exercise. On the opposite side of of side opposite the On exercise. as they withdrew, so most of the the of most so withdrew, they as thenationalbyway.org
physician told him to take more more take to him told physician royalists set fire to New Alresford Alresford New to fire set royalists cycling. from benefits
part of a fitness regime after his his after regime fitness a of part Cheriton Down. In 1644, defeated defeated 1644, In Down. Cheriton hinton-ampner environmental, health, economic and educational educational and economic health, environmental,
landowner Colonel Greenwood as as Greenwood Colonel landowner the site of the Battle of Cheriton at at Cheriton of Battle the of site the nationaltrust.org.uk/ registered charity facilitating the integration of social, social, of integration the facilitating charity registered
were erected by eccentric local local eccentric by erected were From Alresford the route passes passes route the Alresford From year. the of most public the to Winchester East Loop. The National Byway Trust is a a is Trust Byway National The Loop. East Winchester
Created in the 1830s, these stones stones these 1830s, the in Created BATTLE OF CHERITON OF BATTLE
This National Trust property is open open is property Trust National This the National Byway Trust and has been adopted as the the as adopted been has and Trust Byway National the
CIRCLE OF STONES OF CIRCLE
National Park countryside beyond. beyond. countryside Park National This route has been put together in collaboration with with collaboration in together put been has route This
roses to the tranquil South Downs Downs South tranquil the to roses for more information. information. more for
who used to work there. there. work to used who lawns and past borders of colourful colourful of borders past and lawns watercressline.co.uk Visit
commoners and charcoal burners burners charcoal and commoners undisturbed views across manicured manicured across views undisturbed © S. Morley S. © bicycles. for space providing and
Bramdean Common in 1883 for the the for 1883 in Common Bramdean and art, while the windows offer offer windows the while art, and trains carrying traditional guards guards traditional carrying trains
this simple tin chapel erected on on erected chapel tin simple this exquisite collection of ceramics ceramics of collection exquisite between Alresford and Alton with with Alton and Alresford between
At Bramdean make a stop at at stop a make Bramdean At proportioned rooms house his his house rooms proportioned it operates a steam train service service train steam a operates it
CHURCH IN THE WOOD THE IN CHURCH
fire in 1960. The beautifully beautifully The 1960. in fire to London and beyond. Today Today beyond. and London to
Ralph Dutton, after a catastrophic catastrophic a after Dutton, Ralph transport locally grown watercress watercress grown locally transport
lovingly rebuilt by its last owner, owner, last its by rebuilt lovingly Line, was constructed in 1865 to to 1865 in constructed was Line, mile walk around the battle site. site. battle the around walk mile
This elegant country manor was was manor country elegant This commonly known as The Watercress Watercress The as known commonly of Cheriton Walk, an informative 5 5 informative an Walk, Cheriton of
HINTON AMPNER HINTON
after the Mid-Hants railway, railway, Mid-Hants the after for the Battle Battle the for visitwinchester.co.uk
commodity increased in importance importance in increased commodity Visit century. 12/13th
for its production of watercress. This This watercress. of production its for despite the town originating in the the in originating town the despite Colonel R. Meinertzhagen. Meinertzhagen. R. Colonel
This small Georgian town is famous famous is town Georgian small This today are from the Georgian period period Georgian the from are today horse named Melksham owned by by owned Melksham named horse
NEW ALRESFORD NEW buildings seen in the town centre centre town the in seen buildings the road there is a gravestone to a a to gravestone a is there road the
INTEREST OF POINTS
© Joe Low Joe ©
Hampshire Cheriton, clawed crayfish. crayfish. clawed
otter, salmon and white- and salmon otter, river banks. river
including the water vole, vole, water the including and dragonflies along the the along dragonflies and
range of protected species species protected of range spot kingfishers, butterflies butterflies kingfishers, spot
habitats which support a a support which habitats butterflies. You may even even may You butterflies.
