St Mary Bourne?
@ CG – yep that’s the one, you’re good.
Thanks @Muke ! Have cycled that way plenty of times over the years, so many rights of way to choose from. Always used to be deserted, is it still the same?
Anton, certainly fencing like that in the Clatfords but cant place it.
Nope, not Anton or Clatfords.
It's a tributary.
Southside road? Or thereabouts
Getting closer!
I turned left on Mill Street today ,though. The photo was later, after the Test.
Not far, but I think the Stanton misses the gnar..
Crux Easton, FS?
CFH - yup, Crux Easton wind engine and Bullington church.
That the Dever then? Close to Burlington Cross?
Annnnnd, that might give away my photo location!
Just over the A34, heading towards Norton.
What time were you out? Don't remember seeing anyone on a Genesis.
Edit- UTW wins five whole points! Cross posting.
What time were you out? Don’t remember seeing anyone on a Genesis.
Me? That was on Wednesday afternoon. Off out SE towards the Candovers this morning..
Ah, mine was yesterday.
Not sure what today holds, might be a local singletrack loop with the children for a change!
Yay! What do points mean?
Good to see this thread come back to life.
PRIZES!
😀
a local singletrack loop
Intriguing...
Rad to teh powa of psikk, innit.
Noticed that EVERYONE was giving a cheerful wave today. Might be one for another thread.
As ever, points will be awarded if anyone knows the locations!
As ever, points will be awarded if anyone knows the locations!
Bottom one is, of course, the Harroway. If you see a Fabric bottle lurking in the stinging nettles it'll be mine - lost last weekend!
It is indeed!
Will let you know if I see your bottle. Have found three Camelbak Podiums up there over the last couple of years!
All time awesomeness out there, folks.
What a hardship, I've been tasked with putting together some roadie routes in the county for my son who's visiting for a few days. He's asked for hills so what are your 'must do' climbs? Any other route suggestions gratefully received.
Thanks!
@cinnamon_girl - the Whitchurch Primary Pedal 60 mile route is a good one, taking in Walbury Hill / Combe Gibbet, the highest point in SE England.
Oooh that looks good @frogstomp and what a lovely hilly part of the county. Have found the Hampshire Hilly Hundred route for last year so that's also promising, also the Wherwell climb as used in the very first TdF UK visit.
Also, the Magnificat in one of it's forms is worth looking at for a tough, all-day ride (200k+ for the long route). Recent ones seem to have stayed around Newbury but the one I did five or six years ago went south as far as the Meon valley.
The South Downs Gentle Giant route would be another longer option too.
Thanks again @frogstomp and the Magnificat certainly sounds a challenge. Can't access your other two links though. I reckon he'll be spoilt for choice!
As above, that Primary Pedal route is a good one. I tend to cut across on the bridleway at the very NW corner, between Buttermere and Rivar,
Thanks for that @frogstomp, have now taken a look and more food for thought.
Nice to hear another vote for Primary Pedal. Just need to play with mapping software.
Just found this thread. GF's parents live in Hampshire, very near five ways. Did a gravel route down there a month ago and was ace 🙂 Great to get straight out onto bridleways/byways (compared to london) and so many of them!
Going down again soon. Any recommendations for good routes in the area? up to 100km.
Also thinking we could possible ride over to Swinley (or drive). What are trails like there on gravel bikes? (mtb's are out of action atm)
Five Ways? What part of the county please?
Sorry, meant Five Lanes End!
I know it! Loads of tracks around there, used to know the area really well but unable to give any up to date info cos I had to stop riding a few years ago.
What are trails like there on gravel bikes?
Ideal! There's little to no real gnar, so a gravel bike makes it more interesting!
Will suggest some waypoints later if you're going gravel.
Will suggest some waypoints later if you’re going gravel.
That would be great. Defo taking the gravel bikes!
Anyone else accidentally (or otherwise) discovered the ZigZag Path at Selbourne?
Hilarious on bikes. Never thought I'd find something like that in Hampshire. Not supposed to ride it, but none of the Sunday afternoon walkers were bothered as we got well out of their way.
