The best road cycling routes around Madehurst
4.7
(41)
2,736
riders
137
rides
Road cycling routes around Madehurst are set within the diverse landscapes of the South Downs National Park, offering a mix of challenging ascents and scenic, mostly paved roads. The region features rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and expansive chalk downland, providing varied terrain for cyclists. Cyclists can experience significant elevation changes, with some routes gaining over 1,500 feet.
Best road cycling routes around Madehurst
- The most popular road cycling route is Amberley, Petworth and Waltham Brooks loop – South Downs National…
Last updated: May 7, 2026
5.0
(2)
20
riders
45.9km
02:23
490m
490m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(2)
15
riders
44.9km
02:14
480m
480m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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12
riders
70.5km
03:21
810m
810m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
7
riders
81.0km
03:34
580m
580m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
2
riders
101km
04:45
890m
890m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Tips from the Community
12% climb out of East Dean with the reward of a great descent down to Goodwood
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The Wey and Arun Canal, finished in 1816, established a crucial link between the Wey Navigation near Guildford and the south coast via the River Arun. This canal played a pivotal role in the inland transportation network designed to ensure secure passage from London to Portsmouth, facilitating the transportation of goods to sustain the dockyards during the Napoleonic Wars. Despite its initial success in efficiently transporting a substantial volume of cargo, the advent of railways ultimately led to the formal closure of the canal in 1871.
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Burton Mill Pond is part of the Burton Mill and Chingford Ponds Local Nature Reserve (LNR). Originating in the late 16th century to fuel a forge, the pond has a historical past. By the late 18th century, it played a vital role as part of a water mill for grinding corn, with the imposing structure by the road now standing as the remnants of the old mill. It's part of a fabulous landscape as you cycle along the road bordering its northeastern shore.
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Nestled on the outskirts of Chichester, between the villages of Singleton and Upwaltham, the pretty village of East Dean lies in the scenic Upper Lavant Valley of the South Downs. This quaint settlement, steeped in history with traces of Celtic fields and Roman artifacts, has a timeless charm. It features a pond on the village green and a distinctive flint-walled pub called The Star and Garter. Surprisingly, despite its small size, East Dean proudly hosts a football team, a local institution founded over 130 years ago, competing in the West Sussex league.
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This is a lovely stretch of road cutting through a tree-lined avenue on Warren Down. The road is completely straight until a steep s-shaped bend, just north of West Dean.
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Lurgashall is known for its quintessential English village charm, with its triangular village green hosting cricket games, country pub and white fingerpost signs. It has a population of around 600 people.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available around Madehurst?
There are over 140 road cycling routes around Madehurst, catering to various fitness levels. You'll find a good mix, with 72 easy routes, 67 moderate options, and 3 more challenging rides.
What kind of terrain can I expect when road cycling in Madehurst?
Road cycling around Madehurst offers diverse terrain within the South Downs National Park. You'll encounter rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and expansive chalk downland. Many routes feature mostly paved surfaces, but be prepared for significant elevation changes, with some climbs gaining over 1,500 feet.
Are there any circular road cycling routes in the Madehurst area?
Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Madehurst are circular, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. An example is the Amberley, Petworth and Waltham Brooks loop – South Downs National Park, a moderate 45.9 km ride.
What are some scenic viewpoints or landmarks I can see while cycling?
The Madehurst area is rich in scenic viewpoints and landmarks. You can enjoy far-reaching views from Bignor Hill summit, which also features a Roman road signpost. Other notable sights include Halnaker Windmill and the historic Burton Mill Pond and Mill, a Local Nature Reserve.
What do other road cyclists say about the routes in Madehurst?
The road cycling routes in Madehurst are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.8 stars from over 40 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, scenic views, and the quality of the paved surfaces through the South Downs National Park.
Are there any challenging road cycling routes with significant climbs?
Yes, Madehurst offers challenging routes for cyclists seeking significant elevation gain. For instance, the Fernhurst and Midhurst loop from Amberley covers over 100 km and includes nearly 900 meters of ascent, demanding very good fitness.
Are there any routes that pass by lakes or water features?
Yes, some routes will take you past beautiful water features. The area includes Burton Mill Pond and Mill, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and Swanbourne Lake. The meandering Arun Valley also offers watery landscapes with reedbeds.
What is the best time of year to go road cycling in Madehurst?
The landscape around Madehurst transforms with the seasons. Spring offers a living patchwork of fresh greens and wildflowers, including bluebells in ancient woodlands like Eartham Woods. Autumn provides stunning foliage. While cycling is possible year-round, spring and early autumn often offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery.
Are there longer distance road cycling options available?
Absolutely. For those looking for longer rides, routes like the Kirdford and Bignor loop from Amberley extend to over 80 km, and the Midhurst and East Dean loop from Amberley is over 70 km, providing ample opportunity for extended cycling adventures.
Can I access the South Downs Way from Madehurst?
Yes, Madehurst's location allows direct access to the South Downs Way. While primarily a long-distance trail for hiking and mountain biking, segments can be incorporated into challenging road cycling routes or used for longer excursions, offering a different perspective of the national park.
Are there any easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners?
Yes, Madehurst offers a good selection of easier road cycling routes. With 72 routes classified as 'easy' in the area, beginners can find suitable options to enjoy the scenic countryside without overly strenuous climbs or long distances.
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