(SSSI) due to its high quality quality high its to due (SSSI) with wild flowers and and flowers wild with
Special Scientific Interest Interest Scientific Special woodlands are alive alive are woodlands
designated as a Site of of Site a as designated hedgerows and and hedgerows
importance and is is and importance During spring the the spring During
The river has international international has river The
heron by the river. the by heron
to Southampton. Southampton. to as well as little egret and and egret little as well as
miles from mid-Hampshire mid-Hampshire from miles kestrel flying overhead, overhead, flying kestrel
flows for approximately 28 28 approximately for flows fork-tailed red kite and and kite red fork-tailed
buzzard, for out Look stream chalk beautiful This
. Itchen River the of source a find
you’ll Ampner Hinton to Near RIVER ITCHEN RIVER
GODALMING GODALMING National ParkTUNBRIDGE Area RIVER TUNBRIDGEWELLS SOUTH DOWNS WELLS SOUTH DOWNS CYCLE RIDES ITCHEN Railway LIPHOOK Station WINCHESTER TO MILLAND NATIONAL PARK WINCHESTER PETERSFIELD PETERSFIELD MIDHURST PULBOROUGH RIVER ITCHEN From rolling hills to bustling market towns, the MIDHURST PULBOROUGH SOUTHAMPTON SOUTHAMPTON LEWES South Downs National Park’s landscapes cover LEWES ALRESFORD INTO THE 1,600km² of breathtaking views, hidden gems CHICHESTER CHICHESTER SOUTH DOWNS and quintessentially English scenery. A rich BRIGHTON PORTSMOUTH BOGNOR &BRIGHT HOVEON & HOVE EASTBOURNE tapestry of wildlife, landscapes, tranquillity and PORTSMOUTH REBOGNORGIS EASTBOURNE REGIS visitor attractions, weave together a story of people and place in harmony. FIND YOUR WAY For your guide to everything there is to Follow the arrows on waymarkers along the route. see and do in the National Park visit Footpath southdowns.gov.uk/discovery-map Bridleway Restricted byway Byway Open access land National Trail Acorn
GETTING HERE CONTACT By rail: The route starts South Downs National from New Alresford Park Authority: heritage railway station, 01730 814810 visit watercressline.co.uk @SDNPA /SDNPA By bike: New Alresford is With thanks to Bramdean approximately 10 miles and Hinton Ampner, from Winchester and can Kilmeston and Cheriton RESPECT. PROTECT. ENJOY. be reached via the NCN Parish Councils for their Route 23 (sustrans.org.uk). Respect other people assistance with this leaflet. • Be patient and courteous to other people Use a journey planner to enjoying the outdoors. plan your route. • Consider the local community. No public parking in any of Protect plants and animals the villages on this route. • Take your litter home, leave no trace. • Stay safe. Ride within your capabilities and SOUTHDOWNS.GOV.UK
think of other people’s safety too. All uncredited photos © SDNPA/Mischa Haller. Printed on FSC certified paper. Details correct at time of going to print. Please be aware that routes are shared Enjoy yourself with other users (vehicles, pedestrians, dogs, horses etc.) and users of this route do so at their own risk. We do not accept any responsibility for loss, damage Please • Plan ahead, check your bike, take a puncture or injury, however caused, arising directly or indirectly from use of this leaflet. recycle me repair kit and pump. Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2013. after use • Take your time and enjoy the South Downs scenery. SDNPA/The Way Design/March ‘17. © SDNPA Crown copyright
exercise. On the opposite side of of side opposite the On exercise. as they withdrew, so most of the the of most so withdrew, they as thenationalbyway.org
physician told him to take more more take to him told physician royalists set fire to New Alresford Alresford New to fire set royalists cycling. from benefits
part of a fitness regime after his his after regime fitness a of part Cheriton Down. In 1644, defeated defeated 1644, In Down. Cheriton hinton-ampner environmental, health, economic and educational educational and economic health, environmental,
