UKC

There's often good mountain biking advice on here - so it's worth an ask I think. I'm a not very competent off-roader who has just completed the South Downs Way (in two and a half days). I have to admit I found it quite tough, but an excellent ride.

So where do I go next for a multi-day ride of similar enjoyment and difficulty,  but perhaps just a little step up?  

All thoughts welcome. Many thanks

Martin

The Mary Towneley loop in a day is good - did it in a perfect weather window last Friday. Or do it in a  more leisurely 2 days backpacking.

In the Peak there is the Peak 200 - a 225km route - not done it yet but would like to.

Pennine Bridleway - a much longer route from Derbyshire to Cumbria.

Ps the South Downs Way is good isnt it - did it 2 years ago in a similar time to you - just after clocks went back! I believe a North Downs Way is being established.

Have you thought about this 

https://www.cyclinguk.org/king-alfreds-way

or maybe this 

https://www.cyclinguk.org/west-kernow-way

Thank you for those suggestions. King Alfred's Way and the Mary Townley loop both look good (in their different ways). Might well try them out.

Thanks again

Martin

Either the north downs or the south ups. 

The Dartmoor Way over two days? Somewhat hilly by all accounts (I hope to find out next year).

I did the Devon Coast to Coast in a day on my Sherman Tank MTB in August but two days or three is more usual. It's a step down from the South Downs Way I suspect, but a great and varied route which has a satisfying aesthetic on the Strava map.

Sandstone Way?

https://www.cyclenorthumberland.org.uk/listing/the-sandstone-way

Be wary of this in winter. It was absolutely slated recently as being a contrived  gate infested mudfest.

yep haven't done it, but lived in area, not really an MTB route  more suitable for gravel bikes and yes very contrived, as around the edges of muddy fields.

The Ridgeway. Take plenty of water though

This is a really good day out, good shout. Easier than the SDW. there are some taps on the route but not as well labelled as the SDW so take some finding. 

coast to coast ?