The view up here is amazing. To our right, forests and thickets slope down towards a labyrinth of castles, forests and country pubs. To our left, the landscape beside our trail drops starkly away beneath a big blue sky, giving us a view that stretches north for miles and miles over the Sussex Weald. It’s stunning.
We have earned this breathtaking view. We earned it through a series of gradual climbs, winding over ancient bridges and through unspoiled villages up and up to the chalky ridgeline of the South Downs – where we now find ourselves soaking up the miles.
There’s a familiar and welcome rhythm to this riding. For each climb on this classic route, we coast a ridge for a while before we enjoy an equivalent descent – a chance to let gravity do the work. Bikes with rugged tyres and comforting suspension – coupled with technique tips from our professional guide – inspire confident smiles as we rattle and swoop our way back down to river level.
As our bikes take us effortlessly deeper and deeper into the next valley, we pass farmhouses and barns with yellow-painted window frames. Home-made ice cream stalls and thatched country pubs offer us refreshing rewards for our determined pedalling.
Luxury transfers and comfy beds
After a day of ups and downs, bridges and hills, it’s time to pause. We round a corner and see a familiar sight: our luxury minibus, with custom bike trailer in tow. It’s been a great day, but it’s time for a breather.
Sean, our mountain bike guide, high-fives our driver Wayne, as the experienced pair set about stowing our seven bikes in their dedicated spaces behind our vehicle. Before long, Wayne is driving us through the Sussex lanes towards Arundel – a medieval riverside town dwarfed by its castle walls. Sean and Wayne store our bikes securely, and, for those in our group who are using e-bikes, batteries are put on to recharge. We collapse onto comfy beds, we shower, then we rejoin our new friends around the dinner table. We eat. We drink. We recap on the day’s exploits. We toast the memorable successes and we laugh about the more challenging parts.
Then we sleep. We sleep deeply. Tomorrow, after another hearty breakfast, Wayne and his van will return us to the trail – where Sean will guide us through another day of fun as we make more progress. Between ridgeline stretches, we will cross the rivers Arun and Adur, as we keep following the route of the South Downs Way towards our coastal goal: Eastbourne.
A three day adventure
There are three days in all. Three days in this off-road dreamland – where every pedal stroke of effort is rewarded many times over in views, laughs and the real sense of achievement that comes from a 100 mile off-road pilgrimage.
This is the South Downs Way. It’s a remarkable ride. It really is. For British mountain bikers it has earned its place on every must-ride list – and with good reason.
Some energetic riders take on the whole 100 mile distance of the South Downs Way – with 4,000m of climbing and descent – in just a day or two, camping or bunkhousing as they go. Others prefer the Marmalade approach: the same epic trail, the same climbs and the same goal, but spread over three days, with a comfy bed, hearty meals and expert support.
Mountain biking is full of challenges. But challenges are meant to be enjoyed. See you in Arundel. We’ve saved a space on the trailer for your bike!
Our package
- Stay three nights at the Norfolk Arms hotel in Arundel
- Off-street private parking
- Bike storage with charging points
- Luxury minibus transfers each day
- Fully guided by our local professional guides
- Relax and reflect together in the medieval town of Arundel
Hi guys can I have more information about the 100 mile but takes 2 days as I’m new to mtb
Hi Carl,
Happy New Year and I trust you are well after the festive season?!
Welcome to the awesome world of mountain biking! I love meeting people new to the sport as you have so much to discover and experience. Plus that feeling of a new riding adventure never goes away, trust me! It’s what makes MTB so special.
Anyway, back to the ‘South Downs Way’. Our organised and fully supported format is a three day trip, which from our extensive experience is the best duration for all levels of rider looking to complete this famous and classic 100 mile off-road route.