landowner Colonel Greenwood as as Greenwood Colonel landowner the site of the Battle of Cheriton at at Cheriton of Battle the of site the nationaltrust.org.uk/ registered charity facilitating the integration of social, social, of integration the facilitating charity registered
were erected by eccentric local local eccentric by erected were From Alresford the route passes passes route the Alresford From year. the of most public the to Winchester East Loop. The National Byway Trust is a a is Trust Byway National The Loop. East Winchester
Created in the 1830s, these stones stones these 1830s, the in Created BATTLE OF CHERITON OF BATTLE
This National Trust property is open open is property Trust National This the National Byway Trust and has been adopted as the the as adopted been has and Trust Byway National the
CIRCLE OF STONES OF CIRCLE
National Park countryside beyond. beyond. countryside Park National This route has been put together in collaboration with with collaboration in together put been has route This
roses to the tranquil South Downs Downs South tranquil the to roses for more information. information. more for
who used to work there. there. work to used who lawns and past borders of colourful colourful of borders past and lawns watercressline.co.uk Visit
commoners and charcoal burners burners charcoal and commoners undisturbed views across manicured manicured across views undisturbed © S. Morley S. © bicycles. for space providing and
Bramdean Common in 1883 for the the for 1883 in Common Bramdean and art, while the windows offer offer windows the while art, and trains carrying traditional guards guards traditional carrying trains
this simple tin chapel erected on on erected chapel tin simple this exquisite collection of ceramics ceramics of collection exquisite between Alresford and Alton with with Alton and Alresford between
At Bramdean make a stop at at stop a make Bramdean At proportioned rooms house his his house rooms proportioned it operates a steam train service service train steam a operates it
CHURCH IN THE WOOD THE IN CHURCH
fire in 1960. The beautifully beautifully The 1960. in fire to London and beyond. Today Today beyond. and London to
Ralph Dutton, after a catastrophic catastrophic a after Dutton, Ralph transport locally grown watercress watercress grown locally transport
lovingly rebuilt by its last owner, owner, last its by rebuilt lovingly Line, was constructed in 1865 to to 1865 in constructed was Line, mile walk around the battle site. site. battle the around walk mile
This elegant country manor was was manor country elegant This commonly known as The Watercress Watercress The as known commonly of Cheriton Walk, an informative 5 5 informative an Walk, Cheriton of
HINTON AMPNER HINTON
after the Mid-Hants railway, railway, Mid-Hants the after for the Battle Battle the for visitwinchester.co.uk
commodity increased in importance importance in increased commodity Visit century. 12/13th
for its production of watercress. This This watercress. of production its for despite the town originating in the the in originating town the despite Colonel R. Meinertzhagen. Meinertzhagen. R. Colonel
This small Georgian town is famous famous is town Georgian small This today are from the Georgian period period Georgian the from are today horse named Melksham owned by by owned Melksham named horse
NEW ALRESFORD NEW buildings seen in the town centre centre town the in seen buildings the road there is a gravestone to a a to gravestone a is there road the
INTEREST OF POINTS
© Joe Low Joe ©
Hampshire Cheriton, clawed crayfish. crayfish. clawed
otter, salmon and white- and salmon otter, river banks. river
including the water vole, vole, water the including and dragonflies along the the along dragonflies and
range of protected species species protected of range spot kingfishers, butterflies butterflies kingfishers, spot
habitats which support a a support which habitats butterflies. You may even even may You butterflies.
