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Cycling from Secret Campsite to YHA South Downs

On Sat 6 Apr at 4:49pm Ella Berthoud wrote:

I would like to cycle from the Secret Campsite near Lewes, to YHA south downs, with 3 kids, who are good cyclists, and would like to do as much as possible along the Egrets way coming out of Lewes going south to Southease. Can anyone tell me if you can cycle along the Ouse from Lewis, or if not, can you suggest a good route without too much traffic or big roads? thankyou! Ella

On Sat 6 Apr at 8:13pm Ferret wrote:

How old are the children? I wouldn't advise any route through Lewes, and the only path which is cyclable along the Ouse from Lewes is actually just a footpath right along the embankment. Rather risky with children on bikes. You can get to the YHA at Southease by getting up to the South Downs Way near Plumpton, but it is tricky, especially with children.

On Sat 6 Apr at 8:35pm ella berthoud wrote:

Hello -and thanks for that. we have cycled the South Downs route to Southease from Hassocks together and it was great- lovely route! the kids are 12-14 so not too young. I agree going through Lewes is a pain, but if we can cycle along the Ouse pathway that would be fabulous. I just wondered if it went all the way along the river from Lewes to Southease or if there were parts of it that were lacking a path. We might walk the bit through a lewes itself. Thanks again!

On Sat 6 Apr at 11:35pm Ferret wrote:

You'll need a good map but if you cycle via Barcombe through Hamsey to Offham then follow the bridleway through Landport in Lewes you'll avoid the main road through Cooksbridge. Then work your way through Lewes past the station towards the recycling centre down Ham Lane, you'll pick up the beginning of the Egrets Way which follows the river to Southease, and on to Newhaven. Good luck.

On Sun 7 Apr at 8:15am Red Herring wrote:

Good advice from Ferret here. Agreed.

On Sun 7 Apr at 10:56pm Ella Berthoud wrote:

Brilliant, thanks Ferret and Red Herring! I will note all that down and have a good map with me. Looking forward to it, it's on Thursday, and we are staying in a treehouse in the Secret Campsite...all very exciting, let's hope the weather is nice! Thanks for the advice, much appreciated. All best, Ella

On Mon 8 Apr at 6:44pm Tom Pain wrote:

Try using the secret cycle route

On Tue 16 Apr at 12:54pm trickcyclist wrote:

You can take the back lanes via Hamsey, Offham and Landport to Lewes. There`s a shared path into the town. The path to the river starts in the `Railway land` conservation park just off Railway Lane.The Ouse is easy to ride along, the west bank being easier. There are a couple of stiles to lift bikes over. At Southease you cross the swing bridge east/left to the hostel. About 8 - 9miles total. The Egrets way is a collection of routes which access the villages in the Ouse valley. I`ve not been in the area for a few years so it may be complete by now.

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