Behind the Scenes
Bike Routes on and around Wiston Estate
Four scenic bike rides around West Sussex
By Ben Szobody and Micah Sherer
From Brighton to the South Downs National Park, Sussex has so many brilliant bike routes that it can be hard to know where to start.
These four routes range from easy to intermediate to hard, and make the most of West Sussex’s beautiful country roads, as well as the brilliant Downs Link stretch of the National Cycle Network. Whether you’re looking for a doable mountain bike ride along the Adur or an all-day road ride with hill climbs, gruelling gradients and hard-won views, we’ve got something for you.
1. Brighton (or Bramber) to Rock Farm
Difficulty: Easy
Bike required: Road bike
This is the flat way to go from Brighton (or somewhere closer) to the western edge of the Wiston Estate on quiet, breezy roads without the stress of the Steyning bypass or the A24. Highlights include the shady and peaceful Spithandle Lane plus the tiny lanes around Ashington before crossing over the A24. Flat is relative in West Sussex of course, but the hills are small and can be taken at your own pace.
2. Chanctonbury Ring loop
Difficulty: Intermediate
Bike required: MTB or gravel bike
Ride through Steyning and along Mouse Lane, then up the local lookout Chanctonbury Ring with views of the Wiston House and the rest of the estate. Drop back down through Cissbury Ring to the Downslink cycle path touching Bramber and the Adur River. It’s a high-and-route, so expect some hills.
3. The beach to Partridge Green
Difficulty: Intermediate to Hard
Bike required: Road bike
Ride from Worthing to the gorgeous views atop the South Downs, then drop down into Steyning before spinning up to Partridge Green along a hilly B road.
The route is easier going from south to north, since the climb to the top of the Downs is more gradual. Going over the Downs from the Steyning side is much steeper and only to be attempted if you like a stiff challenge. Alternatively, take Annington Road toward Shoreham for a less punishing climb.
4. Shoreham to Wiston Estate Winery
Difficulty: Hard
Bike required: MTB or gravel bike
This spin from the coast to Wiston Estate’s new winery and visitors’ centre features a stunning hilltop view of the sea and the Downs but requires a fair bit of climbing to get there. The route uses a section of the South Downs Way and then dips along well-used country tracks to North Farm without touching the very busy A24.
