Hampshire Riding

Thank you matt. Managed to find it on the Forestry Commission website and it's bound to be mentioned by my hero, William Cobbett, in his classic book so shall be investigating that later.

Hi CG. I ride Bere and West Walk an awful lot, if you are on Strava then you should be able to see my regular route if you can find me. John Nicholson, Fareham. It is muddy at the moment but still rideable if you like that sort of terrain, much nicer when it is dry.

Also allows you a link on to the South Downs if you join the old railway line and head right as you come out of the woods.

Oh, yes, Westlands Farm Shop is pretty good, great pies!

I usually mean west walk/woodend when I talk of forest of Bere but i understand it covers a larger area.

Walk there most days with the dog. Found a phone yesterday and started chatting to a biker from on here. Was in a bit of a rush so didnt quite catch their name!

Thanks john and cobrakai. 🙂 Shall check out that farm shop for pies.

Hi Cobrakai, It was me you spoke to yesterday. I found a couple of trails heading back towards the the railway line. My house backs onto the railway line a bit further up the valley, so will pop down again when it is a bit drier. It would be good to catch up again sometime!

A bit further up the line Wheelie?!!!! you aren't in the place with ferraris and R8's are you 🙂 big ol place that!

Do you have the mad collies that scare my wee working cocker?! Just as I left you the lassie phoned so had to take the phone round to the top car park. I'm probably going for a ride in the woods on Friday afternoon if anyone is about.

No mad collies here! I might get out on Friday, if i get my floor finished.
John I don't think i have and R8, the only letters on the back of the vehicle are 1.9 TDI !

Bere is drying out quite nicely now and you can get a decent ride in without dragging yourself through mud

Bumped into Cobrakai again the other day at Bere forest. Thanks for showing me a couple of trails. The other side of the road from West Lodge has a couple of good runs, seems like there has been a bit of building in the past. Still pretty boggy in parts.

Trying to figure out if you have found somewhere I haven't ridden Wheelie. Was it across from 100 acre car park?

Has anyone ridden the BW/BOAT between Houghton and Broughton that runs from the phone box in Houghton, then South of Evely Farm and down in to Broughton?

Doable on a gnarmac bike? Am heading over that way tomorrow, and it looked a nice addition to the route!

Evening Cap'n and, yes, I've cycled that RoW. Pretty bumpy iirc but it was around a couple of years ago, presumably you're coming from Meon Hill?

Will be heading S from Stockers, then up following the Wallop Brook from the Houghton/Broughton area.

Ah, the opposite direction! Well you know how it is on those tracks, weather dependent so go for it, enjoy and do report back. 🙂

Been a bit moist up here at the head of the River tonight, so weather may well play a part! 🙂 Will try and remember to take pics.

If it's been dry overnight it will be fine, shall look forward to pics!

John, if you turn left out of the car park and follow road for a few hundred yards. Turn right just opposite the big house 'West Lodge'
As it is getting drier i will have a bit more of a look.

Has anyone ridden the BW/BOAT between Houghton and Broughton that runs from the phone box in Houghton, then South of Evely Farm and down in to Broughton?

Doable on a gnarmac bike? Am heading over that way tomorrow, and it looked a nice addition to the route!

If i recall the BW from the phonebox in houghton was on some narrowish muddy/grassy tracks, a little sketchy, traction was ok on CX, slicks could be interesting.

There is also a BW slightly further south that was more open and stoney past the farm and brings you out the same area, i think that was less muddy.

I was around longstock/wherewell on the cx yesterday, pretty area for a quick road ride.

wherewell on the cx yesterday, pretty area for a quick road ride.

Any chance of you Hampshire peeps posting up some seriously scenic pics, any featuring bluebells would be particularly welcomed. 😀 Thanks!

Stopped riding in January and have recently been diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease. 😥

CG, all my pics are in the weekend riding plans thread 😀

Cheers bb, will wander over there!

Stopped riding in January and have recently been diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease.

Lymes disease won't stop you attending the Baby /bike Bash will it?

You can borrow my electric assist bike so no straining required

jambalaya - shall accept healing vibes so thank you!

WCA - you're very kind but am just not able to ride any bike, my limbs have lost strength and have become rather clumsy. Please please please video your Baby Bike Bash and post up. 😀

[i] my limbs have lost strength and have become rather clumsy[/i]

Maybe I have had Lymes disease all my life...

