Cycling in and around Winchester

There are plenty of places in Winchester and the surrounding countryside for you to discover by bike.

Whether you want a short ride or fancy something a bit more challenging, you will be sure to find a scenic route.

Or why not take a guided bicycle touring holiday - click here for further information.

South Downs Way

Experience some of our finest countryside between Winchester, first capital of England, and the white chalk cliffs of Eastbourne. If you are interested in great views, attractive wildlife, visible prehistory, fine pubs and pretty villages, or if you just fancy a challenge, the South Downs Way awaits you.

Test Way off road cycle trail

Running between Stonymarsh and Stockbridge, this disused railway track provides a safe and flat surface for cycling.

Cheesefoot Head off road cycle trail

This trail is characterised by the chalkland scenery of Winchester and Longwood more.

Meon Valley off road cycle trail

A challenging trail following the Downs of Hampshire. Stunning views from Butser Hill more.

Farley Mount off road cycle trail

The trail travels through the small hamlet of Farley, with its unusual church, and follows the edge of Parnholt Wood plantation into Ashley Down.

Ox Drove off road cycle trail

This cross country trail uses part of the Ox Drove Way, once a drove route for cattle more.

Sparsholt off road cycle trail

Gently undulating roads and rough tracks may be followed across both wooded and open country more.

Winchester off road cycle trail

A demanding and dramatic trail following part of the South Downs way, dropping into Winchester and continuing north out to Micheldever Wood more.

Bikeabout bicycle hire and loan service

Leave the car behind and head for Winchester to borrow a bicycle from the Bikeabout  Scheme.

Bike Hire
Bikes can be hired on a daily basis for just £10 (or £7 for half a day).  All you need to have is proof of identity (passport/driving license or similar) and a £50 refundable deposit.  Bike Hire is only open to people over the age of 18.

Bike Loan
For an annual registration fee of £50  you can borrow a bike as often as you like.  As with the hire scheme all you need to sign up is proof of identity and address.  Please note bikes available as part of the loan scheme are different to those used for the daily hire scheme. 

You can hire or loan a bike from two outlets in the city:

Winchester Tourist Information Centre, Guildhall, High Street, Winchester, SO23 9GH
Tel: 01962 840 500
or
Winchester Shopmobility, Upper Parking, The Brooks Shopping Centre, Winchester, SO23 8QY
Tel: 01962 842 626

Regrettably the service is not available on Sundays.