CHICHESTER - DOWNLAND AND COASTLINE

Ideally located for cycling between the coast and the South Downs National Park, Chichester was called Noviomagnus by the Romans who founded it in around 43AD. Today it is a vibrant town, that is spoilt for arts, history and culture and surrounded by wonderful coastline and countryside.

Exploring the area by bike (or on foot) is a delight thanks to thousands of miles of bridleways and quiet country lanes. The South Downs Way, Monarch’s Way, Salterns Way, Centurion Way and recently created King Charles III England Coast Path are the big names, but there are countless local secrets to discover.

Plan Your Trip

CHICHESTER HIGHLIGHTS

CYCLING AROUND CHICHESTER

The South Downs is a range of bucolic chalky hills stretching from Winchester to Eastbourne, While the elevation of the National Park tops out below 300 metres of elevation, the vistas over Southern England can be spectacular.

Mountain biking

The dense network of trails is labyrinthine, and off-road routes can be as challenging as you want, but they are always hilly and made easier by an electric bike and a pub at the end! On-road riding in the South Downs is also fantastic as long as you stick to the quieter lanes.

a path like a tunnel under the tree canopy

Relaxed bike rides

For a completely different cycling experience, a circular tour of Chichester Harbour takes in sea views of sailing boats, seals and bird life, and visits the charming villages of Bosham, Itchenor and Dell Quay. The riding is flat and divided between cycle paths, quiet country lanes and a ferry crossing and the next pup or café is never far away.

Route planning

We vary our routes by season based on ground conditions, foliage and seasonal highlights like spring bluebells, summer poppies and sunflowers and autumn colours. We tailor them to include particular highlights and ensure the distance and difficulty is appropriate.

View of Goodwood Racecourse from the Trundle (St Roche's Hill)

Featured cycling routes

Kingley Vale & the Trundle
Salterns Way, Chichester Harbour
Lavant and The Centurion Way

Suggested bikes

When off-road riding in the South Downs, electric mountain bikes (either hardtail or full-suspension) are the ideal bikes. Regular and fit riders can also ride “analogue” mountain bikes. Gravel bikes are another option but are less suited to the chalk and flint you will encounter so we only recommend them for fit riders with excellent bike handing skills.

Electric touring bikes are perfect for leisurely rides on cycle paths and lanes around Chichester and the Harbour.

2 electric bikes on the pontoon at Itchenor

GETTING TO CHICHESTER AND AROUND

Getting to Chichester takes 90 minutes by road or direct train from London. From Gatwick Airport, direct trains run regularly and take less than an hour. Portsmouth and Arundel are about 25 minutes by direct train.

WHERE TO STAY

There are very few large hotels, but many boutique hotels, excellent pubs with rooms. B&Bs, self-catering options, camping and glamping. We’ll be happy to recommend or book somewhere for you.