Ride12
RIDE 12
The Ultimate London-Brighton
Distance: 95km
Difficulty: Very manageable but with one big climb at end
Time: 4–6.5 hours
Every June, cyclists gather to join the British Heart Foundation’s
charity ride from London to Brighton. But if you want to do it year-round, we recommend this route which starts in St James’s Park and avoids the main roads so you can enjoy the surrounding countryside. Stop in Bletchingley (Lamingtons teahouse has a dreamy array of cakes) before tackling the unforgettable Ditchling Beacon climb. It’s not the steepest hill, but it is long, and there are some tight corners. Have a rest at the top, taking in glorious views over the South Downs, before moseying downhill for fish and chips and/or a pint on the beach.
charity ride from London to Brighton. But if you want to do it year-round, we recommend this route which starts in St James’s Park and avoids the main roads so you can enjoy the surrounding countryside. Stop in Bletchingley (Lamingtons teahouse has a dreamy array of cakes) before tackling the unforgettable Ditchling Beacon climb. It’s not the steepest hill, but it is long, and there are some tight corners. Have a rest at the top, taking in glorious views over the South Downs, before moseying downhill for fish and chips and/or a pint on the beach.
How to follow the route
We recommend a free app called BikeGPX (no login required).
Once installed, follow the link below to access the route.
Alternatively you can download the gpx file and use it in a cycling app.
Ride with GPS and Strava are great but you will need a subscription.
You can also view the route on Google Maps (but this option cannot be used for point-to-point navigation).
Safety tips
Make sure you can safely attach your phone to your bike – you can find holders online here - and remember to focus on your surroundings as well as the screen.
Please cycle responsibly: always wear a helmet and remember to account for the distance of the journey. It’s also good to have the map downloaded, in case you lose signal while on the road.
Make sure you can safely attach your phone to your bike – you can find holders online here - and remember to focus on your surroundings as well as the screen.