KENT
Bewl Water Park
Grade 2-3. Distance 12.5 miles/20km
This stunning reservoir is the largest lake in south east England and offers breathtaking Cycling. You can choose a simple linear route to a nearby pub, or follow the more challenging 12.5 mile Round Reservoir route.
Bedgebury Forest
Grade 2-3. Distance: Family Trail 5.5 miles/9km (including 4km short loop)
Mountain Bike Trail: 8 miles /13km
There is so much on offer at Bedgebury and should be a hit with all the family. There is a Family Cycle Trail with well placed picnic tables and a bonus adventure play area will help keep small (and large!) wheels turning. Even older kids can't help explore the woodland structures. The Singletrack Mountain Bike Trail is tougher challenge but a good way to experience a variety of tracks, hone your skills and savor the peace and quiet as you spin through Bedgebury's 2000 acres. There is also a Freeride area (jumps etc) for the super brave!
Tonbridge Castle to Penshurst Place
Grade 1-2. Distance 5 miles/8km linear. Optional loop 3.5 miles/5.5km
A mainly off road route on easy bridleways through varied landscape such as Haysden Country Park.
The Crab & Wincle Line
Grade 2. Distance 7.5 miles/12km
The route starts in Canterbury, runs through orchards and farmland, wends its way through Colowes Wood and finally leads you into Whitstable
A Section of the Viking Coastal Trail
Grade 1-2. Distance 8 miles/13km linear. 30km/19 miles loop
This path takes you from the heart of seaside resort Margate, along the coast towards Reculver, with the sea faithfully at your side, dazzling you with its reflections.
Riverside Country Park
Grade 1. Distance 2 miles/3.2km linear
This small Country Park nestles in the North Kent Marshes. Paths are wide, well surfaced and level. It's ideal for young or inexperienced cyclists as it offers traffic free, easy cycling.
EAST SUSSEX
Cuckoo Trail & Extension to Eastbourne
Grade 1-2. Distance 13.5 miles/22km
The Cuckoo Trail runs from Heathfield to Polegate along the path of the old railway. The outstanding feature is the sheer length of this hard surfaced off-road trail. Families might prefer to start at Polegate if they want a nice, easy level section.
Cuckoo Trail & optional extension loop to Abbot's Wood & Michelham Priory
Grade 2-3. Distance 8 miles/13km
This loop is good if you like some variety in your cycling. It covers a mix of hard-surfaced cycleways and bridleways, off road bridleways through woodland and farmland, and some cycling on mainly quite lanes, which could lead you to a classic country pub, a tea room or Michelham Priory.
Deers Leep Park
Grade 2/3. Distance 240 acres with a variety of short family trails (family/singletrack/some north shore). Family Trail is about 4 miles depending on choice of path.
An ideal place to see what you and your mountain bike can do off road. Try a variety of trails without having to ride for mile sin between them!
Severn Sisters Country Park
Grade 1. Distance 1 mile
The track runs along the River Cuckmere and offers views of the spectacular Cuckmere meanders and Seaford Head.
Friston Forest
Grade 2. Distance 4.5 miles / 7km
Friston Forest is a substantial forest and hidden away beneath its canopy is a surprising number of trails. It's undulating terrain makes it popular with mountain bikers and its quiter valleys offer a haven for wildlife. If you like to know where you are going and what to expect follow one of the marked trails. Mountain bikers who want more of a play should head for the Jeremy Cole MTB Trail (see below)
Jeremy Cole MTB Trail
Grade 3. Distance 7 miles/11km
Red graded; suitable for experienced mountain bikers. A maze of singletrack on a satisfying mix of gradients with the odd bomb hole thrown in for good measure.
Rye Harbour
Grade 1. Distance 5.5 miles/9km
A stunning off road track beneath Cadborough Cliff, a short road link, field bridleways
WEST SUSSEX
Centurion Way, Chichester to West Dean
Grade 1. Distance 5.5 miles/8.5km
This has so much more to offer than an easy ride: a nature reserve, sculptures, an adventure playground and a good spot to end up at.
