This month’s route features a good mixture of on and off-road cycling with lovely downland views, pretty villages, and plenty of pubs to stop for a light refreshment along the way.

1. Start at the Seven Dials roundabout, and head up Dyke Road and over the crossroads at BHASVIC college. Continue on the cycle lane, which takes you up to the A27 roundabout.

Go over the roundabout, over the A27 bridge and continue north into the open countryside. After half-a-mile take the left fork.

2. Continue on the road or take the gravel track running up alongside.

The route undulates for two miles until you reach a turn-off on the left for the Devil’s Dyke.

Follow this minor road round and up and look for a gate on the right marked South Downs Way.

3. Go through the gate, and then take the path leading straight down the centre of the Dyke itself.

At the end of this path, go through another gate and follow the blue bridlepath.

Turn left when you reach a lane to arrive in Poynings.

4. Take the lane that runs along and under the Downs and keep going until it meets the A2307.

5. Turn left along this road, and follow it for a third-of-a-mile until you see a petrol station on your right. Cross over to the “restricted byway” which forks left after half-a-mile.

Follow the path until you arrive at a residential road, and turn left. This will take you down to a T-junction.

6. Turn right, continue to the roundabout and then take another right turn to Upper Beeding village.

Follow the road over the river and through Bramber and, just before you meet the roundabout, take a left on to the Downs Link cycle path.

7. Follow the path along the Adur river all the way to Shoreham, which is about four miles.

You will then arrive at the wooden boardwalk outside the new Ropetackle development.

Carry on to the main road and then go east to head back towards Brighton.

8. After a mile you will see a sign on your right for Carat’s Cafe. Take the small road down to the lock on Shoreham Harbour.

Cross over, then turn left and head back towards Hove Lagoon. Once there you can join the cycle path which leads you back to the Palace Pier in Brighton to end the ride.

Distance/time: 20 miles/3 hours.

Thirsty work: Pubs in Poynings, Fulking, and Upper Beeding. Tottington Manor Restaurant near Edburton. Carat’s Cafe near the end of the ride.

Your bike: This route suits hybrid bikes best. If you have a mountain bike, think about fitting some lighter hybrid tyres.

So you don't get lost: OS Explorer Map 122