Haywards Heath to Cowfold via Devils Dyke and Steyning Bowl
This is one of my favourite rides on a summer’s morning, or early evening when the quality of sunlight is at its best for the fantastic views across the South Downs. If you don’t like narrow country lanes or big lumpy bits in your rides, then stop reading now – or move to Norfolk! This route could also be called the “Twin Peaks” challenge. Okay, the “Peaks” aren’t huge but they do offer spectacular views of the Downs from Seaford across to Worthing. However, the lanes are twisty, narrow and often have horse poo on the bends... Not ideal for testing your latest missile!
The ride begins on the A272 as it runs through Haywards Heath going west. Follow the Cuckfield bypass heading for Ansty. At Ansty Cross (mini roundabout) go across heading for Burgess Hill. Just after the Suzuki garage take a right turn onto the road for Hurstpierpoint. This is a national speed limit road so higher speeds are possible (and fun!) but it’s bumpy in places, so a good test of handling and suspension!
In Hurstpierpoint go across the mini roundabout and continue to a T junction where you take a sharp left turn for Devil’s Dyke. The top car park is an ideal place to stop for a short break and as you look down the north side of the Downs, the next part of the ride stretches away to the west.
Return down the hill to a roundabout and turn left for Poynings. This next section sums up the best of Sussex in just a few miles. From 20mph limits in pretty villages like Poynings and Fulking, rustic pubs, sweeping sections at national speeds and all with the constant backdrop of the Downs to your left.
From the T junction just after Edburton, turn left and follow the road to Steyning. At the third roundabout take the second exit marked Steyning and then take the first left, before going into the town. This road is easy to miss as it’s narrow and not marked. Now follows a rollercoaster ride of tight turns as the tree lined lane winds uphill to the top of the Downs at Steyning Bowl where the natural curve of the hill is ideal for paragliding. Either stop here and admire the spectacular scenery, or continue to the end of this road at Sompting Abbey. Beware though – this section often has gravel, mud and chalk on the road from tractors or washed off the hill by rain.
Retrace your route to the T junction for Edburton, but now continue straight on for Henfield. This section offers a nice relaxing series of gentle curves at varying speeds as it wanders through Upper Beeding, Small Dole and Henfield. Go through Henfield and follow the road for Horsham. After a couple of miles, look out for the Chalet Cafe on your left which is very popular with bikers – especially on a Sunday morning where the large car park at the back is usually packed with two wheeled visitors. Take a bench seat out front, cup of tea in hand and enjoy the procession as bikes (and bikers) of every description flow in and out of the cafe.
After a stop at the Chalet, turn left out of the car park and you will meet the A272. Now turn right and the road will take you back to your starting point at Haywards Heath.... or, if you are still keen to explore some of the prettiest roads in Sussex, turn around and do it all again!
I want to go faster, I want to go faster..
