Alternative routes
Obviously, if you aiming to cycle the 'SDW', then you will want to stay on
the SDW route. However, you may want an short alternative sometimes for a
change. I have therefore made some suggestions below (only 2 at moment!):
AR1: Section 7, to avoid
crossing A24 dual-carriage way south of Washington; this alternative route is
mandatory on BHF rides.
Thumbnail of finger post
Route: Traveling east, at finger post (about 0.6 miles after
barn), turn left down steepish chalk descent, gradual right bend. Although a
just discernible bumpy track between open fields, there are drainage gullies cut
across it, so BEWARE! After about 3/4mile, join
tarmac lane, with occasional speed bumps.
At bottom bear right, but SDW is track just to left of tarmac road, with
which it joins up in about 100 yards.
Go over bridge (about 1 1/4 mile from leaving SDW); carry on through
village, keeping straight ahead. After, 1/4 mile, turn right at T-junction. Keep
on wide road (old A24), follow up to top of longish gradual climb to
rejoin SDW.
AR2: Section 4, between Beacon Hill (just east
of Harting Down) and Treyford, avoiding Pen Hill. Adds about 0.2mile. As noted
in 'section', I find Pen Hill too steep to cycle up, so this is an attractive
alternative for a change !
Route: Traveling east: At the sharp left turn to the SW of
Beacon Hill, go straight on ! Go though the gate( vehicle & person gates).
After about 50 yds, changes to tarmac as skirts private house (Telegraph House,
used to send messages in earlier times); continue on slight down gradient on
tarmac. At a slight right bend, with bungalow on left, go though single gate on
left just before bungalow. Grass path, after about 100 yards, turn sharp left on
tractor width track; first part usually deepish tyre ruts. Track gradually descends
through trees, emerging on to chalk track. At bottom of short descent, bear
left, go along wide chalk track, rejoin SDW after old farm buildings barn.
(to add map, photos etc)
