Stoke Down Gravel Track – West Dean Woods loop from Nutbourne

Mountain biking trails

Stoke Down Gravel Track – West Dean Woods loop from Nutbourne

Moderate

riders

Stoke Down Gravel Track – West Dean Woods loop from Nutbourne

02:53

38.1km

550m

Mountain biking

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: September 10, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

South Downs National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

7.24 km

West Copse

Forest

7.63 km

Stoke Down Gravel Track

Highlight (Segment) • Climb

Fantastic well-surfaced gravel track running along the fringes of Kingley Vale Nature Reserve. A long climb from south to north but worth it for the views. There's a bench by the dew pond at the top.

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8.22 km

Dew Pond and Bench, South Downs National Park

Highlight • Natural

10.3 km

View of Sussex Countryside from Dew Pond

Highlight • Natural Monument

Scenic viewpoint with a bench next to a dew pond overlooking the Sussex countryside towards the east.

The construction of dew ponds began in the South Downs during the 11th century, when traditional water sources such as streams and wells were not readily available. They provide a vital source of water for grazing livestock, particularly during the summer months when streams and other water sources may dry up.

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11.3 km

Gorse-Lined Gravel Path

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

14.6 km

Old West Dean Road Trail

Highlight • Viewpoint

A steady but lovely uphill chalky trail to West Dean with a pub and coffee shop waiting for your arrival

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16.6 km

West Dean Woods

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

West Dean Woods is a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest managed by the Sussex Wildlife Trust.

The landscape is dominated by majestic pines and coppiced hazel. There's an excellent well-surfaced track running from the South Downs Way at Cocking Hill to Colworth Down, just north of West Dean village.

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27.0 km

Kingley Vale Mountain Bike Trails

Highlight • Forest

A nature reserve, Kingley Vale has some established mountain bike tracks which are easy to find. The ground here is chalky so difficult to ride when wet.

Well worth pedalling to the top to see the views.

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