London to Brighton Off-Road Bike Ride | 36.5 Mile

Timetable

• 06:15 | Information point opens
• 06:30-09:15 | 12 start waves are open, giving riders more flexibility in deciding how they start their ride. You can now ride on the hour, at quarter past, half past or quarter to. Sign up today to see what start times are on offer.
• 10:00 | Information point closes
• 20:00 | Cut off time at finish line

Ability level

While some novices may struggle, many have successfully completed the ride by persevering through its tough sections and have found the overall experience to be extremely rewarding.

Training

This is a challenging event, but don’t panic! Expert training coaches have created a training plan for the event, to ensure you’ll be fully prepared to take on the challenge.

Mountain bike expert Max Darkins at Rough Ride Guide has created a new training route. The GPX file is broken down into sections, covering a London to Brighton MTB route, but replacing the Wisley section with a M25 bridge diversion. This is instantly available when you sign up.

Kit list

A comprehensive kit and equipment list is readily available so you'll know exactly what you'll need.

Bike type

Hardtail MTB.

Due to the rough and varying terrain a hardtail MTB is best suited to this ride, although a short-travel full-suspension or gravel bike would also be suitable.

Event HQ

Apps Court Farm
Hurst Road
Walton-on-Thames
Surrey
KT12 2EG
UK

Travel service

• Morning &/or afternoon tickets available
• Cost £35-£45
  
  The travel service can take you and your bike from the finish line at Hove Lawns to the start line at Apps Court Farm before the ride starts or after it has finished. Your ticket covers one seat on the coach and one bike in the trailer. 

Public transport

The finish site is 1 mile away from both Brighton and Hove train stations. The rail companies that serve these stations are both aware of the event but are not putting on any additional services.

Camping

This event has a special relationship with Apps Court Farm where you will start your ride. Camping is available all weekend with food and drink available to purchase for your breakfast at the start area.

Overview

The shorter option of the London to Brighton Off-Road Bike Ride starts at Cranleigh and ends by the sea on Hove Lawns. The route is on a real mix of tracks, with hard surfaces through to dirt and gravel, with roots, grass, sand and stones.

Highlights

• Southwater Country Park
• Steyning
• Truleigh Hill
• Hove

Map

Description

Starting 24.5 miles into the full route, you'll start from Cranleigh and enjoy stunning views through Southwater Country Park and Steyning, before taking on the monster climb to the top of Truleigh Hill, where you’ll be able to see as far as the sea! Then it's all downhill to Hove where you'll be cheered across the finish line and receive your all-important medal.

Terrain

The route includes climbing on rough and varying terrain. It is a real mix of tracks, with hard surfaces through to dirt and gravel, with roots, grass, sand and stones.

In order to get you to Brighton safely, there are some small road sections - these are just to connect you to the next bit of exhilarating mountain bike riding - but don't be disheartened if you're met with a small section of tarmac.

Checkpoints

There will be regular checkpoints out on the route, where you will be able to access important necessities such as toilets, water and medical and mechanical support.

Cut off time

Each rest stop will have a cut off time that you must try to make. If you fall behind these cut off times the helpful team of marshals and the ride support team will advise you of your options.

Included

• Route map and downloadable GPX file
• Fundraising tips and advice to help you smash your fundraising pledge
• Personalised training plans created by world-class coaches
• Regular contact from BHF to guide you all the way
• Team BHF Facebook group to get support from team members
• Free parking at the start line
• Fully signed route with mile markers and regular checkpoints
• Fully marshalled plus medical and mechanical support
• A huge cheer and well-deserved medal on crossing the finish line!
• Professional photography
• Exclusive London to Brighton Off Road MTB top to wear with pride on the big day - if you raise £200 by 21 Aug 2025

Optional extras

• Official BHF London to Brighton Off-Road Bike Ride merchandise (from £10)
• Personalised medal - name, finish time and why you're riding
• GPS tracking for friends, family and sponsors to track you in  real time
• Transport for you and your bike on the day (£45)

Training

This is a challenging event, but don’t panic! You'll receive a bespoke training plan from expert training coaches to help you plan for the event and to ensure that you’ll be fully prepared to take on the challenge. You’ll receive a link to the training plan via email once you register for the event.

British Heart Foundation

Power research with every mile.

By registering to take part in London to Brighton Off Road, you are committing to raising your £200 fundraising pledge. The money you raise will be funnelled into groundbreaking science and support for the people who need it most.

The BHF events team will support you with your fundraising from when you first sign up all the way through to the day of the event.

• If you smash your £200 target by midnight on Wednesday 20 August 2025, you'll be sent an exclusive London to Brighton Off Road Bike Ride MTB top to wear with pride on the big day!

Fundraising support

The BHF events team will support you with your fundraising from when you first sign up to the day of the event.

The easiest way to start fundraising is by setting up a JustGiving page.

When you sign up, you’ll receive a welcome pack that has everything you need to know about fundraising including:

• Inspirational ideas
• Downloadable resources
• Top tips to maximise donations 

16 and 17 year olds much be accompanied by and adult at all times.

Entry fees

Hear what other riders have to say about how they found last year's event:

The ride was epic, I’ll be back next year just to conquer those darn hills. Andrew

Had great fun in the mud and rain. It was really well marshalled, and the transfer service was excellent. Tom

Can’t wait for next year! Met some lovely people and made new friends along the way. Ryan

The more money I raise for the BHF, the more life changing research they can do. Charlie

My life has been saved twice, so I felt it was time to give back for the treatment I’ve received. Tom

If you’re thinking of taking part, just go for it. I think the route is perfect for everybody.  Lulu, 24, Abergavenny