Anyone in the deep south of the county?
https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/any-gravel-bike-rides-around-eastleigh-winchester/
Ice cream loop to village and back today. Blissful.
Also, Winchester peeps, seen this?
https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/lost-garmin-gpsmap-66s-nr-winchester/
Anyone else accidentally (or otherwise) discovered the ZigZag Path at Selbourne?
Hilarious on bikes. Never thought I’d find something like that in Hampshire. Not supposed to ride it, but none of the Sunday afternoon walkers were bothered as we got well out of their way
Not done that on a bike but walked it a couple of times in the post lockdown world, I suspect more hilarious going down than up!
The pub at the bottom was doing ice creams in the garden at one point before they could open properly.
Selbourne zigzag path reminds me of "The Cascade" paths at Longleat Center Parcs, which don't have so many compact hairpins or cover so much elevation.
Ok just been out on a recce of the selborne zig zags. They look hilarious fun, is there the makings of a fun ride that includes them? I’ll probably sit down with os maps in a bit but if people are already aware of one.
Id be looking to ride them after the holidays, during the week at a time when I could expect the least traffic.
A sad post to add to this thread...
Does anyone know an approx 50-60 year old slim gent that would have been riding a blue/white hybrid near Brockbridge yesterday, on the B2150 near Station Rd and Watton Lane, right next to the Meon Valley Trail?
Chap has been found dead and a photo on the Echo article shows a photo of the bike issued by police, to try and identify him. 🙁
https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/18643038.police-need-help-identify-cyclist-died-droxford/
There's no real details yet, but someone has been charged with attempted murder, after hitting a cycling couple on Waterloo Rd in Shirley and the bloke is apparently in a life threatening condition.
https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/18641495.hampshire-police-investigate-crash-waterloo-road-southampton/
Oh dear, another sad post...
Still no ID for that cyclist found dead on the B2150 and the chap hit on Waterloo Rd died. 🙁
But my main reason for posting was concern for a missing cyclist, Martin Turner, from the Totton area. He left home at ~0800 on Sat 15th August, thought to be going on a ~2 hour ride, but he hasn't returned home and his mobile goes straight to answer phone.
Initially they thought he was going to be riding the gravel tracks in the New Forest, but he's now been seen on yesterday's CCTV crossing to Studland from Sandbanks.
Ok just been out on a recce of the selborne zig zags. They look hilarious fun, is there the makings of a fun ride that includes them? I’ll probably sit down with os maps in a bit but if people are already aware of one
@Lummox - there most certainly is. I have it on tracklogs, so could do you a gpx file? or post an image. Let me know.
It’s a figure-of-8 loop with the zig zags at the end (they’re not on the official route, of course) - the lower part of the 8 has a ridiculous chalky descent, only to be attempted in the dry! Its lethal when even slightly damp. My son and I actually did it the wrong way last time and couldn’t even walk up it. Would’ve been a amusing sight, us trying to get the bikes up!
Well the **** news keeps on coming, Martin has been found dead, RIP.
Dez that would be awesome, gpx would be great. I’m a bit new to gpx and gps but I think I can make that work. Point taken about the chalky hill.
also crap news about Martin, was out riding in the area he was presumed to be at the same time. Met lots of individual riders and wondered if I’d passed him but the description didn’t match, was hoping for a happy outcome.
Some very sad events recently, unusual to have such a number involving bikes in a short space of time. Be careful all.
Opened goat's link to the Echo showing a pic of the bike in Droxford, my first adult bike was the ladies version of that Raleigh Pioneer and in the same colourway. That was in the 90's.
Sad news to hear another rider has completed their final mile. RIP
I'm not a local but have been working out of Southampton area last couple of days and enjoyed a ride north out to Romsey and looping back in via Totton. Tonight I had a good ride down to the coast at Calshot and back up to Nursling.
Hey..moving to Andover - any gravel,lanes,tracks riding routes suggestions. Thanks! Can’t wait for group riding again. Mtb or gravel bike.
