Horsham to Worthing via the Downs Link: Saturday Sussex Adventure

Please read the ride description carefully.

Overview

This is a train- assisted full day ride, with a late return. It is not challenging in terms of ride distance or gradients, but you need the stamina to be outdoors all day and to manage getting your bike on & off trains.

This is a linear ride, from Horsham in the South Downs to the seaside town of Worthing. Most of our route is on the traffic-free Downs Link, a cycling route on disused railway lines which offers a surprisingly level route through the hills of the South Downs https://www.cyclinguk.org/route/downs-link-traffic-free-route-guildford-seaside . The terrain is mostly unsealed, generally in good condition, but uneven in places. Road bikes with thin tyres are not suitable for this ride. Hybrid bikes with good tyres or mountain bikes are the most suitable.

** You will need to bring your own food for a picnic lunch. **

Travel Arrangements:-

We will take the 09.42 train from Clapham Junction to Horsham, arriving at 10.32. An Advance Single ticket is available for £7. A standard single fare if bought on the day is £21. Discounts might be available.

Our return journey will be from Worthing. We expect to reach Worthing Station by 5pm-5.30pm. Direct trains are hourly at 03 and 33 mins past the hour, journey time 1 hour 18 mins. Standard off peak single fare is £23.90. Advance Singles are again available for £7, but these are only valid on the specific train, and we cannot guarantee our arrival time in Worthing.

The Ride:-

The first 8km/ 5miles of the ride is the most challenging section, as we make our way from Horsham to join the Downs Link at Copsale. We ride on bridleways, some of which can be muddy after wet weather and have a couple of sharp climbs.

Once we reach the Downs Link, we have an easy ride, mostly on a good surface, following the route of a disused railway line. We will stop for lunch at The Cabin at Berretts Farm https://www.berrettsfarm.co.uk/, where you can purchase drinks and cakes to supplement your picnic lunch.

After lunch, we have a slower ride, as the surface of the trail is more uneven. Our efforts are rewarded by the glorious views of the South Downs and the Adur Valley. We cross the River Adur on the beautifully restored Old Toll Bridge https://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/seafront-and-river-adur/old-shoreham-toll-bridge/, which enables us to bypass the busy roads of Shoreham and make our way onto the South Coast Cycleway for the final section of our ride.

We turn along the coast for the final 6.5km/4 miles, enjoying the colourful flowers on the shingle beach and the wonderful sea view. We have the option of visiting the Widewater Lagoon Nature Reserve https://lancingwidewater.com/ or having a café stop by the beach in Lancing, before returning to Worthing, where we will take the train back to London.

Train-assisted whole day ride, following the Downs Link from Horsham to Shoreham and then the Coastal Way to Worthing.

Mainly traffic-free unsealed tracks, quiet roads, shared paths. Some short sections on busier roads.

Refreshment stop at Berretts Farm for picnic lunch, bring your own food. Time to stop en route to take photos.

Snacks & water for the ride, food for picnic lunch. Money/card for travel fares & additional food.

First-timers welcome!