insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 03 - May 2015 | Page 72

DAYSOUT

It’s a beautiful day for a

BIKE RIDE

by Lisamarie Lamb

Sussex is a beautiful county, and we are lucky to have so much stunning scenery
on our doorstep. But to truly explore and appreciate where we live, the best
way to get around isn’t by car or train, but by bike. Pedal power can make all the
difference, and take us to places we would otherwise have simply drifted straight
past. These hidden spots are what make Sussex so special, and they deserve to be
discovered. So get on your bike, and uncover your county’s secrets.
Rye to Camber
The cycle route
from Rye to
Camber Sands,
Sussex’s largest
and most stunning
sandy beach, is
four miles long,
and doesn’t
involve too many
steep hills or
much rough
terrain, so it’s a
great route for
those just starting
out. It begins
handily at Rye
station, and takes
you through the
town itself, which
is a treat. Cross
the River Rother
and you’ll be able
to see a number
of smaller lakes
and fields, where many people go bird watching. Follow the route to the
end and you’ll find yourself at Camber Sands where you can enjoy a day at
the beach before heading off once more.

The Worth Way
Meeting up with the Forest Way, the Worth Way is a seven-mile green
corridor that is home to numerous animals, birds, and bugs, and is a
gorgeous way to get to know Sussex. It begins at Three Bridges station
and continues to Crawley, but there are plenty of stop-off points and places
to rest, as well as opportunities to try out some circular routes too.

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The Forest Way
The Forest Way runs from East Grinstead to Groombridge, and is
approximately 10 miles long. It is designed for cycling, walking, and
horse riding, so it is ideal for a peaceful country ride. Watch out for
wildlife as there is plenty to see here including dragonflies, toads, frogs,
newts, badgers, deer, and foxes. And, because there are no cars along
the route, you’ll be able to hear beautiful birdsong too.
The Forest Way is found within the High Weald Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty, and if you don’t wish to do the full 10-mile stretch, there
are shorter circular routes you can undertake which are just as lovely. If
you want to extend your ride, the Forest Way links with the Worth Way,
so you can continue your journey with ease.

Cycle Route 20:
Crawley to
Brighton
Cycle Route 20 is
part of the UK’s
official National Cycle
Network, and takes
you from Crawley
towards Brighton on
the coast. There are
plans to enable this
route to head into
London too, ending
at the Thames
at Wandsworth,
so it would be a
commuter route
(albeit it a long and
fairly slow one). This
route links to Cycle
Route 21 between
Redhill and Crawley,
and runs alongside the river for an idyllic way to travel and
get some exercise.
This is a treat for the whole family to enjoy together.