (34½ miles)On Road4km (2½ miles)Off Road51.5km (32 miles)Percent Off Road95%Ascent1395m (4580ft)GradehardTime4hrs 30mins–5hrs 30minsPubThe Bluebell at Cocking; The Plough at PyecombeCaféMoonlight Cottage at Cocking; Hiker’s Rest at Saddlescombe Farm

Overview

This stage starts with a stiff climb up Manorfarm Down and then takes in five sections of the main South Downs ridge, which are variously intersected by the A285, the Arun Valley, the A24, the Adur Valley and the A23, before the final long, gradual climb to Ditchling Beacon. From the top of Manorfarm Down, the South Downs Way (SDW) traverses the ridge to Crown Tegleaze before descending precipitously to cross the A285, then climbing up and along the ridge to Bignor Hill and descending to the Arun Valley. After crossing the Arun, there is a long on-road then off-road climb to the summit of Amberley Mount; between Amberley Mount and Barnsfarm Hill, the SDW glides along the ridge on excellent tracks with a few minor ups and downs before the long descent to the A24. The very long, very tough climb from the A24 to Chanctonbury Ring is followed by a welcome coast along the ridge and then the descent to the Adur Valley. The long off-road, then on-road climb from the Adur to Truleigh Hill precedes a real rollercoaster ride along excellent chalk tracks taking in Edburton Hill, Perching Hill, Fulking Hill, Devil’s Dyke and West Hill before dropping down to cross the A23 and beginning the stage’s final climb to Ditchling Beacon. There are great views south and east across the Downs to the Channel coast and north across the Weald to the North Downs. The route follows a combination of well-maintained bridleways and byways and minor roads and conditions are generally excellent, although some tracks – especially those across the valleys and declivities – can get a bit churned up in wet weather. There are many pubs, several cafés and a few water points at intervals along the route (see map). Many sections of the SDW are popular with mountain bikers, walkers, horse riders and other users – slow down and give way.