MOUNTAIN BIKING ON THE NORTH DOWNS *

The North Downs offer superb mountain biking all year round. Some of the finest off-road trails to be found anywhere in the country are available in abundance amid the green, rolling chalk and sandstone hills and along the steep, wooded escarpments that comprise some of England´s loveliest countryside.Straddling two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty the Surrey Hills and the Kent Downs the North Downs are criss-crossed by hundreds of kilometres of well-maintained byways and bridleways, which can be easily mixed and matched to create almost endless route combinations. The area´s excellent trails cover sinuous woodland singletrack, punishing steep climbs, seemingly endless rattling descents and hugely enjoyable rollercoaster rides along the Downs´ spine.The 20 circular routes in this guidebook are day, half-day and shorter mtb rides along the length and breadth of the Downs. It also features a 59km route on the long-distance Downs Link, which joins the North Downs to the South Downs and leads on to the coast at Shoreham-by-Sea. From Farnham in the west to Dover in the east, the North Downs terrain is a mixture of chalk and sandstone downland, which is generally well-drained and provides superlative conditions for much of the year.Divided into seven chapters routes around Guildford, Dorking, Reigate and Redhill, Maidstone and the Medway Valley, Ashford, Canterbury and Elham and Temple Ewell the circular routes range from 18.5km to 47.5km, and each provides data including distance, difficulty, time and off-road percentage. The sheer number and variety of the North Downs´ excellent trails make it a playground for mountain bikers, who will never be short of options here.20 mountain bike routes right across the region, including two AONBsthe 59km Downs Link, which joins the North Downs to the South Downs and the coast at Shoreham-by-Searoutes graded by distance, difficulty, time and how much they go off roadpractical information on gear, preparation, safety and accommodation and bike shops in the area