We could ride the rolling ridges above Micheldever and the Candovers and link up with the Oxdrove above Alresford or we could head out westwards towards South Wonston and Sutton Scotney and not forgetting the tracks in Micheldever Wood itself. Whichever way we go there are good tracks, nice downhills, and interesting single track. Please note that gravel fire roads in the woods will be good going. Off-piste will be a bit muddier.
We seem to like starting from here and for good reason; it is easily accessible just off the motorway junction for Bar End, it is large enough to accommodate us, and it gives a good starting point for nice riding, although I suspect part of the attraction is The Queen Inn at the end of the ride. I don’t need to remind you that it can be a bit cold in December, so be sure to arrive kitted out in appropriate clothing.
As discovered in previous rides starting from Garnier Road, there are a number of options to choose from including a route southwards along the Itchen Navigation where it passes St Catherine’s Hill before turning eastwards up Plague Pits Valley, then onwards along the Dongas tracks for Hazeley Down, Morestead, and Cheesefoot Head and the South Downs Way, Milbury’s Inn and the general area near Cheriton. Or, we could choose to take the other direction, up Compton Down, around the fringes of Flowerdown, West Wood Farley and other points of note.
The map reference given is the centre of the village. Park on the road and meet at the main junction in the middle off the village. The general plan is probably to head northwards to the area bounded by West Tytherley, Pitton and the Winterslow villages and discover the bridleways and woodland tracks.
Danebury Hill can be reached from Stockbridge by following the High Street westwards through the town (A30). Just as you leave the town boundary, the road turns sharp right and climbs a steep hill. Just as the hill starts to swing round to the left, the road to Danebury Hill can be taken off to the right for a mile or two. The venue is clearly signposted off to the left of this road. We
can ride around the eastern perimeter of Middle Wallop airfield before heading westwards via Kentsboro, Oklahoma Farm and Georgia Farm and then turn southwards at Over Wallop. Following on will be a sharp rise up Whiteshoot Hill near Broughton and then it’s Kings Somborne (Horsebridge) and the Test Way all the way to Fullerton where on a hot day a call at the Mayfly pub is a must, and on a cooler day is still a possibility. Then it’s a mere jaunt up Hazel Down and Charity Down to return to the car park.
Alternatively we could ride off in the opposite direction towards Longstock, Stockbridge Down and Chilbolton. A grand outing.
(ref SU 326 377)
Boxing Day Ride
This ride starts from the tarmac car park adjacent to the pub and there is ample free parking available so there shouldn’t be any problems for those of you arriving by car, but please do not park in the gravel car park area which is exclusively for the pub patrons. From here we can go through Woodlands, on along to Lyndhurst, Boltons Bench, Denny Lodge area and back by a circular route taking us through Deerleap or of course go in the anti-clockwise direction taking in “the Wire” and other interesting trails. Whichever way we choose, at the end of it all will be a visit to The Happy Cheese.