Road Cycling in Hampshire

Sweeping country lanes, scenic countryside, sunken lanes and spectacular views are just some of the features you’d expect to see whilst road cycling in Hampshire.

From the rolling south downs to picturesque chocolate box villages and quiet country lanes, there are many fantastic areas to explore. And the South also has its fair share of challenging hills to test keen riders.

Only an hour from London this area opens up a great range of days out or opportunities for longer multi-day trips.

South Downs

Explore the rolling hills, ancient woodland, water meadows and the bustling market towns of the South Downs National Park. You’ll find unspoilt rural villages, dramatic views and great pubs serving local beers and food.

A direct rail service from London to Petersfield places you in the heart of the western South Downs and opens up some fantastic rides, including ‘Little Switzerland’ an area known for its mountainous feel.

The area around Rowlands Castle is another great place to explore and is also on the London mainline. The South Downs National Park promotes an eight mile route starting at the train station.

Winchester also provides a perfect gateway to a range of superb cycling areas, including the beautiful Itchen and Meon Valleys with their watercress beds and trout streams.  A wonderful network of quiet lanes allows riders to link pretty market towns such as Alresford, Bishops Waltham and Alton with their abundance of coffee and cake stops.

Key train stations: Petersfield, Alton, Midhurst and Rowlands Castle

Test Valley

Discover the quintessential Englishness of the Test Valley in West Hampshire. Follow the river Test as it meanders through ancient woodlands, tranquil water meadows and rolling chalk hills. The area is famous for its fly fishing and clear chalk streams of the Test, producing some of the finest trout in the UK.

Cycle around some of Hampshire’s most picturesque villages such as Wherwell, Chilbolton, Longstock and Longparish. Here you’ll find thatched cottages, welcoming country pubs and pretty bridges criss-crossing the Test.

Stockbridge lies at the heart of the Test Valley, midway between Winchester and Salisbury and provides a fine place for a rest stop with an array of tea rooms and cafes. There’s also some great cycling to be had towards Salisbury in Wiltshire and its famous plain, with plenty of open rolling countryside.

Key train stations: Andover, Romsey and Winchester

North Wessex Downs

The North Wessex Downs is an area of outstanding natural beauty in northern Hampshire, Wiltshire and Berkshire. These rolling chalk downlands make ideal road cycling territory and offer a comprehensive network of surprisingly quiet country lanes, challenging climbs and stunning views. 

This is the land of Watership Down, White Horses and Walbury Hill, the highest point in Southern England.  Bisected by the M4 motorway and close to mainline rail stations at Reading, Basingstoke and Andover, this area is easily accessible from London and its surrounds.

Key train stations: Reading, Andover and Basingstoke