CG, thats bad news to hear. I hope you take care of yourself and one day soon return to riding. Don't let that Tripster go rusty, you know what Titanium's like 😆 If it's not ridden, it crumbles.

I post all my pics on the Weekend thread now, obvs a huge amount of my riding is in the Downs, on occasion I scuttle off somehere else, but have noticed botht eh Wild Garlic and Bluebells are out in force now. Therefore, if you can, a great time to visit some shady woodland.

All the best CG.

@cg then please accept a double dose. Something very amiss regarding Lyme discease and the medical prpfession in the UK, when I lived in the US 25 years ago our neighbours warned us about it and there where many public info posters. Here the authorities / GPs seem to be in denial

Bluebells are out in force now

WCA - you made me laugh! 🙂

bb - thank you, I live for my cycling and my bikes are waiting. Poor Tripster has hardly been used and it's not the only Ti in my stable either. 😳 Shall continue to look out for your pics. 🙂

jambalaya - thanks. Yes, I agree with you but it seems that the NHS picks and chooses which conditions it treats. I already have to finance testing, consultations and meds for another permanent health condition so this is all extra expense. Last month a Lyme charity was involved in a NICE scoping workshop regarding guidelines so it's a start.

Meon valley trail

Hoping to ride part of it with my dog and daughter in a trailer (just daughter in trailer)

Question is which bit would offer best parking/ surface/ dog off lead longest?

Cheers for your help

CG,ygm. Hope it has the intended restorative power!

@cg then please accept a double dose. Something very amiss regarding Lyme discease and the medical prpfession in the UK, when I lived in the US 25 years ago our neighbours warned us about it and there where many public info posters. Here the authorities / GPs seem to be in denial

Still a mixed bag. My eldest had a classic rash, and whilst we couldn't remember a tick bite, the locum who saw him took the 'no chances' route and prescribed a course of antibiotics on the spot.

My wife took him back in for the second blood test and one of the partners was very dismissive - it wasn't likely to be Lymes, it's very rare, no point giving him anything, don't know why he did etc etc.

Few weeks later had a phone call from the senior partner. Second tests showed a very high probability it was, and he took the case on personally, wanted our corroboration of his surgery accounts, insisted on walking through all the possible pitfalls and warning signs we should be aware of for the next year or so, whilst re assuring the initial antibiotics would almost certainly have been the right action and at the right time. Basically couldn't do enough.

Whilst I understand there is/was a culture of antibiotics as a panacea that GPs are trying to get out of the national mindset, it seem to me with a suspicion of Lymes it's nothing to lose and potentially a lot of pain to avoid. Anecdotally, in my part of Hants at least, cases are on the rise (mild winters to blame?) so I wouldn't take any chances with seeking treatment.

brassneck - interesting experience and do hope that your son is in good health now.

Lummox..

Park in Wickham it's the easiest place. There is a small carpark directly on the trail, it's not very big but you should be able to park there. It's behind the Old Mill but you'll have to google how the get there because I don't know the road name..
The Meon Trail is now all flat and easy to ride on now all the stones and gravel has packed down. The part where I suggest you ride from is the smoothest by far as it's the most used.
You could drive upto Corehampton or West Meon and join it at either point, but again you'll have to google the roads. Further up the trail (here) the gravel is less packed down and it's by far the less used section. You do have the benefit if you park in West Meon of both Cafe and Thomas Lord Pub.

Or you could, just could, park in Bere Forest carpark and roll down the hill but you are on trails and if you don't know where you are going could become tricky.

HTH's.

@Lumox - please take care of other users (not saying you would not). The facebook group setup around the "improvements" are regularly full of complaints about cyclists riding too fast. I post regularly this is an unwanted consequence of the works I as a cyclist didn't want either.

Lummox - just to add to bb's post, I've parked at West Meon (it is signed from the A32) but be warned it doesn't have tarmac and was actually pretty mucky. You're right on the trail so convenient. In January the first minor road that I crossed was under water with flooding The surface is fine and I did encounter quite a few dogs.

I was [s]racing[/s] riding on it last weekend (as part of my training for that 200k gravel thing I'm doing) and it's both dry and hardpack all the way along.

I agree with Jam though, it does get busy but if you are considerate you can still gain KOMs on it...

