Alresford links with several cycle routes from Winchester but it also provides a very useful start point for on and off-road cycle rides.

• Travelling south from Alresford there are relatively quiet country roads that lead towards Tichborne (famous for amongst other things the Tichborne Dole and a medieval church) or Cheriton near the source of the River Itchen and a Civil War battlefield. Beyond Kilmeston there is the choice of continuing south to join the South Downs Way off-road route as it passes Beacon Hill, or riding east over a fairly steep incline towards Warnford and the Meon Valley.
• Westwood off road cycle trail is a very safe route for a family outing using tracks through woodland. It is entirely off road within Farley Mount Country Park and is well signed with yellow markers. Full details of the trail can be found at www.hants.gov.uk/pdf/cycling/westwood.pdf
• Steam trains on the Mid-Hants Railway (the Watercress Line) operate all year between Alresford and Alton stopping at Ropley and Four Marks on the way. Cyclists are welcome (space permitting) to travel with their bikes in the guard's compartment. This provides an opportunity to travel one way by train to return by bicycle: www.watercressline.co.uk
• The local Cyclists Touring Club group offers a number of guided rides for cyclists. Contact district secretary Sue Coles on tel: 01962 864479 or e-mail: suecoles1@aol.com or visit www.southhampshirectc.org.uk

For further information on these and other routes visit the Great Outdoors Cycling menu at www.visitwinchester.co.uk

Cycle Hire shops:

In Alresford there’s one cycle shop:

PJ Watts
3 Station Road
Alresford
Tel: 01962 733145

In Winchester there are three cycle shops:

Halfords
Moorside Road
Winnall
Winchester
Tel: 01962 849411

Peter Hansford
Olivers Battery
Winchester
Tel: 01962 877555

Hargroves Cycles
City Road
Winchester
Tel: 01962 860005

Bikeabout

A scheme launched by Hampshire County Council, which allows a bike to be borrowed for a one-off membership fee of £15. Full details from 01962 847474 or www.winchestermiracles.org