There's nothing quite so invigorating as riding a route you've never tried before, and if you're in the South of England then here are 15 great cycle routes in Surrey and Sussex for you to try.
Some of these routes come from the local residents who know the roads best – Surrey and Sussex cycling clubs. Each week, Cycling Weekly rides out with a UK club to discover the unique ethos of each community. By sampling each club's regular ride, we've seen some of the best routes from Land's End to John o'Groats.
We've also teamed up with our partners at UK Cycling Events to include some of the best-loved Surrey and Sussex sportive routes in our round-up. Riding on your own means you won't benefit from the company's renowned feed stops and ride support, or the camaraderie of a top-class sportive, but there's no doubt that these are exceptionally well-chosen routes. We've included the longest and shortest options here, but there are loads more options available from UKCE themselves.
If you want to suggest a Surrey or Sussex cycle route that you love to ride, send a .gpx file and a short description to cycling@timeinc.com. As ever, we value your input.
Surrey and Sussex cycle routes
Guildford, Aldershot and the Surrey Hills
Chosen by South Western Road Club
47 miles, 1,978ft of climbing
A cracking route that kicks off in Cobham and encircles Guildford, the key moment is Farncombe Hill, a third of a mile long at a gradient of 10 per cent. Outside of that burst of hill climb hell, there are some beautiful olde worlde villages to savour – Surrey at its best.
Learn more about South Western Road Club
Epsom and Box Hill
Chosen by Epsom CC
40 miles, 1,905ft of climbing
A forty-mile loop that incorporates Surrey's famous Box Hill, home to the 2012 Olympic Road Race and countless anti-cyclist rants in the local papers.
Learn more about Epsom CC
East Grinstead to Barcombe
Chosen by East Grinstead CC
41 miles, 2,474ft of climbing
This North-South loop contains a fair bit of climbing, with the three-mile-long ascent of Down Street coming early on, and a final kick as you climb back up to East Grinstead.
Learn more about East Grinstead CC
Horsham and North/South Downs
Wiggle Sussex Surrey Scramble
Epic Route: 100 miles, 5,291ft climbing
A decent starting point for a first century ride, this beautiful loop contains moderate hills but nothing too untoward. The scenery is sublime, the roads are usually quiet, and there are just enough short, sharp ascents to keep you honest.
Sign up for the sportive on Sunday August 13, 2017
Horsham
Wiggle Sussex Surrey Scramble
Short Route: 34 miles, 1,505ft climbing
A shorter version of the Epic Scramble, this 34-mile route is perfect for killing a few hours without killing your legs!
Sign up for the sportive on Sunday August 13, 2017
More routes
Chichester, Petersfield and South Downs
Wiggle South Downs 100
Epic Route: 100 miles, 5,377ft of climbing
Encompassing Hampshire as well as Sussex, this route runs most of its 100-mile length through the beautiful South Downs, and includes Butser Hill, the highest point of the National Park. There are some fairly rapid descents as well as a succession of climbs, but overall this route is challenging without being anything to be scared of.
Sign up for the sportive on Sunday October 22, 2017
Chichester, Petersfield and South Downs
Wiggle South Downs 100
Short Route: 40 miles, 2,270ft of climbing
A lovely loop through the South Downs. The climbing is mainly in the first half, and after that you're free to cruise home.
Sign up for the sportive on Sunday October 22, 2017
Chichester, Petersfield and North/South Downs
Wiggle Sussex Gran Fondo
Black Route: 125 miles, 4,963ft of climbing
Here's one to build up to – 125 miles through the North and South Downs, including nine major climbs and five other significant ascents. It's undoubtedly a tough challenge but the chance to cover so many miles in the setting of a National Park means at least you'll be suffering against a beautiful backdrop!
Sign up for the sportive on Saturday June 3, 2017
Goodwood and South Downs
Wiggle Sussex Gran Fondo
Short Route: 27 miles, 1,328ft of climbing
A lovely little route that passes both Goodwood Racecourse and the Motor Circuit.
Sign up for the sportive on Saturday June 3, 2017
Amberley, Billingshurst, South Downs and the low Weald
The Rocket
Epic Route: 63 miles, 2,562ft of climbing
A flat ride along quiet country lanes, this is a great route for putting some miles under your belt and maybe pushing for a high average speed.
Read more about The Rocket sportive
More routes
Amberley, Pulborough and the South Downs
The Rocket
Short Route: 16 miles, 669ft of climbing
A short and easy route through the eastern corner of the South Downs.
Read more about The Rocket sportive
Haywards Heath, East Grinstead, Sevenoaks and Edenbridge
Cycling Weekly Surrey Hills Cyclone
Epic Route: 100 miles, 6,902ft of climbing
A challenging route through the Surrey Hills and the High Weald, this century ride offers some steep climbs to go with the picturesque scenery. We like it so much we even put our name to it...
Sign up for the sportive on Saturday 20 May, 2017
Sevenoaks and Edenbridge
Cycling Weekly Surrey Hills Cyclone
Short Route: 33 miles, 2,096ft of climbing
Still plenty of climbing for a mere 33-mile ride that still manages to take in parts of the Surrey Hills and the High Weald.
Sign up for the sportive on Saturday 20 May, 2017
Want to suggest a cycling route in Surrey and Sussex? We'd love to hear it!
Welsh Grand Départ for first ever Tour of Britain Women, British Cycling confirms
'Cycling is a requirement, not an obsession': how one 46-year-old vet racer stays motivated to keep on winning
