The best MTB trails around Roffey

The Roffey area, particularly its proximity to the South Downs National Park and St Leonard's Forest, offers a diverse range of mountain biking terrain. You'll find everything from rolling chalk hills and ancient woodlands with extensive bridleways to challenging chalky climbs, sweeping descents, and technical sections. The wider West Sussex countryside also provides numerous country lanes and forest paths.

Yes, there are options for beginners and families. While the guide features routes like Tonnerre – Château de Tanlay loop from Tonnerre which is rated easy, the region also offers gentler paths. Chesworth Farm, near Horsham, provides 90 acres of meadows and ancient hedgerows with bridleways, ideal for less strenuous family cycling. For more detailed information on Chesworth Farm, you can visit horsham.gov.uk.

For more challenging rides, the South Downs National Park is a prime destination, offering varied terrain from intermediate 'Blue' trails to advanced 'Red' routes with technical sections. Within this guide, the Le Serein – Chablis Village and Vineyards loop from Fontenay-près-Chablis is rated as difficult, featuring significant climbs and descents. St Leonard's Forest also provides trails with jumps and a mix of challenging sections.

Absolutely. The iconic South Downs Way, a 100-mile (160 km) off-road National Trail, is fully traversable by mountain bike and is accessible from the Roffey area. It offers continuous riding opportunities with significant elevation changes and panoramic views across the South Downs National Park. You can find a dedicated mountain bike guide for the South Downs Way at southdowns.gov.uk.

The mountain bike routes around Roffey are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 4 reviews. Mountain bikers often praise the varied terrain, which includes woodlands and open landscapes, catering to different ability levels.

Yes, many of the routes in the region are designed as loops. For example, the Maligny castle – Moulin de Maligny loop from Fontenay-près-Chablis and the Chablis Old Town – Chablis Village and Vineyards loop from Fontenay-près-Chablis are popular circular options, allowing you to start and finish in the same location.

While mountain biking in the broader region, you can encounter various points of interest. Some routes may pass near historical sites like the Fosse Dionne and the town of Tonnerre or the Hôtel-Dieu de Tonnerre. You might also find yourself riding alongside the Towpath of the Canal de Bourgogne, offering scenic views.

Roffey's location within Horsham provides good connectivity. While specific public transport links directly to trailheads can vary, Horsham has train and bus services that can get you close to various starting points for rides, especially those leading into the South Downs National Park or local forests. It's advisable to check local transport schedules and bike carriage policies before planning your trip.

Given the region's ancient woodlands and rolling hills, trails can become muddy, especially after rainfall or during wetter seasons. The chalky terrain of the South Downs can also be slippery when wet. It's always recommended to check local weather forecasts and trail conditions before heading out and to equip your bike and yourself appropriately for potentially muddy sections.

Many routes in the West Sussex countryside pass through or near villages and towns that offer pubs, cafes, and other amenities. While specific routes in this guide don't explicitly highlight pub stops, planning your ride to incorporate a stop in a nearby village is often possible. The Horsham area itself has numerous options for refreshments before or after your ride.

Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for mountain biking around Roffey, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Summer can be excellent, but trails might be busier, and it can get quite warm. Winter riding is possible, but trails can be muddy and slippery, especially in wooded areas and on chalk paths.