Hey..moving to Andover
My condolences...
😉
There's lots of fun to be had around the area though. Gravel is excellent, linking lanes, farm tracks, bridleways etc. Salisbury Plain not a million miles away for the wide open spaces. Tidworth for some gnar if that's your bag. Not sure what the LBS situation is these days, I prefer to use Stonehenge in Salisbury. Great folk, great shop. I know there's a road scene there, Andover Wheelers, but not aware of any formal mtb set up. BMX track is good for a giggle. The Plantations? Just say no, kids...
Non bike local tips;
Stockbridge. Lovely places for lunch/coffee, and the best butcher in the world.
Andover Garden Machinery. Top people for any power tool requirements.
Pubs? Well, the Greyhound in Stockbridge is epic. Watership Down in Freefolk equally so. Hatchet in Lower Chute (good riding country) has always been a good spot.
Beer? Guy at Penton Park Brewery is your man. Top bloke, ace beer.
Bumping this excellent thread
I've just moved down to the hampshire / West Sussex border, looking forward to doing some exploring!
Ben, if it's XC type riding and you don't restrict yourself to SDW/QECP there are dozens of bridleways and byways in the area and mainly quiet backroads to link them. Assuming you are to the southern end, draw a box between the Meon Valley trail to the west and a Midhurst to Chichester line to the east and then fill in all the bridleways and byways in-between. Boundless possibilities.
Just a heads up for any roadies planning to ride in the Exton to Butser Hill area, several popular routes are either closed already or close tomorrow including...
White Way
Hyden Farm Lane (Bat n Ball pub climb)
Old Winchester Hill summit to Teglease crossroads
https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/roadmaintenance/plannedmaintenance for map
Thanks for the heads up. Not a roadie per se but do use those roads to link stuff up.
How you getting on? I live right on the border in Rowlands Castle, have plenty of routes i can send you if interested.
I doubt anyone will reply before I decide where to go and what bike to use, while still feeling pretty drained from my Zwift sub60 Alpe Du Zwift yesterday afternoon, but this post will keep this thread open...
Earlier I finally fitted the Merlin Chosen/Volar 29" rear wheel to my commuter that arrived last week, along with a new 12/36 cassette and new KMC X9 chain after a quick clean of the jockey wheels and chainrings.
It seems to be running fine, but part of me wonders if I should take it on a 2-3 hour test ride, instead of heading out on the road bike.
Would it be madness to ride the Meon Valley Trail, that I've not ridden since Jun/Dec '17, on a bank hol Monday?
What’s the worst that could happen?
Just reviving an old but goody.
For riders local to Hut wood north of southampton there’s now an enthusiastic chap from forestry England who is enforcing a no entry for anyone rule there.
In the long painful conversation it was revealed that the woods is now only for nature, the landowner and logging 🤣 not sure how they all co exist.
He also lumped me in with all night ravers and motor cross bikes despite being on the fire road on a bike, I’m not denying I’d been off piste.
I would say there’s not much point trying to have a civil conversation as at several points he started to ramp up but then calmed back down.
not sure how I feel about it, there’s other more distant places to ride but I’ve always thought there was a lot of promise in a small area and it’s pretty local to me.
Was on a late afternoon family jaunt from Frogham in the N.W of the new Forest and saw some dude packed up for a overnighter. Anyone on here? No good with ages but I would guess late 50s early 60s.
Most of the South Downs lanes I covered yesterday were quite dry, but what on earth is going on with the low section of Dundridge Lane, closest to Bishop's Waltham?
It's turned into a few inches deep stream!
Forgot to post this from two weeks ago, but has Long Lane north east of Soberton been resurfaced? Not sure if I rode it last year, but whenever it was, the tarmac was pitted with small potholes that seemed to be missing on Easter Saturday.
Anyone local to Selborne or Noar Hill - we usually do a loop round that way at this time of year to get our wild garlic fix (around Hawkley Hanger), but it seems there might be loads of closed BWs on Noar Hill, allegedly shut from March to August for tree work which seems like a long time.
n0b0dy0ftheg0atFree Member
Most of the South Downs lanes I covered yesterday were quite dry, but what on earth is going on with the low section of Dundridge Lane, closest to Bishop’s Waltham?
