4.5
(309)
2,809
riders
197
rides
Mountain biking around St John (Without) offers a diverse landscape characterized by rolling chalk hills, open downland, and scattered woodlands. The region features varied terrain, including challenging climbs to prominent summits and more gentle paths through valleys. These physical features provide a range of routes suitable for different mountain biking preferences.
Last updated: May 15, 2026
5.0
(1)
46
riders
72.3km
06:07
1,180m
1,180m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.7
(3)
27
riders
36.5km
02:57
590m
590m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(2)
24
riders
22.3km
02:03
460m
460m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.7
(3)
24
riders
30.6km
02:43
580m
580m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
12
riders
66.5km
05:33
1,030m
1,030m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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Decent shop with hot food over the counter, plus some tea rooms.
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The track here provides one of the best views from the South Downs Way. Take time to stop here and enjoy the well-earned view.
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This section of the long distance South Downs Way is a bridleway, so good for a mountain bike but also popular with walkers. The chalky track climbs Newmarket Hill from the A27 in the north. The hill starts at 135 feet (41m) and tops out at 646 feet (197m). Great up or down hill.
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Nice point to stop for coffee and serves hot food and cakes. Both indoor and outdoor seating and somewhere to lock up your bike but as locations go this is pretty off the beaten track so theft is a lower risk than more urban locations.
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Stanmer Park is a stunning historic woodland area that is quite literally a park for all seasons. It is simply great for mountain biking, and the Rollercoaster is the essence of a singletrack trail. Here it is all about keeping it going, keeping off the brakes, and enjoying the ride. A great bike run in a great park.
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This is a wonderful stretch of track running just below Mount Harry, and it continues below Black Cap too before it joins the South Down Way at the Beeches. A great biking section overall.
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Just below Newmarket Hill on Drove Avenue there is a communications mast. The views of the countryside towards Brighton and beyond to the sea from here are super nice, as they are out over Falmer Road to Ditchling Beacon way in the distance. Drove Avenue is a super good track too, great on a mountain bike, or gravel bike.
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There are over 200 mountain bike routes available in St John (Without) on komoot. These trails offer a diverse landscape of rolling chalk hills, open downland, and scattered woodlands, catering to various skill levels.
The trails in St John (Without) offer a range of difficulty levels. You'll find approximately 68 easy routes, 128 moderate routes, and 8 more challenging, difficult routes. This variety ensures options for different mountain biking preferences and abilities.
Mountain biking in St John (Without) is characterized by rolling chalk hills, open downland, and scattered woodlands. The terrain includes challenging climbs to prominent summits and more gentle paths through valleys, providing a varied and engaging experience.
The mountain biking routes in St John (Without) are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from nearly 300 reviews. Over 2,800 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore the region's varied terrain, often praising the scenic views and diverse landscapes.
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes in St John (Without) are circular. For example, you can try the Blackcap Summit and Trig Point โ Firle Beacon loop from Plumpton, a challenging 45-mile route, or the moderate Blackcap Summit and Trig Point โ Stanmer Tea Rooms loop from Cooksbridge.
While exploring the mountain bike trails, you can encounter several notable landmarks. These include natural features like Ditchling Beacon, historical sites such as the Jack and Jill Windmills, and the charming St Peter's Church, Southease.
Yes, with approximately 68 easy routes, St John (Without) offers options suitable for families. These trails typically feature less challenging terrain and shorter distances, making them enjoyable for riders of all ages and skill levels. Look for routes marked as 'easy' on komoot.
While specific cafes and pubs are not listed for every trail, some routes pass by known establishments. For instance, the Blackcap Summit and Trig Point โ Stanmer Tea Rooms loop from Cooksbridge suggests there are tea rooms available along or near that particular route.
Given the region's chalk hills and open downland, mountain biking is generally best enjoyed during drier seasons, such as spring, summer, and early autumn. These periods typically offer more stable trail conditions and pleasant weather for exploring the scenic landscapes.
There is no specific information indicating that permits are required for general mountain biking on the trails in St John (Without). However, it's always advisable to check local signage or official websites for any specific regulations that might apply to certain areas or private land.
Absolutely. St John (Without) features routes with significant elevation gain, perfect for those seeking a challenge. The Blackcap Summit and Trig Point โ Firle Beacon loop from Plumpton, for example, includes over 1,180 meters of ascent, offering panoramic views and a demanding ride.
Yes, the area around St John (Without) features several beautiful water bodies. You might encounter the Dew Pond with Lone Tree, or the picturesque Sheffield Park and Garden Lakes, which can add to the scenic beauty of your ride.


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