London to Brighton is a legendary route for cyclists, and British Heart Foundation (BHF) is giving you the opportunity to experience it in a whole new way.
British Heart Foundation’s London to Brighton Off Road Bike Ride is a thrilling, fully supported challenge for cyclists of all experience levels. Taking part helps fund lifesaving research into cardiovascular disease, supporting BHF’s vision of a world where everyone has a healthier heart for longer.
Read on for five reasons why you should be taking part.
London to Brighton Off Road Bike Ride: what you need to know
- Saturday 20 September 2025
- 61 miles (98km) full-distance, 36.5 miles (58.7km) shorter option
- £60 (£45 for shorter option)
- Mountain bikes, gravel bikes and ebikes all welcome
- Suitable for all experience levels
- Bike and bag transport available
- Sign up at British Heart Foundation
1. You’ll see a new side to the South East
The carefully curated London to Brighton Off Road course takes you away from tarmac and onto scenic byways, bridleways, lanes and singletrack, crossing some of the prettiest landscapes Surrey and West Sussex have to offer.
Starting at Apps Court Farm in Walton-on-Thames and finishing by the sea on Hove Lawns, the full 61-mile route includes over 4,000 feet of climbing.
Highlights include scenic views from the Thames Cycle Track, the hidden byways of the Surrey Hills and spectacular views across the South Downs on your final push to Brighton.
2. You will help fund groundbreaking research
Many of us know someone who has been affected by cardiovascular disease. This is your chance to make a real difference, while challenging yourself and improving your own physical and mental wellbeing.
Last year’s London to Brighton Off Road Bike Ride raised an incredible £582,000 for BHF. Funds raised through our events are vital for BHF to keep supporting the brightest minds in cardiovascular science and healthcare.
By signing up for the London to Brighton Off Road Bike Ride, you’re committing to raise a minimum of £200. But don’t worry – BHF is by your side to provide resources and support to promote your fundraising journey from start to finish.
Riders who hit their £200 fundraising goal by midnight on Wednesday 20 August 2025, will receive an exclusive London to Brighton Off Road MTB top to wear on the ride.
3. There’s something for everyone
Whether you’re a regular rider, a newcomer looking for a challenge, or just someone who loves an adventure, this event could be for you. The event is open to riders aged 16 and over, but under-18s will need to be accompanied by an adult.
You’ll be joining a community of like-minded riders, all supporting each other as they prepare for the day. You’ll have access to the Team BHF Facebook group and BHF will keep you motivated with regular contact and personalised training plans from world-class coaches.
On the day, the route is fully signposted with regular checkpoints, mechanical support and first aid. You’ll be cheered on by the incredible volunteers and you can count on a fantastic and inclusive atmosphere as you and your fellow riders complete the challenge together.
If the full 61-mile event feels a little too much, there’s also a 36.5-mile route option starting from Cranleigh (instead of Walton-on-Thames), with the same finish-line experience on Brighton’s seafront.
4. You don’t need a fancy bike or kit to take part
While a hardtail mountain bike is ideal for the route, you don’t need top-of-the-range gear to enjoy the ride. The course is also rideable on a gravel bike, and ebikes are welcome too.
BHF provides a full run-down of the kit to help you prepare and we’d recommend a service ahead of the day if your bike hasn’t recently undergone maintenance.
5. Riding from A to B is just more fun
Aside from the feel-good factor of doing it for an incredible cause, there’s a particular pleasure in making a real journey by bike, one that doesn’t end where it begins.
There’s something magical about the possibility of climbing on your bike and pedalling it all the way from the big city to the seaside, and you don’t need to faff about getting lifts – transport is available to take you to the start either before or after the event, depending on what suits you best.
So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for the BHF London to Brighton Off Road Bike Ride now and get training!
British Heart Foundation is a registered charity in England and Wales (225971), Scotland (SC039426) and the Isle of Man (1205).