I love in BW and am currently sat in the Bowman having a post ride pint.
We usually ride with the kids up dundridge Lane to the bowman with we did on Sat.
Going up the lane, away from the main road, the field on the right always flooded badly. I think this caused quite bad issues for the farm on the right. It looks like they've built up the lower edge of the pond and the water is being diverted onto the road.
There's no stream down the dundridge valley so the road has always suffered. Once I've finished my pint, I'll go have a gander.
The ground must be saturated from all that rain we had over the winter plus a very wet March.
Similar story for a stretch in the middle of Hensting Lane yesterday, it's turn into a stream.
Came back from my hybrid ride on Saturday via Dundridge Lane, got a bit concerned when I saw "road closed" signs after I had descended Damson Hill, but lane was open up and the stream was gone.
The long paddling pool on Cott Street from a few weeks ago, just up from Hunters Inn, had also dried up. So hopefully after the coming rain/shower spell for this week at least, I can head out my usual way to ride the "river to hilltop" segment on my road bike and visit near the Sustainability Centre for the first time in over 18 months... Although it's tempting to take the hybrid and try the pebble/boulder SDW path that merges with North Lane just down from Butser Hill.
I've been up and down to Alresford/cheesfoot head/beacon Hill and the SDW and local bridleways are all pretty good. Don't know what the overnight rain is gonna do though......
Don’t know what the overnight rain is gonna do though……
Not sure about Alresford area but I'd wager you'd be wanting a snorkel if heading along the Meon Valley by morning!🏊🥽
Some proper wet bridleway west of Alresford, north of Cheesefoot head. Wont be doing that again in a hurry.
The rest of them weren't too bad. I've got the summer tires (ardent rear and a very worn forecaster up front) on but probably could've used the winter set up today.
Tomorrow they'll probably be fine.😆
Anyone in Hants come across any ice during this early 2025 chilly spell?
Thinking about taking my hybrid off the turbo and fitting my Gravdal ice spike tyres, as the sun appears to be out. 😮
Hi fellow Hants riders,
Does anyone have any inside info on the area to the north of petersfield called ‘shoulder of mutton hill’
Had a brief explore around the area today and it’s clear there’s some decent riding to be had as well as a few tracks that seem to have faded out. Just wondered if there’s any reason for that? Strava shows a few people ride the main trails, and they were decent for the area.
W3W rentals.toned.complies is the start to a decent trail, if you ride this I would start at this end, despite both ends going downhill.
Do you mean Ashford Hangers? The nature reserve? Probably a green chalk and slippery slopfest right now. Not sure what there is there now. I have in the past linked up all those hangers with whatever I could find, but almost certainly a summer mission.
Yes I think ashford hangers was mentioned on one of the boards, was crunchy with frozen its and a bit of snow but in a few places was definitely at the sloppy end
Yes, I've been up and down the hangers for years. Not somewhere I ride in winter because it gets very muddy (the sticky sort). As the name suggests, it's a ridge with bridleways leading off the top. You can follow it around behind Hawkley and over to Froxfield in the other direction. I usually tie them into a loop via Rogate, QECP and the SDW.
As said above by most people its just a mudfest all winter up there, can be the stickiest clay in places, I tend to do a few summer rides up there myself, Full Hawkley hanger run from above Priors Dean church when its been a dry spring and the wild garlic is in full bloom is in my top 5 trails anywhere, then head on up to Noar Hill for a quick lap around the top. There's a lot of riding in the Hangers most is deep gulleyed bways down with steep climbs back up but there's a few hidden gems in there.
When its wetter, its local riding for me around Bordon or Durford, Rogate, Liphook, Punchbowl and any of the commons north of that or over Midhurst way avoiding bits of Milland valley that can be not great either.
Thanks for the steer chaps, I’ll re visit in the drier warmer months. All the interesting trails I saw had trees down or fence posts at the start etc.
