Route library

Route: A tour of the Hampshire Hangers

Approximate distance: 30 miles

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Just to the north of Petersfield is some very picturesque countryside, known as the Hangers, the name 'hanger' comes from the Old English 'hangra' meaning a wooded slope. As implied, it’s quite hilly with plenty of woods, hidden valleys and very quiet lanes, it’s my favourite area to cycle in. I’ve ridden around these lanes for many years and even now find myself having to consult a map from time to time to remind myself where a particular lane leads.

I’ve put this route together to enable an exploration of the Hangers by bike, probably including some lanes we don’t often cycle along on club rides. The route is just about 30 miles long and – here’s the important part – it involves a lot of climbing. There are no particularly long hills, but there are many of them and some of them are quite steep. My GPS tracker has recorded the ride at just over 3,000ft of climbing, which by my reckoning is a very hilly ride.

Starting in Petersfield Market Square the ride heads out of town via Tilmore Road then leading to a cycleable bridal path over the A3 towards the Harrow pub, the path is part of Sustrans route 22 (look out for the John Wyndham memorial on the right, just before the junction at the pub). Then the route is up to Steep, Ashford Chace, down then up towards Hawkley, Empshott and over Goleigh Hill to Priors Dean. From Priors Dean the route is up past Priors Dean church to a right turn, down into a valley then up then down into another valley before a left turn, where the route meanders westwards then back east towards Froxfield, eventually crossing the A272 before arriving at East Meon. From East Meon the route back is via Bordean and Froxfield and the beautiful descent of Stoner hill to arrive back in Petersfield.

Refreshment stops along the route are a bit limited, but there’s the Pub With No Name (aka the White Horse) – slight detour off the route required, and pubs and a shop in East Meon. Alternatively, and in my opinion the best option is to take a picnic and stop somewhere along the way, I like to stop at the top of Goleigh hill and enjoy the view (9.4 miles from the start).

Also worth a minor detour, especially on a clear day, just at the top of Stoner Hill before starting the descent into Petersfield take the left turn along Cockshott Lane, which becomes Old Litten Lane, after a few hundred yards of roughstuff there is a splendid view across Petersfield towards the South Downs. Just down the slope is a memorial stone for the poet, Edward Thomas.

Some minor hazards to look out for are i) road surfaces are poorly maintained with potholes and very muddy in wet weather and ii) there is a ford at Empshott Green (7.9 miles from the start).

Route: Rowlands Castle to Oakhanger and Liphook

Approximate distance: 54 miles

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A 54 mile ride with about 4,200 feet of climbing, starting from Rowlands Castle, to Oakhanger and Liphook.

The ride starts in Rowlands Castle then heads to Petersfield via Finchdean and Buriton, then towards Oakhanger via Steep, Mill Lane to Hawkley, Blackmoor. From Oakhanger the route is through Bordon and out towards Headley. Note the route takes you along Mill Chase Road in Bordon, after a “no through road” sign eventually you will see a “no entry sign”. It is probably best to mount the pavement at this point as there is a dropped kerb (use your own discretion as to whether you keep riding or dismount), after about 200 yards there is a ford which can be crossed by means of a bridge on the left side. Near the ford is a rather picturesque mill so you could stop to have a look. The road and pavement around the ford is very wet so I advise caution, especially if there is a chance of ice.

After Headley the route is through Arford, along Churt Road for about 2 miles before the right turn to Hammer Lane, this climbs up a short distance then there is a left turn on to Whitmore Vale. This road is extremely picturesque, especially in the autumn and there are some expensive looking secluded properties dotted along the way. The route is mostly uphill along this section, but save some energy as you will eventually get to a tee junction where you turn right into Whitmoor Vale Road, which is a very steep challenging climb and goes all the way up to Grayshott. Note that as you approach the end of Whitmoor Vale the road slopes steeply down at a warning sign for ice, at the bottom of the slope is a small ford, your should try to cross this on the right side of the road, where the water is shallowest.

After Grayshott the route starts to head back, via Hammer Vale to Liphook, Milland and South Harting.

In normal (non-lockdown) times there is a convenient elevenses stop at the Chocolate Frog at Oakhanger and lunch can be had at the Prince of Wales in Hammer Vale. In lockdown times the best bet for lunch is probably Liphook, where there is Sainsbury’s.

Route: Hayling quiet route

Approximate distance: 19 miles

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A ride of 19.2 miles around some of the quieter streets and cycle paths on Hayling. Perfect for the Coronavirus lockdown, as you don't have to do it all in one go.

It starts and finishes at Mengham crossroads by the URC, but of course you can join and leave the route at any point, and do it in either direction.

Or you can loop to Sandy Point, the Ferry, Northney, or just all or part way down the Billy Trail (you can cut across to West Lane at the Caution POI, minding the blind bend).