A national park in Sussex has been ranked one of the best in the UK for cyclists.

The South Downs National Park stretches across the county from the edge of Eastbourne, all the way through the downs to Pulborough, and up into Hampshire.

It came second in a new ranking of the best national parks in the country for cyclists, based on the number of bike routes.

With a huge 243 cycle routes, the South Downs National Park is second only to the Peak District, which has 312.

One of the newest national parks in the UK, the South Downs covers an area of 1,600 square kilometres.

It is the most populated national park in the country, with almost 120,000 people living and working within the boundaries.

A spokesman for Jorvik Tricycles, a tricycle manufacturer based in York, who commissioned the research, said: “The South Downs National Park has an extensive network of well-maintained trails, catering to all levels of cyclists - from beginners to experienced riders.

“Cyclists can relish in the stunning panoramic views of the English Channel and chalk cliffs. There are also plenty of nearby rural villages for cyclists to refresh and refuel.”

The spokesman also recommended three routes in the park:

  • Seven Sisters: This 11.7km route is a moderately challenging route that offers cyclists a thrilling journey along the East Sussex coastline.
  • The Slater Trail Circular: This 9.8km circular route offers stunning scenery throughout the journey. This route starts and finishes in Seaford, a small coastal town that has plenty of cafes, pubs, and restaurants for cyclists' refreshments.
  • South Downs Way: The total length of the route is 100 miles, stretching from Winchester to Eastbourne. Cyclists can take shorter routes along it which offer stunning views and are more manageable.

The top 10 National Parks for cycling are: 

  1. Peak District National Park - 312 cycle routes
  2. South Downs National Park - 243 cycle routes
  3. Lake District National Park - 209 cycle routes
  4. Yorkshire Dales National Park-  155 cycle routes
  5. Snowdonia National Park – 102 cycle routes
  6. Cairngorms National Park – 90 cycle routes
  7. New Forest National Park - 71 cycle routes 
  8. Brecon Beacons National Park – 70 cycle routes
  9. North York Moors National Park – 61 cycle routes
  10. Northumberland National Park - 46 cycle routes