One-day ride: South coast
Stunning riding between London and the South Coast
The vast swathe of countryside between London and the south coast could easily be seen as just linking ports and seaside towns with the big smoke. But while the majority of transport and tourist routes do indeed radiate in such a way, there’s a network of local roads that make it the ideal region to explore by motorcycle.
Our day’s ride starts off by traversing the forests and fields of the High Weald Area of National Beauty, threading its way south through the Garden of England and into East Sussex. It kicks back inland before sweeping across the Pevensey Levels and over the South Downs to trace the full length of Brighton’s iconic seafront. A loop into West Sussex to discover a different view of the Downs is followed by a wriggle back to base via ancient woodland and historic market towns.
STAGE ONE Pembury to Robertsbridge 59 miles
Head south from Pembury on the A21 until you reach the Forstal Farm roundabout. Take the first exit and follow the A262 through Goudhurst towards Sissinghurst, then right onto the B2085. At the junction with the A229 (in Hartley) follow the signs for the B2086 and Tenterden. Turn left in Rolvenden (the A28) and push on to Tenterden, where you’ll pick up the B2080 to Appledore. At the Brenzett roundabout, head straight over to join the A259 to Lydd. Turn right for Lydd airport and the B2075 will lead you to the A259 and a left into Rye. Take the A2089 towards Battle and turn right on the A21 towards London.
MORNING COFFEE Route 1066 Café This rock ’n’ roll-inspired roadhouse offers transport-café style fare. Enjoy a coffee in the garden or sit out front and watch the world roll by. www.route1066cafe.co.uk
STAGE TWO Robertsbridge to Brighton 43 miles
Back-track to the John’s Cross roundabout and take the second exit for the A2100 to Battle. Turn right to join the A271 towards Eastbourne but watch for the left turn to Wartling beyond Boreham Street. Stay on the Wartling Road down to the Pevensey Levels, then take the A27 towards Brighton. At Beddingham take the first exit towards Newhaven (the A26), then turn right onto the A259 to follow the shoreline into Brighton. Once you’ve passed the marina, go left down Duke’s Mound to Madeira Drive.
LUNCH Madeira Café Park up and head to the familiar biker’s destination, the Madeira Café. A perfect spot for fish ‘n’ chips and a brew. www.madeirabikercafe.com
STAGE THREE Brighton to Billingshurst 63 miles
Ease into the afternoon by taking a cruise along the seafront to Shoreham, then pick up the pace by taking the A283 towards Steyning. Follow it to Petworth and allow the one-way system to guide you through to the A272 in the direction of Midhurst. At the roundabout before
the bridge leading into Midhurst (just after the BP garage) take the A286 towards Guildford and when you reach Haslemere, track the signs for the B2131 and A283 to make a loop back to Petworth. Just past Petworth House you’ll find a left turn for the A272 — follow this through to Billingshurst, then take the A29 towards Five Oaks.
AFTERNOON TEA Billy’s on the Road Pancakes and waffles are the order of the day at this vibrant diner, which you can enjoy with a mug of tea over a glass-topped model railway at this popular stop. www.billysontheroad.co.uk
STAGE FOUR Billingshurst to Pembury 44 miles
Turn right onto the A29 and head back to Billingshurst, then follow the signs for the A272 and Haywards Heath. When you reach Cowfold, turn left to take the A281 towards Lower Beeding and keep a look out for a right turn onto the B2110, signposted Gatwick. This great little road runs all the way to East Grinstead, where you’ll be able to pick up the A264 for a final blast to Royal Tunbridge Wells. Stay with the A264 for a jaunt through town and it will lead you back to the start of the route in Pembury.