Oxbow Lake on the River Ouse – Birling Gap and Chalk Cliffs loop from Cuckmere Valley

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Oxbow Lake on the River Ouse – Birling Gap and Chalk Cliffs loop from Cuckmere Valley

Hard

3.0

(1)

riders

Oxbow Lake on the River Ouse – Birling Gap and Chalk Cliffs loop from Cuckmere Valley

02:53

29.9km

590m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: July 17, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

South Downs National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

136 m

Oxbow Lake on the River Ouse

Highlight • Lake

A scenic river valley country park set in rolling farmland alongside grass topped white chalk cliffs in the South Downs National Park. It’s most famous for the iconic Seven Sisters …

Tip by

9.29 km

The Beehive Café & Deli

Highlight • Other

Quiet and better food and drinks than the nearby National Trust cafe on the beach front! Being opposite a village green and traditional pub makes this a quintessentially English pit stop :-)

Tip by

11.3 km

Birling Gap and Chalk Cliffs

Highlight • Beach

Birling Gap has been made famous for its coastal chalk cliff recession – the coastguard cottages have been gradually falling into the sea for decades. The pebble beach is currently …

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17.2 km

Pashley Down Trig Point

Highlight • Natural Monument

Magnificent views across Eastbourne and towards the sea! If you’re doing the South Downs Way (west - east) then you’re so nearly there!

Tip by

20.3 km

View Over Eastbourne and the English Channel

Highlight • Climb

A very steep climb up Butts Lane, not for the fainthearted!

Tip by

20.5 km

View of the South Downs

Highlight • Viewpoint

22.4 km

Chalk and Gravel Climb, South Downs National Park

Highlight • Climb

Tyres bigger than 28mm needed

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26.2 km

Friston Forest

Forest

29.1 km

Friston Forest Litlington Road Entrance

Highlight • Parking

This is the western, Litlington Road, access point (and car park) to Friston Forest, which has a good network of cycle and walking trails, including some relatively good quality singletrack.

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29.9 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types