Thanks all, visited on Thursday and nearly dodged all the rain. Parked at west meon end and did an out and back.
No chance of being too fast as I was dragging my daughter in her chariot behind my fat bike in 'bimble' mode. Everyone I met was cheery and chatty, apart from a couple of horsey riders that wouldn't let me pass but also weren't going quick enough to avoid catching them repeatedly. Luckily the split off after a bit.

Surface was bob on for trailer and dog, might not be to all people taste but perfect for trailer and dog with parking, I'll go else where for the gnarr!

This may be of interest, an on/off road route taking in the River Itchen.

SOUTHDOWNS.GOV.UK "https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Cycle-Rides-around-the-River-Itchen1.pdf"

Whilst it is pleasing to note that Parish Councils gave their assistance with the leaflet presumably they're guilty of this statement in the leaflet '[i]No public parking in any of the villages on this route.[/i]'

You have been warned!! 🙄

@Lummox if you want to park at Wickham the road is Old Station Road and they have built a new car park so loads of spaces.
@CG sorry to hear that, Lymes makes me nervous for the kids and us riders, we found a tick in my daughters head after a lovely day out messing in the grass at a country park. Fortunately all seems ok, such a shame even nature is trying to stop us enjoying the outdoors now! Hope things heal fast for you xx

Had a really messy ride the other day, Winchester Hill was an utter mare to get up. Wheels solid with clay and wouldn't turn, had to carry or slide it up, took over 20 mins to get up 🙂

Good morning Hampshire peeps. 🙂

Looking for recommendations for a cafe or pub with outdoor seating (hopefully) for lunch in the Bishops Waltham vicinity. Most important requirements are that my son's bike needs to be at the table and the establishment needs to serve huge portions.

Thanks!

Hampshire Bowman. Not sure about portions,but extra chips would sort that out!

I'd second the Bowman, perfect local beer, local food, seats out front or in the beer garden behind, quiet lane/area in lovely countryside and you'll get to see the local horse riders plod up and down the lanes.

Loads of folks ride bikes there, you'll be in good company.

Thanks chaps, my only concern is that cos it's the BH a table may need to be booked which I don't want to do as it will be mid-ride for him and timings will be tricky. In that respect a cafe would be preferable or even a garden centre.

Other suggestions would be appreciated.

Did the Farley Mount loop (see current MBR) 3 weekends ago on a visit to Hampshire for a wedding. Pleasant couple of hours with gorgeous bluebell woods on the way out and nice descent on the way back.

dekadanse - where did the route take you then?

Another q - anyone been to the Long Barn cafe in Alresford? Thanks!

I live 2 miles from the bowman so would recommend it but for somewhere less known try the brickmakers in Swanmore. I don't do small portions and the food is great. Nice local ales and bikes can be left out front in plain sight or round back in the beer garden.

The Long Barn is the old Lavender Farm and has been revamped and extended. Yes it has a cafe now, a quite large one, but the problem with it now is its always packed out every day of the week, BH will be disastrous on a colossal scale.
Avoid.

I've only eaten here once, it was nice and the garden is cute, it's got nice ales too but it's in East Meon and it might be packed out..
Ye Olde George Inn..

Also avoid the Thomas Lord (West Meon) , it'll be packed out.

Sorry but the Bowman is the best bet, it can cope with lots of folks too.. You don't have to book a table, just turn up and you might be lucky and sit down quickly enough but they have about 20 outdoor tables but only about five inside.

Hi,

I'm new to the area and was wondering if there's an off-road route between Winchester and Hamble??

Thanks

domtastic - welcome to Hampshire. 🙂 You could depart Winchester and head for Twyford Down which is off road, alternatively head out on the SDW to Cheesefoot Head then South through Longwood Warren heading for Upham. I would say you'll be hard pressed from here although hopefully bikebuoy will see your post and share his extensive route knowledge.

bikebuoy - thanks for that info but disappointed about Long Barn. I've checked out The Bowman's website and they serve food all day so that's good. Would you mind sharing your knowledge on some specific roads, may I e-mail you? Thanks.

@domtastic - welcome as I am a Hamble resident and my bike is in a mates garage in Winchester I posted this question a whole ago, search back in the thread. As an exec summary I am still searching, its possible with a bit of road. My idea of off an road route (Winch/St Catts/SDW/Monarch/Pilgrims Trail etc to Botley/Hamble River/Manor Park/Burseldon etc) was questioned on here and when I went on a reccy from Hamble the disused railway line was indeed private and impassable. Bikebouy who is in Warsash a lot recommended the Solent Way which is Winchester/Southampton/Netley/Hamble is paved quite a bit of the way so not so interesting.