(SSSI) due to its high quality quality high its to due (SSSI) with wild flowers and and flowers wild with
Special Scientific Interest Interest Scientific Special woodlands are alive alive are woodlands
designated as a Site of of Site a as designated hedgerows and and hedgerows
importance and is is and importance During spring the the spring During
The river has international international has river The
heron by the river. the by heron
to Southampton. Southampton. to as well as little egret and and egret little as well as
miles from mid-Hampshire mid-Hampshire from miles kestrel flying overhead, overhead, flying kestrel
flows for approximately 28 28 approximately for flows fork-tailed red kite and and kite red fork-tailed
buzzard, for out Look stream chalk beautiful This
. Itchen River the of source a find
you’ll Ampner Hinton to Near RIVER ITCHEN RIVER
GODALMING GODALMING National ParkTUNBRIDGE Area RIVER TUNBRIDGEWELLS SOUTH DOWNS WELLS SOUTH DOWNS CYCLE RIDES ITCHEN Railway LIPHOOK Station WINCHESTER TO MILLAND NATIONAL PARK WINCHESTER PETERSFIELD PETERSFIELD MIDHURST PULBOROUGH RIVER ITCHEN From rolling hills to bustling market towns, the MIDHURST PULBOROUGH SOUTHAMPTON SOUTHAMPTON LEWES South Downs National Park’s landscapes cover LEWES ALRESFORD INTO THE 1,600km² of breathtaking views, hidden gems CHICHESTER CHICHESTER SOUTH DOWNS and quintessentially English scenery. A rich BRIGHTON PORTSMOUTH BOGNOR &BRIGHT HOVEON & HOVE EASTBOURNE tapestry of wildlife, landscapes, tranquillity and PORTSMOUTH REBOGNORGIS EASTBOURNE REGIS visitor attractions, weave together a story of people and place in harmony. FIND YOUR WAY For your guide to everything there is to Follow the arrows on waymarkers along the route. see and do in the National Park visit Footpath southdowns.gov.uk/discovery-map Bridleway Restricted byway Byway Open access land National Trail Acorn
GETTING HERE CONTACT By rail: The route starts South Downs National from New Alresford Park Authority: heritage railway station, 01730 814810 visit watercressline.co.uk @SDNPA /SDNPA By bike: New Alresford is With thanks to Bramdean approximately 10 miles and Hinton Ampner, from Winchester and can Kilmeston and Cheriton RESPECT. PROTECT. ENJOY. be reached via the NCN Parish Councils for their Route 23 (sustrans.org.uk). Respect other people assistance with this leaflet. • Be patient and courteous to other people Use a journey planner to enjoying the outdoors. plan your route. • Consider the local community. No public parking in any of Protect plants and animals the villages on this route. • Take your litter home, leave no trace. • Stay safe. Ride within your capabilities and SOUTHDOWNS.GOV.UK
think of other people’s safety too. All uncredited photos © SDNPA/Mischa Haller. Printed on FSC certified paper. Details correct at time of going to print. Please be aware that routes are shared Enjoy yourself with other users (vehicles, pedestrians, dogs, horses etc.) and users of this route do so at their own risk. We do not accept any responsibility for loss, damage Please • Plan ahead, check your bike, take a puncture or injury, however caused, arising directly or indirectly from use of this leaflet. recycle me repair kit and pump. Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2013. after use • Take your time and enjoy the South Downs scenery. SDNPA/The Way Design/March ‘17. © SDNPA Crown copyright Explore the traditional Hampshire villages of the picturesque Upper Itchen valley Heading north from Alresford railway station, turn 1right onto West Street which continues into East Street. Turn right onto Sun Lane uphill, pass the school and near the end turn left towards Bishops Sutton.
Take the first right to Appledown Lane under 2the bypass. Follow the road round to the right and then left where it turns into a restricted byway (partially tarmaced). ON ROAD ALTERNATIVE: Pass the solar farm on your left and continue over the hill. Turn right at the T-junction then continue straight over the roundabout (take care) on to Old Park Road and proceed south to Bramdean Common. Turn left at the fork towards ‘Woodlands’, rejoining at route point five.
