Rottingdean and the East

Being situated right on the beach cycle path you can ride for more than ten miles without having to cross an open road. Below are two of the best Brighton & Hove cycle routes

The White Cliffs and Rottingdean – former home to Rudyard Kipling

Head east past Brighton Pier and the Brighton Wheel until you get to Brighton Marina. Once at the marina, carry on straight, round the back of the marina, here you will see the white cliffs that lead all the way to Dover. The Undercliff Walk is a path that runs along the foot of the cliffs and runs for about three miles. It is called a “Walk” but you are allowed to cycle on it, it’s just pedestrian priority.

The Undercliff will have you believing you have been transported to a foreign country. Majestic white cliffs on one side and the English Channel on the other side and not a hint of traffic anywhere. Stop halfway at Ovingdean for a tea and cake stop at Jane’s Cafe. All homemade cakes, take your tea and cake out on to the beach, it’s a great sun trap at the bottom of the cliff face.

A little further on is the historic village of Rottingdean, a former home to Rudyard Kipling. You can visit Kipling’s Gardens, stop for cream tea or lunch overlooking the beach.

Other things to note on this route. Brighton Marina has lots of restaurants and facilities for all the family, as well as naturally, lots of boats. The cliff tops are great for views out to sea but the cycle path up there runs right alongside the road, so not as idyllic. You will pass the world famous girls school at Roedean here though, the original St Trinians. The Undercliff actually finishes at Saltdean, the home of the Saltdean Lido, an art deco lido that will be restored in the coming years.