I'd love to do the ride so perhaps someday we should meet up, unfortunately I am due to be away most of next 3 months

As an excuse here are a few local photos (again) 8)

Winchester Mud (reminder dry is best around there)

[img] [/img]

"Source" of the Hamble at Durley Mill on my route idea (before here off the end of the Pilgrims Trail is the old railway - need road round)

[img] [/img]

Low Tide River Hamble at Manor Farm Country Park (bridelways and footpath near river, be polite to ride is fine)- lovely here and unspoilt by marinas etc

[img] [/img]

[img] [/img]

Lovely quite reserve off Satchell Lane (turn off road at number 96 opposite Red Phone box

[img] [/img]

Lovely quite part by the water between Hamble village and Hamble Point Marina

[img] [/img]

Always good to be afloat 🙂 but possibly not for this ride as pubs nicer on Hamble side than Warsash although you could take it as a long way round to Swanwick train station to get back to Winchester (one stop before Hamble)

[img] [/img]

Does that Solent Way include the ferry crossing? Can't help thinking this might have a nice family loop in it, and the promise of a ferry will save me pounds in motivational Haribo 🙂

Well, if we're doing Hampshire rivers, here you go!

Cheeky lunchtime loop on the Brompton.
[img] :large[/img]

domtastic - here's some Hampshire mapping:

http://localviewmaps.hants.gov.uk/LocalViewmaps/Sites/ROWOnline/#

@brassneck the ferry is extra ie it runs from Hamble to Warsash after you've finished (it only crosses river so not a long trip) There is a cafe on Hamble "beach" (cough) for ice creams etc

@domtastic - my idea roughly Winch / St Catherines / Owlestry / Upham / Alan King Way - Pilgrims / Brooklamds Farm / Duriey Mill / Manor Parl Farm / Burseldon / Hamble

^^^ nice to see Jam's got his bike out 😉

We must go for a ride one day soon 😉

Ok Y'all.. here is a link to HantsGov Rights of Way map.. published by Hampshire CC and available to all..
I use it a lot for a multitude of reasons, be aware though that it's slightly out of date and I've come across at least 3 diversions and 1 no access (up near Titchbourne)
[url= http://maps.hants.gov.uk/rowreporting/default.aspx ]HantsGov Rights Of Way[/url]

CG of course email me, you know I'm always happy to help... 😀

As far as routing from Winney goes, its going to be a mix of offload and lanes, sorry but thats just the way it is as there isn't a direct offload route to Hamble. The above map will assist you, I have two simple routes in mind and here they are.. by all means ignore them, and it will not be TBT but a guide.

R1) WInney SDW to Cheesefoot Head, turn right near two blue portacabins and head down Kings Way (number 7 on the map) to Baybridge, take the bridleway to Street End then onto the lanes to Highfield Farm/Northbrook, then hitch the bridleway (Number 40) then choose some lanes until you hit Botley then head for Manor Farm Woods (like Jam says ^^) and head to Swanwick then take the lanes down into Hamble.

This route is simple, but there are many routes I use that are not on the map marked as bridleways but are cheeky and I'm not sharing those on here.

R2) The most simple and default route is to take the SDW over to West Meon and catch the old Meon Lines (disused railway line) to Wickham then carry on past that and head into Botley Woods, from there head past Knowle on Mayles Lane and pick up the other end of the Meon Line (number 515, 83, 82) to Tichfield Abbey but then you'll have to make your way down to the coast via Tichfield Canal to Meon Shore then collect the NCN2 towards Hamble.

Check the map out and make your own up, much better option..

Sadly bikebouy some of those photos are a year old 🙁 Rode once in November and once in April although reasons not all bad. Would be great to hook up although you'd have to be very patient !!

I usually ride Manor Farm / Burseldon / Hamble but if you do as bikebouy says and go Manor Farm / Swanwick-Solent Way down the gravel footpath (always bikes on it) on Warsash/East side of the river you can (have to) finish with the Ferry which would be cool - two good pubs (King and Queen / Bugle) to chose from and the cafe on the beach. You could head back to Hamble Station via Satchell Lane and the little nature reserve.

@brass if you do @bikebouys version at the end just off the gravel path as you leave the marina is a field with donkeys (bring chopped carrots?) and usually llamas / rare breed sheep - then as above you can finish with ferry and icecream and watch boats 🙂 gentle pedal back to Hamble train station ?

