Watership Down from Micheldever

About

This ride takes in some of the most iconic Hampshire views and locations including Watership Down the site of Richard Adam’s classic adventure novel.

Cycling: Road

Difficulty: 7/10

Distance: 36 miles / 4.5hrs

OS Explorer Map: 144

OS Landranger Map: 174 and 185

Nearest Railway Station: Micheldever (start and finish) or Quidhampton

This challenging ride is named after Watership Down, the location of Richard Adam’s classic novel and one of the highlights of the route; Richard Adam still lives close by in Whitchurch.  

The ride starts at Micheldever Station, which is on the London mainline; from here winds its way north to the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). From the pretty market town of Kingsclere the route turns southwest to the foot of Watership Down; the strenuous climb to the top is rewarded with stunning views over the AONB and, more importantly, a 6-mile downhill section to Laverstoke. Those how enjoy a drop of good gin, have the opportunity to visit Bombay Sapphire’s new distillery - opened in the historic Laverstoke Mill in 2014 -,before returning to Micheldever. The ride can be shortened to 28 miles by turning left at the Micheldever Road/Stockbridge Road junction south of the A303 and then right into Andover Road.

Some highlights:

North Wessex AONB  

Watership Down 

Bombay Sapphire Distillery 

River Test 

Refreshments:

Coffee on arrival:

Forest Retreat (2 miles from the station) 

The Dove, Micheldever Station 

Mid-morning refreshment (14mi):

Emma’s Coffee Shop, Swan Street, Kingsclere

Nelson’s Diner, Kingsclere 

Lunchtime (23.5mi):

Watership Down Inn

Afternoon tea or end of ride pint (36mi):

The Dove