The best cycling routes around St Ann (Without)
4.4
(517)
10,366
riders
384
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 Ann (Without)
- The most popular touring cycling route is View from Plumpton Bostal – Ditchling Beacon loop from Lewes, an 11.0 miles (17.8 km) trail that takes 1 hour 37 minutes to complete. This route offers views towards Ditchling Beacon, a prominent feature of the South Downs.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Newmarket Hill Bridleway – View of Kingston and Lewes loop from Iford, a difficult 14.2 miles (22.9 km) path. This trail provides scenic views of Kingston and Lewes from Newmarket Hill.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Lewes Castle – St Nicolas Lane loop from St. Ann (Without), a 9.6 miles (15.4 km) trail leading through the local area, often completed in about 1 hour 4 minutes.
- Touring cycling around St Ann (Without) is defined by its downland landscapes, dry valleys, and sections of the South Downs Way. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to more challenging climbs.
- The routes in St Ann (Without) are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 500 reviews. More than 11,000 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore St Ann (Without)'s varied terrain.
Last updated: May 6, 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)
37
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)
52
riders
28.1km
02:36
550m
560m
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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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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Lewes Castle is a medieval fortress originally known as Bray Castle. Positioned strategically, it commands a prominent location, overseeing the gap in the South Downs shaped by the River Ouse and surrounded by the towns of Lewes and Cliffe. The castle is perched on a man-made mound located just north of Lewes' high street, crafted from locally sourced limestone and flint blocks.
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Brighton Dome serves as a cultural hub, hosting a diverse array of performances and events throughout the year. The Corn Exchange is an integral part of the Brighton Dome complex with a distinctive circular design featuring a dome at its centre. The Dome itself is a Grade I listed building with a rich history dating back to the 19th century.
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Nestled at the side of the road is House Dean Farm. It is a family run campsite that also has a very small shop selling lovely coffees and snacks, perfect to refuel and refill!
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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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