The best gravel rides around Worthing

Worthing offers a wide selection of gravel bike trails, with over 70 routes available on komoot. These range in difficulty from easy to difficult, ensuring options for all skill levels.

Yes, Worthing has several easy gravel bike routes suitable for beginners. For instance, the Downs Link along the River Adur – Shoreham Old Toll Bridge loop from Lancing is a moderate 18 km route with minimal elevation gain, perfect for those starting out. There are 7 easy routes and 47 moderate routes in total.

The terrain around Worthing is diverse, featuring chalk hills, ancient bridleways, and sections of the Downs Link. You'll encounter riverside paths along the River Adur, open countryside, and varying elevation changes, from coastal flats to the rolling hills of the South Downs.

Many of the gravel bike routes around Worthing are designed as circular loops, making them convenient for starting and ending at the same point. Examples include the Chantry Lane – Long Furlong Bridleway loop from Durrington-on-Sea and the Downs Link along the River Adur – Shoreham Old Toll Bridge loop from Findon.

The routes often pass by significant landmarks and offer scenic views. You can explore historical sites like Cissbury Ring Hill Fort, or enjoy coastal vistas from Worthing Beach and Goring Greensward Seafront Promenade. The Cissbury Ring – Chanctonbury Ring hillfort loop from West Worthing is a great option for historical sights.

While specific 'family-friendly' designations aren't always explicit, routes with lower difficulty and less elevation are generally suitable. The Beach Huts – Downs Link along the River Adur loop from West Worthing is a relatively flat 36 km route that could be a good option for families looking for a longer ride on varied surfaces.

Many bridleways and public rights of way in the South Downs National Park, which borders Worthing, are dog-friendly. However, it's always best to keep dogs under close control, especially near livestock, and to check specific route regulations. The South Downs Way Trail – Cissbury Ring loop from High Salvington Windmill uses sections of the South Downs Way, which is generally accessible for dogs.

Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking in Worthing, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be great, but trails might be busier. Winter riding is possible, but be prepared for potentially muddy sections, especially on unpaved bridleways.

Given Worthing's proximity to towns and villages, many routes will pass by or near establishments where you can stop for refreshments. The Downs Link, for example, often has pubs and cafes accessible from the trail. Planning your route with komoot allows you to see points of interest, including potential stops.

The gravel bike trails around Worthing are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 40 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, the extensive views across the South Downs, and the well-maintained bridleways.

Worthing and its surrounding towns are well-served by public transport, including train stations and bus routes. Many routes start or pass close to these transport hubs, making it feasible to access trails without a car. For example, routes starting from West Worthing or Durrington-on-Sea are often close to train stations.