Description
Steyning MTB sits in the South Downs in West Sussex, with blue, purple and black graded runs leading directly off the South Downs Way. Around 16 acres of Horseshoe Woods are set aside for mountain biking (the Steyning Downland Scheme's own pages give slightly different figures, 14 to 16 acres, so treat this as approximate). Rides well in the dry, but the chalk and flint base gets significantly slippery in the wet, so it's best avoided over winter.
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Steyning MTB
Steyning MTB sits in the South Downs in West Sussex, with blue, purple and black graded runs leading directly off the South Downs Way. Around 16 acres of Horseshoe Woods are set aside for mountain biking (the Steyning Downland Scheme's own pages give slightly different figures, 14 to 16 acres, so treat this as approximate). Rides well in the dry, but the chalk and flint base gets significantly slippery in the wet, so it's best avoided over winter.
The Trails
- Blue XC (all access): runs from the Upper Horseshoe down to the old barn. Easier than the other runs, with jumps and fun corners that are all rollable, and it also helps spread traffic on the bridleway on busier days.
- Purple (Intermediate): a more traditional intermediate downhill run with jumps and drops. This run has historically been signed and known locally as the "Red-DH": the grade shown here follows the Steyning Downland Scheme's current official grading.
- Black (Expert): for experienced and expert riders, steep with big drops and gaps. Known locally as featuring "the Bowl".
- A bridleway takes you easily back up to the top after each run.
Access and Conditions
- Access from Steyning is via the public bridleway opposite Charlton Court on Mouse Lane (what3words: ///lollipop.wages.inch), or via the Upper Horseshoe Bridleway if coming from the South Downs Way. Cycling is not permitted on the public footpath network or on permissive paths.
- Trails close to riders in winds over 24mph due to ash dieback risk in the surrounding woodland.
- Runs and signage are built and maintained by volunteers, with a quarterly trail walk to check conditions and signage.
- The fire roads and paths around the network are also used by dog walkers and horse riders, so ride considerately.
- You're around 5 minutes from Steyning town for tea and cake afterwards.
Local Organisation
The trails sit on the Wiston Estate. Steyning MTB works closely with the official community body for the area, the Steyning Downland Scheme.
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