All the details can be viewed on the main booking page which is here – https://marmalademtb.com/product/south-downs-way-weekend/
However, here are the key highlights:
– Three trips in 2023 – May / Aug / Sep
– Riding days (Fri, Sat and Sun)
– One base and the same comfy B&B for the three or four nights depending on what length of stay you choose
– We stay 2 minutes walk from the centre of the medieval castle town of Arundel (fabulous place)
– Maximum group size is 7 plus one of our local and qualified guides
– Fully supported each day by our luxury minibus and trailer
– Secure your booking with a deposit online
– Balance due 60 days before the start of your chosen trip
– En-suite and non en-suite rooms available
– Non-residential option if you want to find your own accommodation or if you live local
– Check out the reviews our riders have left for this trip, by clicking here
Here are some photo albums of previous trips to whet the appetite:
– Sep 2022
– May 2022
– Sep 2021
– Sep 2020
If you want to give me a call anytime to discuss further feel free to do so on 07840724611.
Have a great weekend and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Thank you.
Sean
(Founder / Marmalade MTB)
Hello Carl, we’ve just received some sad news that two of riders for May’s trip have had to pull out due to injury.
This was SOLD OUT but now there are two places up for grabs. I wanted to let you know ASAP as you showed interest back when we launched this blog.
Here’s the link to the booking page: https://marmalademtb.com/product/south-downs-way-weekend/
I look forward to your reply and any questions please let me know.
Thank you,
Sean
Founder / Marmalade MTB
Are bikes provided and/or can you bring your own? Are they ebikes as ‘charging point’ listed
Hello Lucy,
Happy New Year to you.
Thank you for reading our new SDW blog and leaving a great question about bikes.
Bikes are not included within the package options as the majority of our riders over the years use their own.
However, on occasion we have provided hire bikes for a few people for this trip. We highly recommend and collaborate with our local rental suppliers to provide a tailored bike choice. These options include:
Riverside South Downs
– From £35 per day: Trek, Specialized cross-country hardtail bikes (just front suspension)
– From £55 per day: Electrically assisted Haibike hardtail bikes
Surrey Hills Bike Rental at the Rider’s Hub
– From £70 per day: Premium full suspension Specialized Stumpjumper trail bikes
– From £80 per day: Premium electrically assisted full suspension Specialized Levo trail bikes
How to book your bike? You can either do this directly with our recommended suppliers and organise the collection and drop-off yourself or we can coordinate your bike of choice and have it set up, ready and waiting for you at the accommodation. We can do this after you have booked your place on our trip.
The bike storage available at the B&B is ample for everyone (max. 8 bikes) and the charging points are free of charge to use.
Our groups are usually made up of a variety of off-road bike types that includes eBikes. We are passionate about mountain biking being inclusive and welcome all to enjoy our sociable and relaxed vibe. Our format and proven SDW team is all about supporting the riders to complete this classic 100 mile route across the three days.
I would like to invite you to read our reviews that we are very proud of for SDW.
Finally, if you have any other questions then please do not hesitate to ask. I’m available most of the time for a chat on the phone so feel free to give me a call on 07840724611 or simply reply to this email or on the blog post.
Thank you again and I look forward to hearing back from you.
Sean (Founder)
Hello Lucy, we’ve just received some sad news that two of riders for May’s trip have had to pull out due to injury.
This was SOLD OUT but now there are two places up for grabs. I wanted to let you know ASAP as you showed interest back when we launched this blog.
Here’s the link to the booking page: https://marmalademtb.com/product/south-downs-way-weekend/
I look forward to your reply and any questions please let me know.
Thank you,
Sean
Founder / Marmalade MTB
Hello Lucy, I hope you are well and looking forward to spring?
We’ve just received some sad news that two of riders for May’s trip have had to pull out due to injury.
I wanted to give you the heads up as you showed interest back when we launched this blog earlier in the year.
Here’s the link to the booking page: https://marmalademtb.com/product/south-downs-way-weekend/
I look forward to your reply and any questions please let me know.
Thank you,
Sean
Founder / Marmalade MTB