| 1. One of the joys of cycling is get off the ‘beaten track’ and get to know the local countryside. I really enjoy meandering along country lanes with little traffic, birdsong and fresh air, perfect… I also realise that some cyclists like the cut and thrust of a high mileage fast paced run, so this route has a balance between the two. The route starts at Lee on Solent sea front, and meanders along some quiet rural back lanes through the beautiful Hampshire countryside. There is a refuel stop in Winchester before returning back to Lee along some faster and more direct roads.
Start as always with a hearty breakfast at the Bluebird Café on Lee promenade, then onwards along Marine Parade towards Stubbington. Pick up the B3334 Tichfield Road and head towards the Tichfield gyratory which you follow round and exit second left onto the A27, then first right into Mill Lane. The first part of the ride is level and urban, but from Tichfield the route is rural although Mill Lane can be quite busy. At the traffic lights at the junction with the A334 Winchester Road turn left; keep on the A334 and head towards Botley. After about three miles you’ll climb Kitnocks Hill, at the top of the hill there’s a sharp right onto Chapel Lane, right again at the junction of the B3035 Botley Road, then after about a mile left into Calcot Lane. From now on the lanes are much quieter but they are narrow with some farm traffic, beware of mud, gravel and horse manure! Carry on along the route; bypass Durley, through Durley Street to the junction of the B2177 Winchester Road. Here the route carries on straight ahead to Upham, however there is a small local shop just to the left on the B2177 for supplies and water if you’re caught short. About a mile beyond Upham ensure you bear left up the gentle climb of Baybridge Lane and do not continue along the level Longwood Dean Lane – I did and it’s a detour. Climb the hill to the T-junction with Longwood Road, turn left then first right along Owslebury Bottom. Join the Morestead Road and it’s a straight run into Winchester. There are lots of Cafes in Winchester, I quite like the West Cornwall Pasty Company on the High Street, they have loos and will refill water bottles.
Suitably refreshed, you can return by back tracking the outward route or the faster way. Follow the B3335 St Cross Road to the south, around the Hockley Link, along the A3090 for half a mile then back onto the B3335. Open your legs for Twyford, bear left onto the B3334 for Golden Common, Fair Oak, and Horton Heath. At Botley turn left A334 then after a mile right onto the A3051 for Swanwick/Park Gate, here turn left onto the A27 back to the Tichfield Gyratory, Stubbington and finally the Blue Bird Café in Lee.
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