The best MTB trails around Ferring

Ferring and its surrounding area offer a wide variety of mountain bike trails. There are over 150 routes available, catering to different skill levels.

The trails around Ferring offer a good mix of difficulties. You'll find approximately 60 easy routes, 96 moderate routes, and a few more challenging options for experienced riders.

The terrain around Ferring is quite varied, largely due to its proximity to the South Downs National Park. You can expect rolling hills, chalk escarpments, and woodlands. Some routes feature off-road sections, well-surfaced gravel paths, hard-packed chalk, grass, and occasionally muddy areas, especially on trails like sections of the South Downs Way.

Yes, there are many family-friendly options, particularly among the easier routes. For example, the Mountainbike loop from Angmering is an easy 10.4-mile (16.7 km) trail that leads through local countryside and is suitable for a less strenuous ride.

Generally, dogs are welcome on many trails in the South Downs National Park, but it's always best to keep them under close control, especially near livestock or in sensitive wildlife areas. The Ferring Rife, a local stream, offers pleasant walking opportunities with dogs along its banks and towards the sea, which can be incorporated into a ride or enjoyed separately.

Many routes offer excellent views, especially those that climb into the South Downs. The Barpham Hill Summit – View from Amberley Mount loop from Goring-by-Sea is a moderate 26.5-mile (42.7 km) path that provides expansive views across the South Downs. Highdown Hill also offers scenic vistas over the countryside and coast.

Yes, the area is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. You might encounter places like Chanctonbury Ring hillfort or Cissbury Ring Hill Fort, both ancient historical sites offering panoramic views. Highdown Hill itself is an ancient monument with historical interest. Further afield, you can find attractions like Arundel Castle.

The mountain biking experience around Ferring is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 300 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, the beautiful views across the South Downs, and the variety of routes suitable for different abilities.

Yes, many of the routes around Ferring are designed as loops. A popular moderate option is the Highdown Hill, Patching and Angmering Park Estate loop, which covers over 20 miles (32 km) within the South Downs National Park.

Parking is generally available at various access points to the South Downs National Park and near trailheads. Specific parking information can often be found on individual route pages on komoot or by checking local council websites like West Sussex County Council for designated parking areas.

Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for mountain biking in Ferring, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be great, but trails may be busier. Winter riding is possible, but some sections, especially on the South Downs Way, can become muddy and challenging after heavy rain.

While many routes are moderate, the area does offer more challenging options, particularly those with significant elevation gain within the South Downs National Park. For instance, the Long Furlong Bridleway – View of the South Downs loop from Goring-by-Sea is a moderate route with over 400 meters of elevation gain, providing a good workout.