DescriptionThis ride over the Downs to Upperton is a challenging classic combining road and off-road sections, staying almost completely away from busy roads and taking you deep into some of the most beautiful parts of West Sussex. The route begins with a very gradual climb through a medley of charming Downland villages – Funtington, Walderton, Stoughton and East Marden – before dropping down to Hooksway tucked away in the depths of the National Park. Here tarmac gives way to firetrail (for roughly 4 miles) and the track up to the South Downs Way is a long and rutted climb that will need at least a hybrid or gravel bike but preferably a mountain bike. Arriving on the ridge of the South Downs Way brings views both north and south as a reward as you head East and down towards the Cocking road. After dropping into Cocking, the route turns off into the quiet, scenic lanes north of the Downs, eventually crossing the Rother before joining the A272 for the last couple of miles before a well-earned break at Upperton. At nearly 35km this is the longest section of the route.