LOCAL KNOWLEDGE BRIGHTON

Beautiful South Downs hills, quiet back lanes, picturesque Sussex villages, thrilling natural sights, and Britain’s grandest promenade cycle path... There’s plenty here, from modestly hilly road workouts to flat car-free trundles by the (stony) beach. We base things in Brighton, aka ‘London-on-Sea’, which mixes elegance with kitsch, vibrant alternative chic and seaside-town grit.

ROUTE ONE

Sights and scenery 75 miles Long Man, narrow lanes Take the decent, fast track alongside the A27 to handsome Lewes, then enjoy the quiet lanes past Glyndebourne Opera House up to Ashdown Forest where you can stop for a picnic or visit a café. Admire the Long Man of Wilmington and Cuckmere, detour to the viewpoint over Seven Sisters, then take the rolling seaside path back to Brighton. Get the route: tinyurl.com/cplus-brightonman

ROUTE TWO

Ups and Downs 55 miles Devil’s Dyke to Ditchling Beacon Enjoy the stunning views from Devil’s Dyke, before riding along the pleasant rural lanes around to Arts & Crafts Ditchling, where you can stop for cake. The Beacon’s climb, which is notorious among charity riders, will be routine for you. There are sweeping views from the top, and the bonus is it’s all downhill back! Get the route: tinyurl.com/cplus-brightonups

ROUTE THREE

Easy does it 32 miles South Coast highlights This route is mostly car-free, with some unsurfaced stretches so a gravel/mountain bike would be best best. Ride the Devil’s Dyke the back way, part of the South Downs Way, railtrail, then hit the prom back to Brighton. With kids? Do 12-mile seafront section and back, or return by train from Worthing. Get the route: tinyurl.com/cplus-brightoncoast