Star Ride - 60 Mile Cycle Ride from Chichester

With racing on hold for a while it was time for a nice long training ride through the Sussex countyside. This star shaped 60 mile route heads out west from Chichester before turning north over the South Downs to Harting. Skirting the market town of Midhurst there is the climb over Bexley Hill to conquer before heading back south. Sticking to quiet lanes and peaceful villages, this rural ride takes you back over the spine of the Downs at Amberley before rolling home for a well earned cuppa!

The well at East Marden - Turn Left!

Head out from Chichester on the B2178. After a mile fork right and keep heading north until you reach West Stoke. Ride through the village and after the church turn right at the Kingley Vale car park and follow Downs Rd through to Funtington. There are great views along here of Kingley Vale to the north.


Take a right onto the main road, ride through the village and after the Fox & Hounds take Hares Lane north again. Descend to the T junction and turn right, follow the road for just over half a mile before the next right towards Walderton and Stoughton. Ride through both villages along the lane to East Marden, where you take the left fork at the well, up to the B2141. Turn left up the long climb and then down the the other side, turning right at the bottom, into Harting. 

Follow the road out of Harting east towards Elstead where you turn right, winding your way through to Bepton. Turn left into the village heading north again towards Midhurst. After 1.5 miles turn left at the Country Inn. Follow the lane through to the A272 which you need to take for 1/2 a mile towards Midhurst before turning left and skirting Midhurst to the north on Hollist Lane. Straight across at the cross roads with the A286, join the A272 again for 100m, before taking Easebourne Street on the left. This is the strenuous climb of the day up Bexley Hill. Take care down the other side and at the bottom turn right and back on yourself at the village green. 

Three main climbs - Harting / Bexley / Amberley

Follow the lane through Lodsworth until you find yourself back at the A272. Turn left and then immediately right and follow the lanes all the way through to Duncton. You'll be pleased to know you aren't heading up Duncton Hill today - instead turn left at the bottom and follow this lane past Bignor Roman Palace to Bury. Go straight across the A29 and on into Amberley. 

Unfortunately it is now time to head right up the hill to the Whiteways roundabout. Take the second exit to Chichester but stay off the main road by turning right almost immediately down through Madehurst. You'll now have to rejoin the A29 for a short time up to the garage at The Spur. 

Turn left here and wind you way back to Chichester through Westergate and Oving.