Salterns Way & Bosham Peninsular Circuit
Grade 1. Distance 11 miles/18km + return loop 4 miles/6.5km
This route combines some of the best things in cycling; fast, easy cycling, good food, sea air, the sound of yachts clinking, a sandy beach and even the chance to embark on a small passenger ferry.
Bill Way
Grade 1. Distance 8 miles/13km
A cycleway offering an easy ride with good variety of terrain There is something very satisfying about riding out of a city under your own steam and reaching wide open spaces, fresh air and Sussex countryside.
Arundel MTB Loop
Grade 4. Distance 11miles/17.5km
A physical and exhilarating mountain biking loo. Serious climbs and excellent downhills and great views along the way!
The Downs Link Rides:
The Downs Link is an amazing facility that links the North Downs with the South Downs (effectively connecting Guildford, via the River Wey, with the South Coast. In the book each of the following route sections are covered"
Shoreham By Sea - Bramber: 4 miles/6.6k
Bramber - Henfield: 5 miles/8km
Henfield - Southwater: 7 miles/11km
Southwater - Rudgwick: 7.5 miles/12km
Rudgwick - Run Common: 7 miles/11km
Run Common - St Martha's Hill: 6.5 miles/10.5km
SURREY & LONDON PARKS
The Tamsin Trail Richmond Park
Grade 1-2. Distance 7.5 miles/12km
A chance to experience a completely different side to central London. Space and tranquility to escape urban life.
A Loop Through Richmond Deer Park
Grade 1. Distance 11.5 miles/18.5km
A loop ideal for day trippers and tourists who like the chance to explore one of London's most exclusive boroughs on two wheels. In fact the loop combines the best of both worlds: London buzz and park tranquility
Bushy Park & along the River Thames through Hampton Court Park
Grade 1. Distance 10 miles/16km
An easy, historic off road trail. Great for families or couples wanting a leisurely cycle.
Guildford & the River Wey Towpath
Grade 1. Distance 6.5 miles/10.5km
Cycle alongside the River Wey, through the centre of cathedral city Guildford, and out into the countryside. Apart from a couple of roads that need to be crossed it's traffic free, and flat too!
Alice Holt Forest
Grade 2-3. Distance: Family Trail 3 miles. Easy Access Trail 1.5 miles
Alice Holt Forest offers a family cycle loop; ideal for those who are new to cycling or returning to cycling after a gap, or those who want to combine with the other facilities on offer.
HAMPSHIRE
Hayling Billy Line
Grade 1. Distance 4.5 miles/7km
A short and easy route running besides the sea. Great for families and cyclists looking for a gentle ride
Queen Elizabeth Country Park
Novice Mountain Bike Trail, Grade 2, Distance 4 miles
Advanced Mountain Bike Trail, grade 3, Distance 3 miles
The trails are short and a good introduction to mountain biking. Not the place for a family ride with small children!
Around the New Forest in 21 Miles
Grade 1/2
A 21 mile loop which gives a great flavour of the new Forest.
New Forest Family Loop
Grade 1. Distance 14 miles/22km (plus 3 miles/5km)
A beautiful easy ride with a small extension along quiet lanes to an off the beaten track pub at East Boldre.
Isle of Wight Sunshine Trail
Grade 2-3. Distance 12 miles/20km
Virtually all off road and offers a good variety of cycling while also being suitable for most families with older children. It includes some nice and easy runs on old railway lines, a mixture of rural bridleways and a small-ish section of more challenging mountain bike riding.
The Medina Cycle Way & Parkhurst Forest
Grade 2-3. Distance 9 miles/15km
A satisfying but relatively short ride. You do have to climb, but mainly on hard surfaces, which means the forest section is almost all downhill and guess what? You can't beat going downhill through a forest!
