It is well known that we love the South Downs Way. The classic 100 mile off-road pilgrimage from Winchester to Eastbourne has long been a favourite amongst mountain bikers as it traverses the stunning landscapes of southern England.

The South Downs National Park is our home and we fully understand the planning and logistical challenges that present any rider who wants to complete one of the UK’s best long distance rides. We are now proud to announce that we have launched a second format alongside our Arundel based three-day inclusive trip for 2025.

One Day Format

Our new South Downs Way day rides allow you to tick off one or all of the three sections of this national trail.

Three sections – Book the western, central and eastern day rides individually, or as a batch – and in the order you choose.

Expert guiding – Our qualified, experienced, insured leaders have ridden the South Downs Way many times. We take care of navigation, while being on hand to help with everything: whether that’s tweaking your bike, offering biking tips, or finding the best ice cream stops in Hampshire and Sussex. Our maximum group size is 7 riders.

Minibus and trailer transfers – We are once again teaming up with Eastbourne Minibuses who will provide us with comfortable luxury transport for the group back from the end of each day to the start/meet points. No trains to catch or relying on the goodwill of a friend to collect you at the finish.

Lightweight hassle-free biking – Without having to carry luggage or wonder where you’ll be staying, you can relax and enjoy the South Downs.

For conventional mountain bikes or e-bikes – If your bike is in good working order and off-road capable, it’s the right bike for the South Downs Way. Electric riders will need careful battery management to last a long day, and we’ll ride the route at a pace to suit everyone present.

The South Downs Way can be ridden on all kinds of bike. Hardtail mountain bikes are a popular choice, but we increasingly see gravel bikes and e-bikes in our groups – as well as some full suspension bikes. All are welcome. Each climb, and each descent, is taken at the speed that’s right for you, and we manage our groups carefully to ensure no-one feels left behind.

If you’d like to hire a bike for the trip, we can recommend these quality suppliers:

• The Riders’ Hub
• Riverside South Downs
• Hassocks Community Cycle Hire
• Southern eBike Rentals

• This ride is for intermediate riders, or for relative beginners who are making good progress towards being intermediate level.
• You should be confident in your mountain bike handling skills on easy ‘blue graded’ trails.
• The trails may include features such as roots, loose rocks and other rollable off-road features.
• Certain trails will be steep in places – which will require confident bike-handling skills.
• All the trails will have options to ride around features that you do not feel comfortable riding.
• You will need a suitable mountain bike, whether your own or hired (Hybrid or budget bicycles are not suitable for this ride).
• The ride does contain many undulating and moderately steep climbs, sometimes long.
• You need to have the personal fitness to ride for at least 6-8 hours per day at a social and comfortable pace – even if you’re using an e-bike.
• Riders should be aged 18 and over unless you’re booking a private trip for your family or group.
• If this sounds a little beyond your current skill and fitness level, please contact us for other options. We have plenty of other rides to choose from.

• Start: Winchester
  • End point – Cocking (near Chichester)
  • 38 mi | 61 km and 4,280 ft | 1,305 m  of ascent (approx.)
• Minibus meets us: at the finish point
• Technical grade: Advanced Beginner (minimum)
  • You should be comfortable with cycling 38 miles off-road on typical downland trails
  • You should be capable of riding a minimum average speed of 8 mph off-road
  • Any questions, please contact us
• Group size: 7 maximum
  • plus our local, professional and fully qualified mountain bike leader

On the day details

• • Meet location at the start: King Alfred Statue, Winchester
  • Meet time: 09.30 am
  • Ride start: 10.00 am
  • Est. finish time: 4.30-5.30 pm
  • Minibus transfer time incl. loading: 1hr 30 mins.
  • Lunch: Cafe stop at Queen Elizabeth Country Park visitor centre
    • Your food and drink are not included in the ticket price
    • There are toilets and a water filling station here
  • Car parking:
    • Colebrook Street
    • Friarsgate
    • Other car parking in Winchester (also see map below)
    • Your parking charges are not included in the ticket price
      Marmalade MTB accepts no responsibility for your vehicle

• Train travel:
  • Winchester central train station (5 mins’ cycle)
  • Direct trains from London Waterloo
• Any questions, please contact us

• Start: Cocking (near Chichester)
  • End point – Pyecombe (near Brighton)
  • 31 mi | 50 km and  3,730 ft | 1,135 m of ascent (approx.)
• Minibus meets us: at the finish point
• Technical grade: Advanced Beginner (minimum)
  • You should be comfortable with cycling 31 miles off-road on typical downland trails
  • You should be capable of riding a minimum average speed of 8 mph off-road
  • Any questions, please contact us
• Group size: 7 maximum
  • plus our local, professional and fully qualified mountain bike leader

On the day details

• Meet location at the start: Cocking Hill car park, Midhurst
• Meet time: 09.30 am
• Ride start: 10.00 am
• Est. finish time: 4.00-5.00 pm
• Minibus transfer time incl. loading: 1hr 30 mins.
• Lunch: Café stop at Riverside South Downs
  • Your food and drink are not included in the ticket price
  • There are toilets here
• Car parking:
  • Cocking Hill car park, Midhurst
    Marmalade MTB accepts no responsibility for your vehicle
• Train travel:
  • Chichester railway station (55 mins. cycle via the Centurion Way and A286)
  • Direct trains from London Victoria, Portsmouth or Brighton with Southern
• Any questions, please contact us

• Start: Pycombe (near Brighton)
  • End Point: Eastbourne
  • 31 mi | 50 km and 3,670 ft | 1,120 m of ascent (approx.)
• Minibus meets us: at the finish point
• Technical grade: Advanced Beginner (minimum)
  • You should be comfortable with cycling 31 miles off-road on typical downland trails
  • You should be capable of riding a minimum average speed of 8 mph off-road
  • Any questions, please contact us
• Group size: 7 maximum
  • plus our local, professional and fully qualified mountain bike leader

On the day details

• Meet location at the start: The Plough Inn, Pyecombe
• Meet time: 09.30am
• Ride start: 10.00am
• Est. finish time: 4.00-5.00pm
• Minibus transfer time incl. loading: 1hr 30 mins.
• Lunch: Café stop in Alfriston
  • Your food and drink are not included in the ticket price
  • There are toilets here
• Car parking:
  • The Plough Inn, Pyecombe
    Marmalade MTB and the Plough Inn accepts no responsibility for your vehicle
• Train travel:
  • Brighton or Preston Park railway stations (30 mins’ cycle via Dyke Road and the National Cycle Route 20)
  • Direct trains from London with Southern or Thameslink
• Any questions, please contact us

Equipment, kit and clothing

Essentials:

• Suitable mountain bike in good working order (bikes can be hired in advance)
• 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
• Spare rear mech hanger specific for your bike

Recommended:

• Gloves
• Glasses, sunglasses or eyeshields
• Hydration backpack (min. 2 litres)
• Spare inner tubes
• Spare spokes specific to your bike wheels
• Puncture repair kit and bicycle pump
• Padded cycling shorts for comfort

What’s not included

• Bike hire – see ‘Your choice of bike’ section above
• Personal clothing & equipment
• Pre, during or post activity refreshments
• Personal travel or accident Insurance