South Downs - Any road recommendations?

[C70R]

A group of us are planning an early morning weekend run from London down to and around the South Downs, before the weather completely ruins our fun. While I know the area is riddled with 'decent' roads, does anyone have any suggestions for the brilliant routes/roads?

[minimatan]

It depends on the day and time you are heading there and the type of roads you would like. I could string a killer route together for you

[Red Devil]

Also where in London you are starting from and which part of the Downs you intend to head for.
As the crow flies, Harting Down is 55 miles west of Beachy Head!

[C70R]

Thanks both.
We'll be heading out from Central London, so that would be our 'entry point'. However, once we're there we would be more than happy to do a bit of exploring.
We would be leaving early AM on a weekend from London, if that helps.

[minimatan]

I usually go A3 - Ripley - Ripley Lane - Newlands Corner - Shere - Ewhurst - Ockley - A29 to Bury Hill

or A24 via Box Hill - A29 - Ockley -B2127 - Mapledrakes Road - Somersbury Lane - B2128 to Rudgewick - Loxwood Road - B2123 then on the A272 it is a dream road all the way to Petersfield then South Harting B2141 - East Lavant up to Goodwood - A285 to Petworth then A29 back home.

I guarantee your mates will think that you're the bees knees and in fact I may tag along as a guide if you guys can drive briskly

[Red Devil]

Here's one I've done a few times - https://goo.gl/maps/tAvhWBJMxL42.
If with a group, we usually stop a couple of times for a break/photo op/whatever.
First one at Kings Standing in Ashdown Forest - https://goo.gl/maps/H4tuvq2VjfR2
Second one at Beachy Head - https://goo.gl/maps/D4d2QHg3qU32

We usually start our group runs at dawn to avoid as much traffic as possible.
Wait until the clocks go back on 25th to get an extra hour in bed and an earlier sunrise.
For a bite to eat head for Notcutts Garden Centre on the B2112 north of Ditchling.
The restaurant opens at 10.00 on Sundays.

[C70R]

Thanks both. Massively appreciate you taking the time out to share those routes. I've plugged them into to Google, and we'll make a call on which route on Saturday evening based on how bad the post-rugby hangover is likely to be.

[Swanny87]

Did a loop from North London earlier this year, A3 Down to Liss, cut across to the A272. Then turn Left at Wisborough Green up past Dunsfold, then turn right to go through Cranleigh. Then onto Ewhurst, then through Shere and back onto the A25 to the A3.

The road from Ewhurst to Shere is an experience, there's a a part (past the scout camp) that can only be described as driving through a tunnel made of trees and greenery. The view from Newlands corner is good as well!

Edited to add google maps: link

Edited by Swanny87 on Thursday 8th October 14:32

[minimatan]

Swanny87 said:

Did a loop from North London earlier this year, A3 Down to Liss, cut across to the A272. Then turn Left at Wisborough Green up past Dunsfold, then turn right to go through Cranleigh. Then onto Ewhurst, then through Shere and back onto the A25 to the A3.

The road from Ewhurst to Shere is an experience, there's a a part (past the scout camp) that can only be described as driving through a tunnel made of trees and greenery. The view from Newlands corner is good as well!

Edited to add google maps: link

Edited by Swanny87 on Thursday 8th October 14:32

Yes, this is on my first route suggestion. The sheer (pardon the pun!) variety of roads make this route and area a joy. The secret to my first route is the lack of traffic flow

[C70R]

All duly noted, with thanks.

[Big E 118]

Here's a route we do:

https://goo.gl/maps/AFhDDjuTKd62

Gives you the option of either Goodwood or Billys cafe http://www.billysontheroad.co.uk/ (shown on the route as Stane Street).

A272 is a must between Petworth and Billngshurst.

[minimatan]

I've never heard of Billy's and it seems like a awesome recommendation, thanks.

[C70R]

Just to say a quick word of thanks for the recommendations. Ended up starting a little later than desired thanks to a hangover, and (barring a road closure that caused a few mins of chaos) enjoyed a great little blast.

We made it as far as The Cricketers in Petworth, and enjoyed a great chat over coffee with a chap in a lovely new Morgan V8, before heading for home.

[minimatan]

Nice one! What route did you take down to Petworth?