Queen Elizabeth Country Park & Butser Hill loop from Chalton — South Downs National Park

Embark on a moderate mountain biking adventure covering 25.0 miles (40.3 km) with 1729 feet (527 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 4 minutes. This loop combines the purpose-built trails of Queen Elizabeth Country Park with the natural sections around Butser Hill. You will encounter loamy and gravelly surfaces, berms, jumps, and small drops within the park, transitioning to chalk downlands and woodlands on Butser Hill. From the summit of Butser Hill, the highest point on the South Downs, you can enjoy panoramic views across Hampshire and the English Channel. Expect a mix of technical ups and downs through ancient woodlands and open grasslands.

Queen Elizabeth Country Park serves as a dedicated mountain bike trail center, offering well-maintained facilities for your visit. You will find a visitor center with a cafe, toilets, and even a bike stand equipped with a tool station and pump for free use. While the trails offer good all-weather riding, be prepared for potentially muddy sections after wet periods. The park features designated up and down tracks, meaning you generally won't encounter walkers or horses on these specific mountain bike routes.

This route extends beyond the park's graded trails, incorporating Butser Hill, which is not only the highest point on the South Downs but also a National Nature Reserve. The area is recognized for its rare flora and fauna on chalk grassland, and Butser Hill itself is an ancient scheduled monument. The park is also situated directly on the South Downs Way, providing access to a much wider network of trails across the national park. You can also hone your skills at the park's pump track and skills areas before tackling the main loop.