The best routes through and around Winchester district for people of all abilities to enjoy.
3 June is World Bicycle Day. We are celebrating by sharing some of the most popular routes through and around Winchester district for people of all abilities to enjoy.
National Cycle Network Route 23
This route runs from Reading to Southampton via Basingstoke, Alresford, Winchester and Eastleigh. The total route is around 86 miles, but there are ways to do smaller parts of the route in Winchester. The Viaduct Way is 2.6 miles, begins at the Guildhall and travels down to St Catherine’s Hill before continuing on to the lovingly restored Hockley Viaduct. Along the way you'll find The Handlebar Cafe for refreshments. You can return to the city on the Park & Ride bus, by following the same route back or, alternatively, you can follow the Keats Trail.
If you’d like a longer route, consider part, or all, of the Itchen Navigation Heritage Trail. The route continues from the end of the viaduct way, through Shawford, Otterbourne, Eastleigh and ending at Swaythling – around 10 miles in total. Thanks to the hard work of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, the footpaths alongside the Navigation have been restored and improved for most of its distance, and various structures along the way have been repaired or made safe.
The Clarendon Way
The Clarendon Way is a 24 mile off-road cycle route linking the cathedral cities of Salisbury and Winchester. Again, this route has multiple smaller sections if you prefer! The route is hilly but offers stunning views of woodlands and valleys. The way is named after Clarendon Park, once the site of Clarendon Palace, a royal hunting lodge for Norman kings. All that remains of this great country house today is a single flint wall.
The South Downs Way
The South Downs Way is a 100 mile route from Winchester to Eastbourne – usually split into eight sections. The first section is Winchester to Exton and is around 12 miles. Starting at the cathedral and out of the city, through the quaint villages of Chilcomb. After Chilcomb you begin the first small climb to Cheesefoot Head – a beautiful spot with spectacular views. The route then descends down into Exton. Once at Exton, you’re only a short distance from Bishop’s Waltham.
King Alfred’s Way
For a more experience rider, looking for a big adventure, the King Alfred’s Way could be the right fit! The route officially begins at the Westgate Museum at the top of Winchester high-street. The 220 mile off-road route will take you on a multi-day adventure – bringing you back to the historic city of Winchester ending at the iconic King Alfred Statue. Why not treat yourself to a celebratory meal at the end of your journey at one of Winchester’s tempting restaurants.
Hire a bike in Winchester
The Cycle Company in Shawford have everything you need for a day exploring by bicycle. They are local and know all the best rides and routes and provide everything you need for your bike hire including helmets, locks, puncture repair kits, chargers, maps (online or paper) and advice and guidance. They have regular and e-bikes, for adults and children as well as child seats and ‘tag alongs’ for the little ones!
Cycle parking and repairs
If you’re in the city centre, there is plenty of culture, history, shopping, food and drink to be enjoyed – but where can you leave your bike? This handy map shows you where cycle parking and repair stations can be found.
If you’ve gotten into a bit of a pickle on your route, EXO – the Winchester Bike Hub at Kings Walk will be able to help you out whilst you check out the cycling art work on display and grab some refreshments next door at South Downs Social – a popular meeting place for those starting or ending their longer cycling adventures!