At the end of the byway turn left onto the road 3(Cheriton Lane) and ride on passing a junction with a civil war memorial stone, plaque and view point. Church in the Wood, Bramdean Common © Winchester City Council Follow the road into Cheriton Wood. At the sharp 4left bend leave the road and continue straight on to the restricted byway for 1.5km until you reach the road at Bramdean Common. THE UPPER RIVER ITCHEN VALLEY ON ROAD ALTERNATIVE: If Cheriton Wood is too DISTANCE: ROUTE: KEY: Route muddy, continue on the road to Manor House Farm, Main route: There are three off-road On-road only route Point of interest then turn right into Old Park Road and take the second 16 miles/26km sections (restricted (optional) left at Bramdean Common signed ‘Woodlands’ to (some off-road sections) byways) but all have Pub A Road continue the route at point 5.) The track will open out or 17 miles/27km on-road alternatives. Refreshments onto Bramdean Common before arriving at a T-junction (full on-road route) B Road with a road. Turn left towards a black & white signpost. GR ADIENT: Toilets Restricted byway At the signpost take a right towards ‘Woodlands’. ALLOW: Undulating 231 metres Parking Long Distance Path 2.5–3.5 hours total climb. The steepest Bus stop Bridleway As you pass Bramdean Common look left for signs climb is from the crossing Shop 5to the ‘Church in the Woods’, which is well worth MAP: of the A272 to Brockwood Footpath a visit. OS Explorer 132 Park – approximately 50m Golf course Woodland climb in less than one km. Bear left at the fork in the road signposted Route point Buildings 6‘Woodlands’. Pass Wolfhanger Farm and after 1km Railway station Open access land turn sharp right opposite Stable Cottage. Continue Heritage railway (in shaded area) downhill to the A272 and the nearby Circle of Stones. START Take care crossing the A272, ride uphill past ALRESFORD 7Brockwood Park School and keep right at the next STATION fork, passing the Krishnamurti Foundation. ROPLEY STATION T Turn right at the next road junction, then bear right HE WA TER at the next fork signposted Hinton Ampner and CR 8 ESS continue between the hedgerows. 1 LINE NEW B3047 Where the road bends round to the right, after two ALRESFORD cottages on the right hand side, leave the road 9 2 and continue straight ahead along a restricted byway, A31 ST S crossing a tarmac road and passing south of Hinton WITH K UN L ’S Ampner House. At the small woodland designated as A W W A B3046 Y “source of the Itchen” take a right at the road. ’S OLD PARK ROAD R E R ON ROAD ALTERNATIVE: Follow the road as it swings FA AY round to the right beside two cottages. Go uphill and W at the next junction turn left, heading south. Continue 12 CHERIT into the village of Kilmeston and turn right at the ON LAN village junction heading north to an ‘S’ bend near E BRAMDEAN where a source of the River Itchen rises. BATTLE OF COMMON 3 CHERITON RIVER ITCHEN 11 Continue north to the junction with the A272. 4 5 Take care crossing the road and continue ahead CHERITON WOOD 10 CHURCH IN on the B3046 passing through the picturesque village THE WOOD of Cheriton. CHERITON Turn left at the junction signed Tichborne and 6 11continue through the village. (Take a detour to visit St Andrew’s church for scenic views.)
Leaving Tichborne, head north and take the first BRAMDEAN 12right after the bypass (National Cycle Network (NCN) route 23) crossing over the ford. Continue through the watercress beds, turn left at the junction HINTON A272 and take the fifth right on to South Road. Take the A SOURCE OF AMPNER right after the bend on to Grange Road (NCN route THE ITCHEN CIRCLE OF 10 7 STONES 23), at the end of the road turn left and continue under SHORLEY the railway bridge. Take the first right after the bridge COPSE and continue to Alresford railway station. 9 N JOAN’S ACRE Open Access Land WOOD 0 0.5 miles Wherever you see this symbol you are free to walk KILMESTON 8 and picnic within the mapped area. Please be 1km aware of livestock and wildlife. BROCKWOOD COPSE Explore the traditional Hampshire villages of the picturesque Upper Itchen valley Heading north from Alresford railway station, turn 1right onto West Street which continues into East Street. Turn right onto Sun Lane uphill, pass the school and near the end turn left towards Bishops Sutton.
Take the first right to Appledown Lane under 2the bypass. Follow the road round to the right and then left where it turns into a restricted byway (partially tarmaced). ON ROAD ALTERNATIVE: Pass the solar farm on your left and continue over the hill. Turn right at the T-junction then continue straight over the roundabout (take care) on to Old Park Road and proceed south to Bramdean Common. Turn left at the fork towards ‘Woodlands’, rejoining at route point five.
