Cycling

Cycling is a great way to see Hampshire, take a well earned rest from a day's pedalling with a lunchtime picnic or stop at one of the many country pubs along the route before heading off again.

Cyclists in Hampshire are spoilt for choice, with over 750 miles of off-road cycle routes for beginners and challenging trails for the enthusiast.

There are over 30 different trails available to download from the Hampshire County Council website, from a 2.6 mile route at Staunton Country Park in Havant to the more difficult 15 mile trail to the north of Petersfield.

The more adventurous cyclist may want to try out the Ox Drove off road cycle trail which takes you through 25 miles of rolling hills and woodlands at the heart of rural Hampshire. You can also stop off at the Mid Hants Railway's Watercress Line along the way.

There is also many trails particularly suitable for families or newcomers to cycling. The Hayling Billy Hill Path on Hayling Island and the Test Way Path near Romsey have been created on disused railway lines and offer flat, easy-going cycling. The West Wood Trail at Farley Mount is a gentle 3.5 mile trail through peaceful woodland.

The New Forest offers over a hundred miles of gravel tracks for cyclists across scented heathlands, woodland and picturesque villages.

Explore the Hampshire South Downs by bike

This 22-mile circular route, following quiet lanes and roads, is marked with distinctive brown signs. Starting at Petersfield, the route embraces a variety of contrasting landscapes, including dramatic open landscapes and panoramic views of the chalk downs.

Electric bike hire in the South Downs

In the beautiful South Downs National Park, a new fleet of electric bicycles for hire are bringing the simple pleasure of cycling within everyone’s reach. It’s cycling, but not as we know it! Electric bicycles dismiss headwinds and flatten hills. Now everyone can enjoy the great outdoors on two wheels.

There are currently four Hire Points in scenic and strategic locations covering parts of the iconic Shipwright’s way, traffic-free Forestry Commission sites, a key national park railhead in Petersfield and heart of the park market town, Midhurst. They are Quench Cycles, Alice Holt Forest, Cyclelife, Petersfield, Crank Cycles, Alton and Cowdray Farm Shop, Midhurst.
 
Eleven Charge Points have also come on board including destinations and attractions such as Jane Austen’s House Museum in Chawton, the National Trust at Hinton Ampner, Bramdean, Langrish House Hotel in the Meon Valley and the Rural Life Centre in Tilford near Farnham. See the Electric Bike Network website for more details.