The best cycling routes around St Ann (Without)
4.4
(621)
11,356
riders
402
rides
Touring cycling routes around St Ann (Without) traverse a wholly downland terrain characterized by shallow, dry valleys, dense thorn scrub, and young woodland. The area offers expansive, open views across its ancient turf and features a rich array of flora and fauna. The renowned South Downs Way also enters the Bunkershill Plantation within the parish, providing accessible routes for cyclists. This landscape offers a mix of rolling downland and open vistas for touring cyclists.
Best touring cycling routes around St…
Last updated: June 20, 2026
4.8
(8)
35
riders
58.2km
03:31
370m
370m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(3)
40
riders
65.1km
04:12
580m
580m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.0
(2)
83
riders
31.0km
01:52
230m
230m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(4)
88
riders
11.0km
00:42
50m
50m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(2)
46
riders
28.2km
02:38
570m
570m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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Tips from the Community
Whater tap, make sure your bike is out of the way when stopping, you can hide in the tree for a sneaky nap bur bring a mat for insulation
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At over 650 feet (200 m), Ditchling Beacon gives you a good climb and a great vantage point to see out over the surrounding countryside. To the north you look back at the lush countryside of the Weald, to the south are views of Brighton, and to the east and west, the rolling undulating views out over the South Downs.
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Virginia and Leonard Woolf's cottage is tiny and nestles in a small garden: a vegetable garden, a perennial garden, a small orchard and a croquet field with a wonderful view. Both of them wrote here - Virginia Woolf in her own room or in the summer in the small hut in the garden.
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easy to miss if you go too fast ;)
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Tilman Spengler is the man on German television who brings great authors and their works closer to the culture-loving viewer. His series "Classics of World Literature" pays tribute to women and men of the writing profession from all eras with a 15-minute episode of this series (in German). One of these writers is * VIRGINIA WOOLF (1882 to 1941). The article can be found in the ARD media library under the following link: https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/klassiker-der-weltliteratur/virginia-woolf/ard-alpha/Y3JpZDovL2JyLmRlL3ZpZGVvLzkxODAyOWQ5LTZjOGUtNDEwYi1iODgyLTUwNzNlNTM3MWJiZA
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Nice enough trig pointed hilltop and easy enough to get to with grand views out over the South Downs.
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Ice cream van also serving Tea today (Easter Monday). view from the top on a nice clear day
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in St Ann (Without)?
There are over 400 touring cycling routes around St Ann (Without), offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. These routes traverse the distinctive downland landscapes of the area.
Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners in St Ann (Without)?
Yes, St Ann (Without) offers over 100 easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed ride. An example is the Lewes Castle – St Nicolas Lane loop from St. Ann (Without), which is 9.6 miles (15.4 km) long and takes about 1 hour 4 minutes to complete.
Where can I find more challenging or long-distance touring cycling routes in St Ann (Without)?
For more challenging rides, St Ann (Without) has nearly 100 difficult touring cycling routes. A notable option is the Newmarket Hill Bridleway – View of Kingston and Lewes loop from Iford, a 14.2 miles (22.9 km) path that offers significant elevation gains and panoramic views.
What natural features or viewpoints can I expect to see along the touring cycling routes?
The routes in St Ann (Without) offer expansive views across ancient turf, shallow dry valleys, and young woodland. You can enjoy sights like Ditchling Beacon, a prominent feature of the South Downs, and the scenic Blackcap Summit and Trig Point. The area is also known for its rich flora and fauna, especially in areas like Scabby Brow.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes around St Ann (Without)?
Many of the touring cycling routes in St Ann (Without) are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For instance, the View from Plumpton Bostal – Ditchling Beacon loop from Lewes is a popular circular option.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about the routes in St Ann (Without)?
The touring cycling routes in St Ann (Without) are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 500 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the stunning downland landscapes, and the accessible sections of the South Downs Way.
Are the touring cycling routes in St Ann (Without) suitable for families?
Yes, with over 100 easy routes, many paths are suitable for families. The gentle slopes and well-trodden paths, particularly those used by locals from Lewes, provide pleasant cycling experiences for all ages. It's advisable to check individual route details for specific difficulty and terrain.
What is the best season for touring cycling in St Ann (Without)?
The downland terrain of St Ann (Without) is beautiful year-round, but spring and summer offer the best conditions to enjoy the vibrant flora, including orchids and cowslips, and the open views. Autumn also provides pleasant cycling with cooler temperatures and changing foliage. Winter rides are possible, but some paths might be muddy.
Are there any historical landmarks or points of interest along the cycling routes?
While cycling, you might encounter historical structures such as the Ashcombe Toll House and the 18th-century Grade II listed Ashcombe House. The area also includes The Gallop, part of the old Lewes Racecourse, offering picturesque views of the Lewes Brooks and Malling Down.
Can I find routes that include sections of the South Downs Way?
Absolutely. The renowned South Downs Way enters the Bunkershill Plantation within St Ann (Without), providing accessible routes for cyclists who wish to experience this national trail. Many local touring routes incorporate sections of this iconic path.
Are there any routes that pass by water features or lakes?
While the area is primarily downland, you can find routes that pass by smaller water features. For example, some routes might lead you near highlights like Dew Pond with Lone Tree or Jill's Pond, offering tranquil spots to pause during your ride.
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