Ride and Dine in the Cuckmere Valley
from £280* inc. VAT
*base price is for two people, two courses and without bike hire
Ride info
Duration: 3 hrs
Style: Cross-country
Location: Cuckmere Valley
Level: +2
Package
Guided ride
2 or 3 courses at The Star
Bike & eBike hire available
Distance
10-20 mi | 16-32 km
(tailored for your level)
Ride and Dine in the Cuckmere Valley
from £280* inc. VAT
*base price is for two people, two courses and without bike hire
The eastern Downs are where the South Downs National Park meets the sea. The Seven Sisters Country Park, Cuckmere Haven and the medieval village of Alfriston are all steeped in ancient history. This Ride and Dine package offers the perfect way to experience it all.
The Star is a 15th century inn and award-winning restaurant in Alfriston. It offers a cosy and rustic setting where you can enjoy seasonal produce and local wines, making it the ideal place to start and finish your tailored off-road guided ride amid the South Downs.
This unique experience includes the following:
- A three hour tailored mountain bike ride of the Cuckmere Valley and South Downs with one of Marmalade’s professional local guides
- An exquisite two or three course meal at The Star, Alfriston
- Electric or non-electric bike hire are both available as an additional option
Need to hire bikes? Just add them to your booking using the ‘Extras’ option. They will be delivered and collected for you on the day.
Meet point: The Star, Alfriston, East Sussex, BN26 5TA
If you want to discuss anything before you book then please send Sean an email or call him on +44 (0)7840 724611.
This experience is ready to go for ONE person.
Just add extra people and bike hire here, before clicking ‘Continue’
This eastern area of the South Downs National Park is home to two of the Marmalade team. The dense network of bridleways that spread out from the River Cuckmere, high above Seaford and Eastbourne, make this area a superb location for cross-country mountain biking and gravel riding.
Join us as we climb up onto the South Downs for a ride that could include the impressive and mysterious Long Man of Wilmington, the sprawling Firle estate and the stunning woodland of Friston Forest. Your tailored route will ensure you are immersed in the history of the old priory, the ancient settlements and the salt marshes. Along with the sea views along the world-famous coastline you will have a brilliant off-road biking adventure to remember.
Core skills and bike hire
This ride makes for a perfect introduction to the fun of off-road cycling. An expert Marmalade guide is on hand to help and support you, as you get to grips with the trails and making the most of your bike. E-bikes or manual mountain bikes are all welcome, whether you bring your own or hire from our friends at Cuckmere Cycle Co.
Location
This Ride and Dine experience is based from The Star in Alfriston, and this is where you’ll meet your local Marmalade guide (and bikes, if you’re hiring) before heading out on the car-free bridleways to explore the eastern Downs.
Stay the night (or two!)
Why not go for full indulgence with a night or two at The Star and turn your Ride and Dine into the perfect active retreat?
How to get here
By train – The nearest stations are Seaford and Berwick (Sussex), both of which provide easy connections of just over a hour from London.
By road – From London or from further afield you’ll probably use the A23, A27, or the A259 coast road.
- This experience is aimed at the novice off-road cyclist or the regular beginner mountain biker looking for a sociable and informative guided ride
- It’ll be right for you if you are an active person who has the personal fitness to ride for at least 2-3 hours at a social and comfortable pace.
- You should be confident in basic bike handling skills and proficient with operating a bicycle in the correct manner.
- The trails may include features such as roots and loose rocks, along with small rollable drop-offs. All of these features are rollable or can be ridden around.
- If you are bringing your own bike, it should be a suitable mountain bike (Hybrid and budget bikes are not suitable for this ride).
- Add bike ‘Bike Hire‘ using the ‘Extras’ drop down menu above, if you need to hire a bike
- The ride does contain some undulating and, in places, challenging climbs, but it”s fine to take your time, or walk steep parts if you prefer
- Riders should be 14 or over, and under-18s need to be accompanied by an adult also participating on this ride.
- If this sounds a little beyond your current skill and fitness level, please contact us for other options.
Equipment, kit and clothing
Essentials:
- Suitable mountain bike in good working order (bikes can be hired using the ‘Extras’ drop down menu above)
- Helmet (in good condition, with no damage)
- Clothing and shoes appropriate for cycling and weather conditions on the day
- Personal choice of drink and ride snacks
Recommended:
- Gloves
- Glasses, sunglasses or eyeshields
- Backpack
- Spare inner tube
- Puncture repair kit and bicycle pump
- Padded cycling shorts for comfort
What’s not included
- Bike hire – this can be booked via the ‘Extras’ drop down menu above
- Personal clothing & equipment
- Overnight accommodation
- Pre, during or post activity refreshments
- Transfers to & from location
- Personal Travel and Accident Insurance
Choose the date for your ‘Ride & Dine’
Choose the date for your ‘Ride & Dine’
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