Mountain Biking on the North Downs

Ride some of south east England's finest mountain biking terrain, where woodland singletrack in the Surrey Hills, challenging escarpment climbs, and exhilarating descents on chalk and earth trails make the North Downs one of the most rewarding and accessible MTB destinations within reach of London. Suitable for mountain bikers with some experience and a reasonable level of fitness, this guide describes 20 graded circular routes across the North Downs from Farnham in the west to Dover in the east, plus a 59km route along the Downs Link connecting the North Downs Way with the South Downs Way at Shoreham-by-Sea. Routes range from 18.5 to 59km and are up to 90% off-road, graded blue, red, and black for difficulty. Choose from routes spanning the full length of the North Downs, from the Surrey Hills around Guildford, Dorking, Reigate, and Redhill to the Kent Downs around Maidstone, Ashford, Canterbury, Elham, and Temple Ewell. Discover highlights including the exceptional woodland singletrack around Peaslake and Holmbury Hill, the challenging Surrey Hills Grand Traverse, the dramatic southern escarpment above Box Hill and Leith Hill, and the chalk and earth trails of Kent. Every route is graded for difficulty and illustrated with OS map extracts and height profiles. Navigate with confidence using OS 1:50,000 map extracts and height profiles included for each route, with guidance on recommended OS Explorer 1:25,000 and Landranger 1:50,000 sheets. Clear blue, red, and black grading helps you select routes suited to your ability, with difficult and technical sections clearly indicated. Practical information covers getting there and around, accommodation, local bike shops, and the best times to ride—the North Downs are rideable year-round, though trails can be extremely muddy from late autumn to late spring.