South Downs Way Double
Cycle 200 miles, climb 22,000ft and open 200 gates in under 24 hours
For thousands of years, people have been crossing the South Downs using nothing but the power of their own two legs and in all that time, every traveller has been looking for the easiest route: what’s the quickest way over the next hill – around it, over it, or across its flanks? Eventually, out of all those small, individual decisions a trail emerged, worn into the chalk over countless journeys.
The end result of all those collective decisions and knowledge is the South Downs Way.
Of course, of all those people over all those years, someone’s got to have made the quickest journey, there-and-back. Nowadays, that’s going to be someone riding a bike.
200 miles (there and back). 24 hours to do it in. It’s that simple.
Congratulations to Thomas Stocker
Thomas Stocker - 22h 00m 36s on the 14th of July 2022. After bivvying the double over night in April, Tom thought a sub 24h attempt was in order! In Toms Words After a year or so of lockdowns I was keen to have a little adventure. So, in April 2021 I rode the double...
Congratulations to Nick Finch
Nick Finch – 22h 17m 43s on the 2nd of July 2021. Third time lucky for Nick, his perseverance paid off! In Nicks words I’ve lived on the edge of the South Downs National park for over 15 years now and spent quite a bit of time riding road bikes, mountain bikes and...
Congratulations to Nick Allen and Mark Jenvey
Nick Allen and Mark Jenvey – 23h 24m 35s on the 24th June 2021. Preparation pays off for Nick and Mark with a sub 24h ride. In Nick's words A good friend, Matt, has wanted to ride the Double for years but not so far got round to it. I had ridden the SDW a few times...
Current record holder
Ian Leitch
15 hours 35 minutes
Hall of Fame
All ride times and records for the South Downs Way Double.
The route
Maps, Distances, Timing, GPS data and water sources.
Trying the Double
Advice and tips on your preperation for the double.