So, you’re based in, or near London, and you’re looking for a great, ready-made, two or three day cycling adventure? Oh, then I have really good news for you!
Over three years in the making, with two attempts at cycling the route, my new Brighton Bimble route is ready. The route guide itself will soon be added to the Shop.
If you didn’t know, I have 2 types of route guides available on WillCycle. There are DayCycle route guides, and as the name implies, those are routes most people should be able to in a day. I also have GoCycle route guides, and those are longer, multi-day routes. My Brighton Bimble is a GoCycle route.
The route
Brighton Bimble starts and ends in Crawley. You can easily get to the start by direct train from London Blackfriars. It’s a 40 minute journey, with no changes, but be sure to read my Bikes On Trains post for handy tips. The route is 105 miles long, of which just about two thirds are traffic-free.
This means London cyclists can easily use this route as a ready-made two, or three day cycling adventure. The route itself is very varied, and includes urban cycle lanes, idyllic rural rail trails, (normally) quiet rural lanes, bridle ways, stunning seascapes, and of course the beautiful South Downs to enjoy. Weather permitting, you can even have a good view of the Long Man of Wilmington.
An adventure route
This route is intended to allow you a cycling adventure, and it delivers that in heaps. In places, you will find it challenging on a bike without plenty of gears, and there are some bridleway sections (none very long) that can get muddy after rain.
When done, I truly expect you’ll have a smile on your face, saying “That wasn’t easy, but it was SO worth it!”
Get out of your comfort zone
This route will get you out of your comfort zone. Despite passing through quite a densely-populated part of the UK, you will at times feel like you’re million miles away from civilisation, and that simply adds to the adventure.
The route is best suited to touring bikes, sturdy hybrids, or gravel bikes. It is not an accessible route, and most cargo bikes will seriously struggle, if not with the terrain, then with the dreaded A-frames in a few places along the route.
A gentle adventure
Let’s be honest here: you’re exceedingly unlikely to encounter lions, or terrifying tropical spiders along this route. And you don’t even have to carry camping gear – you always have the option of B&B’s along the way (ideal for those on ebikes, who require overnight charging).
A route so good, it took 2 attempts!
The first incarnation of this route simply didn’t meet the high standards I set for a GoCycle route, but life got in the way, and it would be over three years before I finally got to test my revised route.
I have to say, I’m very happy with the route, and I genuinely believe you will be, too.
All you have to do is go ride it! You can get your copy of the route guide here.