Gis a call Jam, let's go for a pootle 8)

My Winchester - Hamble ideas (on excellent official os maps app plus fat finger) note zi have walked or ridden around start and end but not middle parts

Three ways out of Winchester - view from up near Cheesefoot is good all the way to high ground on IOW on a clear day. Can follow start of SDW which makes nav easy. Most rest on here is footpathhs but deserted, very claggy if wet though

[img] [/img]

Next section (sloght mismatch on green option but you get the idea)

[img] [/img]

[img] [/img]

[img] [/img]

Follow red trsil to ride down tje riverside (lots of walkers/dogs and its a footpath but many bikes) and finish with the ferry

[img] [/img]

Farley Mount loop (see current MBR) 3 weekends ago on a visit to Hampshire

I've recently returned to Hampshire and liked the look of that route. Unfortunately my belongings, including maps, are bobbing about on the Atlantic. Did you find a GPX file or the ride anywhere?

Ta

Where you at, LAT?

I commute from BW to Swanwick and it's easier to stick to the lanes via Durley, Botley then Manor Farm. Lots of gates and styles. I'm in the process of trying to get a letter written to Hampshire County council to get the disused railway line from BW to Botley station opened up as a cycle route. Sainsburys were apparently going to finance it until they pulled the plug. Anybody got experience of how to get the ball rolling?

CG
Freds / The Anvil in Bishops Waltham might suit you if no joy at the Bowman.
Its a quirky cafe where my road club stop at a fair bit. Happy to have bikes kicking around out on the terrace , and they do table service so no need to leave a bike unattended
Or The Brushmakers in Upham ?

Other than the couple of tables right on the road is there outside space at the Brushmakers? If there is I must be day dreaming when I end up in there...quite possible.

LAT - you may find this useful, scroll down to 'Map Layers' then scroll through and you'll find 'off road cycle routes', select this and they'll be shown on the map. Some routes incorporate Farley Mount.

http://localviewmaps.hants.gov.uk/LocalViewmaps/Sites/ROWOnline/#
/p>

cobrakai - I've seen mention of that track in the minutes of a LAF meeting. Take a look through here:

http://www3.hants.gov.uk/countryside/hcaf/hcaf-meetings.htm

singletrackmind - thanks, the cafe sounds good.

Thanks CG, I'll look into it.

Route looks good jambalaya. The bit of Roman road south of the fair oak road (b2177) don't bother, it's nearly always under water. There is a pavement by the main road which is a quiet option if you don't like the main road.

@thomb - thanks - its the middle bit I am most sketchy on. Is trail through Kimbers Copse better ? Iill definiteiy get it done this summer

@LAT YGM

LAT - I've picked up MBR to check out that route, it's only 10 miles and, to be honest, the outward climb from King's Somborne is more fun as a speedy descent. The descent from Farley Mount is a good 'un although not done that for a few years. If you want any gpx's just let me know, e-mail in profile.

@cinamon how about uploading a gpx to bikehike and posting a screenshot here or email to me and I'll do that

@brass if you do @bikebouys version at the end just off the gravel path as you leave the marina is a field with donkeys (bring chopped carrots?) and usually llamas / rare breed sheep - then as above you can finish with ferry and icecream and watch boats gentle pedal back to Hamble train station ?

Noted for future sunny reference 🙂

It is going to be sunny, right?

@cinamon how about uploading a gpx to bikehike and posting a screenshot here or email to me and I'll do that

jambalaya - gpx of which route? I can plot the Farley Mount route and send it to you - never used bikehike I'm afraid.

Farley mount ideas really, email me or put a pic up. Thanks

On its way jambalaya. 🙂

Edit: I can send more of that area if you like?

Got it and yes please, can't post pic yet as upload problems.

Thanks everyone for the info and emails. Much appreciated. I shall take a look at them and undoubtedly ask for more!

I'm currently in Southampton, but moving back to our home in Lymington in July.

Thanks again

LAT your best local riding after July maybe from Yarmouth 🙂 have a lookout for the regular Lordswood Thirsday night ride threads.

@thomb - thanks - its the middle bit I am most sketchy on. Is trail through Kimbers Copse better ? Iill definiteiy get it done this summer

I've never ridden kimbers copse. i'll try and check it out in the next couple of weeks and feedback.

If you're looking for company, let me know. (email in profile).