Description
The Lion Trail is a short, informal singletrack descent near Chanctonbury Ring in the South Downs National Park, close to Steyning, West Sussex. It is a lesser-known downhill line with jumps and drops, often used as a warm-up before the graded runs at the separate Steyning MTB trails nearby. The South Downs Way, a rideable bridleway network, is also accessible from the same car park.
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The Lion Trail
The Lion Trail is a single-track downhill run that drops from high on the South Downs near Chanctonbury Ring. It includes jumps and drops and is popular as a practice run for riders building confidence before tackling the graded trails at the nearby Steyning MTB network. Ground conditions in this part of the Downs are chalk and flint based and can turn slippery and slushy after rain, so care is needed in wet weather.
This is an informal, volunteer-used trail rather than part of a managed or signed network, and there is no official grading. Ride at your own risk and be prepared for the trail to change with maintenance, weather and erosion.
Gravel Riding
The Chanctonbury Ring Road car park also gives access to the South Downs Way, a long-distance bridleway that is well suited to gravel riding, climbing onto the ridge past Chanctonbury Ring itself.
Getting Here
Park at Chanctonbury Ring Car Park and Picnic Site, Chanctonbury Ring Road, Wiston, near Steyning, West Sussex, BN44 3DR. It is signposted off the A283 midway between Washington and Steyning (note: a height barrier of approximately 2.1m applies). Parking is free with no time limit. From the car park, follow the bridleway climbing onto the South Downs Way toward Chanctonbury Ring; the Lion Trail branches off below the summit.
For the separate, officially managed Steyning MTB trails (Blue, Purple and Black graded runs), see iBikeRide's Steyning MTB listing, accessed via Mouse Lane.
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