Classic DV Brighton Run
Overview – Distance: 159 km, Climbing: 1950 m
Café stops – Listed below
This is the DV Classic route to Brighton and back. Some will choose to take the train back after their fish and chips!
The route heads via Ewell and Banstead to Chipstead, where it joins with the BHF L2B route at the top of Hazelwood lane. From there the milestones are Mersham, Nutfield, Smallfield and Crawley Down to the first big climb, Turners Hill.
Next village is Ardingley, where you may want to sneak a coffee stop or perhaps wait until Lindfield at 56km. To avoid the busy roads in Haywards Heath, we peel off left to cross the main Lewes Road (A272) down Slugwash Lane. We are getting closer to Ditching Beacon climb. Time for a gel and a drink. Some cyclists stop in the garden centre on the gentle drag up to Ditching.
Look ahead and take in the Beacon up ahead. The centre of Ditchling is a bottleneck and usually jammed. Start the Ditchling Beacon climb gradually. It has numerous ramps to sap your legs! Pace yourself. After the long climb, stop briefly for the obligatory photo. The descent is nice and fast to the A27 main Lewes road. Cross over and there is yet more climbing before descending into Brighton. The numerous sets of traffic lights are a nuisance, as is the 20mph speed limit.
Fish and chips on the beach is usually the order of the day, along with plenty of fluids.
The return leg starts up West Street, heading towards the railway station. Peel off left at the clock tower up North Street. There is a crazy bus stop/bus lane and strange priority junction just ahead. Start the Dyke Road climb and we keep on climbing and climbing! There is handy Esso/Tesco Express for supplies if required after 2km. Negotiate the roundabouts over the A27 and thankfully the road gets quieter and the view is improving. Keep climbing before a short descent and sharp climb up the rest of the Dyke to Saddlescombe. Take in the views and the paragliders.
At the Ginger Fox, there is a four way junction on the bend. Beware fast oncoming traffic. Into the quiet country lanes and we head towards Wineham. Near Slaugham, turn left by Furnace Pond into Hampshire Hill to the Ashfold Crossways junction. Cross over onto Hammerpond Road and enjoy the Hammerpond, but beware of a short, steep climb ahead. Then sharp right into Grouse Road. We are heading to Colgate, so smile! Then over the busy A264 roundabout at Faygate. There is a little corner shop in Faygate or wait until Rusper.
You’ve earned a cake stop at Tanhouse Farm Shop (it closes at 5pm) before pushing on to home to beers via Dorking and Leatherhead.
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