This is a scenic 14.5 km route that for almost all its length, avoids roads. It starts in historic Lewes and rises over the Kingston Downs taking in a small section on the South Downs Way and then descending through parks to the Brighton sea front with a brief amble along the coast touristy bike path to end up at Brighton Pier.
From Lewes Station bike south then west along Southover High Street (B2193) past the Kings Head, then Anne of Cleves House and just after passing the Swan, take a right up Juggs Road.
After just 900 metres of road you can now say farewell to the traffic because from this point to Brighton Pier is almost entirely off the roads.
Juggs road soon crosses the A27,
and then climbs steeply up to a few houses before ending and becoming a gravel path.
The path narrows then opens up in a meadow,
and your first good views to the Kingston Downs and the steep climb ahead.
Pause to pet the horse by Ashcombe Mill, the horse likes the fresh grass outside of its enclosure.
From here a small road reappears, descending through a few houses down to Ashcombe Hollow,
be careful here as there is a bit of a steep bit that comes straight out on the main road which can have some fast traffic. Take a peak down each side of Ashcombe Hollow, this is a great little narrow driving road that links Kingston, and the road to Newhaven, with the A27. It’s not hard to imagine how this road was blocked by many many trees falling across it during the 1987 Great Storm. As a kid I remember clambering through the labyrinth of fallen trunks and branches.
Cross the road and continue along Kingston Ridge where there are nice houses and gardens before you reach the end of the tarmac and continue straight on the chalky four wheel drive track leading towards the downs.
The track branches at the hill base and you take the right fork which begins by far the steepest climb of the day.
If you have a mountain bike with low gearing you might be able to ride up this but I tend to do a bit and then get off and enjoy walking the bike up slowly. Take it easy here, there is no rush.
The track levels a bit about 2/3 of the way up,
and then there is a final short climb to reach the top of the grassy Kingston Downs with great views.
From here you can see the Brighton and Hove Albion football stadium.
Newly promoted to the Premiership, hopefully they’ll manage to stay up. Continue west through the gate and then ascend the grassy track up to the hill top.
You’re now at around 190 metres above sea level and the sea of the English Channel should be visible to your south.
The track descends gently to a gate where it becomes more chalky again.
A little further leads past the turnoff track to Castle Hill reserve and then gently ascends to the radio tower. Look to the south east from just before the tower and you can see the distant chalky white cliffs.
You can free wheel down the remainder of the chalky track with expansive views all the way to the Isle of White if it’s clear.
The track then meets often busy Falmer Road. You won’t be envious looking at all those car drivers crammed in their tin cans.
Thankfully you don’t have to worry about the road because straight across is another bike path that traverses behind Woodingdean. It’s pleasant enough and leads out to Warren Road where you’re going to have to take a sharp left either along the pavement
or along the road just for about 100 metres to the first bus stop. Across the road is a small car park, cross where the middle of the road bollards
and continue straight along a small path that then leads across the horse race track.
Now turn left and follow one of the paths that traverse to the right of the horse track.
After a bit you’ll likely see the golfers of East Brighton Golf Club on your left and perhaps one or two sheep on the path. A final enjoyable track leads down to the Golf Club entrance. You are now almost down to the sea. Leave the golf club take a right on Roeden Road then a left on Marine Way.
There’s a pathway on the left so no need to worry about the roads here.
It leads out to Marine Drive where on your left is a pedestrian crossing to cross.
Then go right along the bike path and now at the second bike path down on your left that you come to,
descend through a short bike tunnel with graffiti and voila, you pop out on the sea front with your final destination, Brighton Pier now visible.
The road here is mostly empty of traffic, head towards the pier along the road (Madeira Drive), on your left is the Volks Electric Railway.
It then becomes the sea front bike path which can be a bit full of people walking so ring your bell and bike carefully, show respect to those walking. And then in the vibrant Brighton atmosphere, a far cry from the empty Downs you were on not long ago,
arrive at Brighton Pier and buy yourself some delicious warm donuts. Give yourself a pat on the back, you’ve completed a route that probably not that many people have done. For more detail I recorded the route here: https://runkeeper.com/user/youstormorg/route/4686395
If you’re returning to Lewes, you can bike back along the route below, if the winds are southwest it will make this return easier.
Otherwise head to Brighton train station and jump on the Eastbourne train that stops in Lewes.
youstorm 