Newhaven to Brighton by the Undercliff

A short, salty spin along the Sussex coast — chalk cliffs on one side, the Channel on the other, fish and chips at the end.

Not every good ride needs a mountain. This one hugs the Sussex coast from the ferry port at Newhaven to Brighton’s seafront, most of it on the traffic-free Undercliff Walk beneath the chalk cliffs at Saltdean and Rottingdean.

The ride

Out of Newhaven the route climbs briefly over the down at Peacehaven — the only real effort of the day — before dropping to the sea wall. From there it’s flat, fast, and utterly scenic: white chalk above you, green water beside you, and the occasional very confident seagull eyeing your snacks.

Roll into Brighton past the marina and finish on the promenade by the Palace Pier.

Worth knowing

• Tides & weather: the Undercliff gets closed in heavy swell — check before you go.
• Pedestrians: it’s a shared path; keep it social, this is not a TT course.
• Reward: fish and chips on the seafront, obviously.