Explore the best cycling and bike touring routes in Raleigh, from scenic greenways to wooded trails and smooth city rides—perfect for a vacation on two wheels.
BEST CYCLING AND BIKE TOURING ROUTES IN BRIGHTON & HOVE
Brighton & Hove is a total win for bike lovers. From breezy rides along the English Channel to countryside climbs into the South Downs, this city blends coastal charm with proper cycling adventure. Whether you’re planning a chill vacation ride with a sea breeze or want to crank out serious kilometres through rolling hills, Brighton has a route with your name on it. Bike hire shops, cafés, car-free paths, and the ever-present sound of seagulls make it an easy, welcoming destination for tourists who travel with their bike in tow. Let’s dig into the best cycling and bike touring routes in Brighton & Hove.
Best coastal and city cycling routes
Brighton's seafront: flat, scenic, and stress-free
You can't visit Brighton without riding along the seafront. It's the kind of route where your biggest decision is whether to stop for ice cream or a coffee. The Undercliff Path is a favourite — a 5 km stretch that hugs the base of chalk cliffs between Brighton Marina and Saltdean. It’s completely car-free, with sea views, salty air, and dramatic white rock formations.
Closer to the heart of the city, you’ve got Madeira Drive to Hove Lagoon. This flat 9 km route runs right along the beachfront, past the Palace Pier, the i360 tower, and endless beach huts. It’s ideal for beginners, families, or anyone who just wants to coast with a view.
The city centre itself has bike lanes and plenty of bike racks, especially around The Lanes, North Laine, and Seven Dials. While traffic can be busy during peak hours, it’s still a rideable urban experience with plenty of stop-and-snap spots.
Undercliff Path: 5 km of coastal calm with cliff views and zero cars.
Seafront Trail: 9 km flat ride from the Marina to Hove Lagoon.
Brighton Marina Loop: Great for coffee rides and boat-watching.
New England Road: Short hill for those testing climbing legs.
Western Road Cycle Lane: Direct ride into the city with cafés and shops along the way.
Tip: Start early in summer months — the seafront paths can get crowded with walkers and scooters by midday.
South Downs and countryside loops
From city streets to rolling green hills
Brighton’s proximity to the South Downs National Park means you’re never far from proper countryside cycling. These routes are ideal for touring cyclists and road riders who want to log some kilometres while soaking up green fields, grazing sheep, and big sky views.
A top-tier ride is the Brighton to Devil’s Dyke Loop. It’s around 20 km return with a decent climb, but the reward is one of the best views over the Downs. You can ride up via Dyke Road and come back down through the back lanes into Hove — it’s part challenge, part meditation.
Feeling more adventurous? The Brighton–Ditchling–Plumpton circuit is about 45–50 km and combines rolling hills, farm roads, and quiet lanes. There’s a cheeky café stop at Ditchling Village, and Plumpton offers stunning open landscapes.
Devil’s Dyke Loop: 20 km round trip with a solid climb and sweeping views.
Ditchling Beacon Climb: Steep 1.5 km push for experienced cyclists.
Plumpton–Lewes Connector: Quiet countryside roads ideal for bike touring.
Stanmer Park Ride: Forested and hilly with gravel options.
Brighton–Rottingdean–Woodingdean circuit: Around 25 km with great sea-to-hill transitions.
Most of these loops can be linked to National Cycle Network Route 2 or the South Downs Way, both of which are well-marked. Bring water, check the wind direction (this is coastal England, after all), and layer up — the weather can flip fast.
Gravel, off-road, and long-distance rides
For the adventurous riders and bikepackers
If you're bringing your gravel bike or you're up for a bit of bikepacking, Brighton & Hove is a solid launchpad. You’ve got everything from bridleways to coastal trails that give you the space to roam and the terrain to test your legs.
Start with the South Downs Way, a legendary 160 km trail that stretches from Winchester to Eastbourne, passing right above Brighton. You can do a 30–40 km section of it as a day ride or go big and tackle it over two or three days. Expect chalky paths, cattle gates, and some hike-a-bike sections — but also views for days.
For something coastal, the Brighton to Seaford gravel route is a winner. This 30 km mix of gravel tracks, dirt paths, and farm roads takes you east along the clifftops and through open countryside. Bring snacks and a windbreaker — the sea breeze can be intense but refreshing.
South Downs Way (section): Ride 30–160 km of historic trail across hills and valleys.
Brighton to Seaford: 30 km off-road ride with sea views and rolling fields.
Woodingdean–Falmer Farm Loop: Gravel-friendly ride with few cars and big skies.
Ouse Valley Route: Riverside riding near Lewes with train links back to Brighton.
Overnighter to Arundel: Multi-day ride with castles, pubs, and proper countryside chill.
Whether you're touring solo or riding with a group, there’s enough here to build a full cycling holiday itinerary. Plan your routes ahead, pack for variety, and take breaks — not just for your legs, but to enjoy a pint or fish & chips along the way.
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