bikepacking
south downs way
bikepacking
way down south 6-7 jun
Back by popular demand for 2026! June 6-7.
We're returning to one of the UK's favourites - the South Downs National Trail. Join a fab bunch of like-minded adventurers for an unforgettable bike-packing experience.
2 days of riding on some of the country's most spectacular gravel-routes. Camp at the picturesque Gumber Bothy site in a simply stunning location - with views across the Downs and down to the glistening English channel. Sublime routes incorporate the best and most challenging aspects of the South Downs National Park with its spectacular scenery - making for a wild and unforgettable weekend experience.
experience the spectacular south downs way
You'll be treated to a heart-warming welcome at basecamp, chilled and super friendly community vibes - as well as fully wholesome and fully delicious Saturday dinner & Sunday breakfast - which people are still raving about.
I joined a two-day Wild Cycles South Downs Way ride and I honestly can't think of anything ...better. Pre-ride communications were spot-on, the instructions/ directions were clear, and the overnight camp was excellent - including delicious food and drink...no less! Very friendly, knowledgeable and well-organised from start to finish. I'll be back for more! Highly recommended. Martin T
Included in your experience
If you're after a super-special weekend experience - with stunning scenery, sweeping views, wide open spaces and a great sense of freedom on a selection of specially planned routes - designed to delight - mixing it up with a fabulous bunch of people - rave-worthy delicious wholesome cooked food, craft brews - this is the one!
For the rides - we've packed in some of the best of the South Downs National Park to ensure your maximum enjoyment. Expect sublime gravel and chalky trails, some insanely steep climbs and an extraordinary amount of elevation m's. (!don't worry - there will be a range of routes to choose from on the Saturday!). Sunday is a super chilled fun social group ride.
Your weekend kicks-off at the amazing South Downs Social cafe - which will be serving fab coffee, breakfast and pastries to get you going on your adventure.
Basecamp on Saturday night is the fabulous Gumber Bothy Campsite where you'll be welcomed for a well earned overnight sleep. Not to mention a super delicious hot n wholesome evening meal. Chill fireside and share tales of a challenging beautiful day out on the trails. Here you'll be treated to one of Wild Cycles' legendary breakfasts - fueled up before heading out onto the trails for the day.
Spend the weekend in a beautiful setting with a bunch of super-friendly people, enjoying the fireside chats, delicious wholesome food, great beer and all-round good vibrations.
Wild South Downs Way Adventure is self-guided, bike packing event
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Ride briefings and GPX routes are provided in advance.
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Registration is from 8:30am at South Downs Social Cafe, Winchester.
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Basecamp on Saturday night includes your tent pitch with stunning views, super facilities inc. showers, loos, water and power for re-charging devices.
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Evening fireside vibes where you can chill and recount that day's highlights.
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Music and celebrations!
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Wholesome Saturday dinner - we're sourcing and dishing up a rave-worthy evening meal with vegetarian and vegan options (dietary preferences catered for).
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Sunday morning is a delicious and equally wholesome cooked breakfast, fresh coffee and tea.
What's not included:
Train fares, Friday night camping/accommodation, parking, Saturday breakfast, lunches and refreshments en-route.
wild South Downs itinerary
1 night/2 days
Cycling and outdoor activity is physically demanding.
A good level of fitness is required for the rides. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are sufficiently fit and healthy to complete rides and to ensure you have the necessary skill and capability to do so.
Saturday
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Arrive at South Downs Social Cafe, Winchester to sign on 08:30 - 09:30.
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Please make sure you arrive on time for the briefing at 09:30.
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Get ready to roll-out 09:45 - 10:30.
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Expect glorious gravel, rolling countryside, excellent views. Elevation gains (climbs!) are rewarded in the form of the spectacular views.
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Arrive at basecamp, chill, refresh, chat fireside.
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Enjoy a delicious, wholesome home-cooked evening meal around the camp fire - sharing stories of the day's adventures.
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Sit back, relax and soak up the camp vibes, music and all-round great company before tucking in for the night.
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If you fancy arriving on Friday pm/eve check out the campsite at Holden Farm.
Day 2 Sunday
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Fully cooked and wholesome breakfast.
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Head out onto more glorious trails of the South Downs Way.
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Roll up to Cadence Cafe at Beachy Head for a final check in - before rolling down to Eastbourne to catch your train back home.
Our aim is to keep the event's impact to an absolute minimum, reduce motorised traffic and would encourage as many people as possible to use public transport and/or ride in to the start.
The Wild Cycles team are an awesome bunch!
Their passion for getting people outdoors is great.
I joined them for the Wild South Downs Way (2 day ride) - such a fun event but more importantly perfectly planned and executed by team. Amazing food and great vibes, along with a stunning ride. I ended up with a bad bike mechanical issue and thought my trip was over, but John and Jonathan sorted a loaner bike for me so I could finish the trip.
If you are thinking of joining for a Wild Cycles ride, don’t hesitate!
Robert M
Image creds: Jonathan Heard, Markovich James