Distance 11 miles (17.7 km)
Classification Easy
Start School Lane, Polegate, BN26
Finish Heathfield High Street, TN21
Duration 2-4 hours Route NCN route 21
Map AA guide Cycling in the South East of England, OS Explorer 123, OS Landranger 199

Route notes

Perfect for children, this route is safe, quiet and easily shortened if necessary. It follows a gentle 120m climb through beautiful countryside – open grassland, broadleaf woods, farmland and pasture. It isn't hard to see why it is one of the most popular family rides in the region. Be warned though: it gets 250,000 visitors every year.

Terrain and gradients

Traffic-free tarmac and fine gravel paths over a very gradual but steady incline.

How to get there/away

The start point is a few minutes away from Polegate station, with connections to London, Brighton and Hastings. There is no station in Heathfield so you will need to either cycle back to Polegate or make alternative arrangements.

What to see

Look out for the metal sculptures by local artist Hamish Black which line the way, along with Steve Geliot's seats, carved from oaks felled by the great storm of 1987. You will ride through a number of quaint little villages – Horam, Hellingly and Hailsham (the largest) – all worth a stop. And while you're pedalling, keep your eyes peeled for scatterings of wildflowers, from lady's smock to cuckoopint.

Watering holes

The Cuckoos Rest in Hellingly provides a welcome pit stop. The food is great value and there's a decent outdoor eating and play area. If you'd rather wait until you've conquered the route, head to the Runt in Tun, which has a kids' activity area.