At the end of the byway turn left onto the road 3(Cheriton Lane) and ride on passing a junction with a civil war memorial stone, plaque and view point. Church in the Wood, Bramdean Common © Winchester City Council Follow the road into Cheriton Wood. At the sharp 4left bend leave the road and continue straight on to the restricted byway for 1.5km until you reach the road at Bramdean Common. THE UPPER RIVER ITCHEN VALLEY ON ROAD ALTERNATIVE: If Cheriton Wood is too DISTANCE: ROUTE: KEY: Route muddy, continue on the road to Manor House Farm, Main route: There are three off-road On-road only route Point of interest then turn right into Old Park Road and take the second 16 miles/26km sections (restricted (optional) left at Bramdean Common signed ‘Woodlands’ to (some off-road sections) byways) but all have Pub A Road continue the route at point 5.) The track will open out or 17 miles/27km on-road alternatives. Refreshments onto Bramdean Common before arriving at a T-junction (full on-road route) B Road with a road. Turn left towards a black & white signpost. GR ADIENT: Toilets Restricted byway At the signpost take a right towards ‘Woodlands’. ALLOW: Undulating 231 metres Parking Long Distance Path 2.5–3.5 hours total climb. The steepest Bus stop Bridleway As you pass Bramdean Common look left for signs climb is from the crossing Shop 5to the ‘Church in the Woods’, which is well worth MAP: of the A272 to Brockwood Footpath a visit. OS Explorer 132 Park – approximately 50m Golf course Woodland climb in less than one km. Bear left at the fork in the road signposted Route point Buildings 6‘Woodlands’. Pass Wolfhanger Farm and after 1km Railway station Open access land turn sharp right opposite Stable Cottage. Continue Heritage railway (in shaded area) downhill to the A272 and the nearby Circle of Stones. START Take care crossing the A272, ride uphill past ALRESFORD 7Brockwood Park School and keep right at the next STATION fork, passing the Krishnamurti Foundation. ROPLEY STATION T Turn right at the next road junction, then bear right HE WA TER at the next fork signposted Hinton Ampner and CR 8 ESS continue between the hedgerows. 1 LINE NEW B3047 Where the road bends round to the right, after two ALRESFORD cottages on the right hand side, leave the road 9 2 and continue straight ahead along a restricted byway, A31 ST S crossing a tarmac road and passing south of Hinton WITH K UN L ’S Ampner House. At the small woodland designated as A W W A B3046 Y “source of the Itchen” take a right at the road. ’S OLD PARK ROAD R E R ON ROAD ALTERNATIVE: Follow the road as it swings FA AY round to the right beside two cottages. Go uphill and W at the next junction turn left, heading south. Continue 12 CHERIT into the village of Kilmeston and turn right at the ON LAN village junction heading north to an ‘S’ bend near E BRAMDEAN where a source of the River Itchen rises. BATTLE OF COMMON 3 CHERITON RIVER ITCHEN 11 Continue north to the junction with the A272. 4 5 Take care crossing the road and continue ahead CHERITON WOOD 10 CHURCH IN on the B3046 passing through the picturesque village THE WOOD of Cheriton. CHERITON Turn left at the junction signed Tichborne and 6 11continue through the village. (Take a detour to visit St Andrew’s church for scenic views.)
Leaving Tichborne, head north and take the first BRAMDEAN 12right after the bypass (National Cycle Network (NCN) route 23) crossing over the ford. Continue through the watercress beds, turn left at the junction HINTON A272 and take the fifth right on to South Road. Take the A SOURCE OF AMPNER right after the bend on to Grange Road (NCN route THE ITCHEN CIRCLE OF 10 7 STONES 23), at the end of the road turn left and continue under SHORLEY the railway bridge. Take the first right after the bridge COPSE and continue to Alresford railway station. 9 N JOAN’S ACRE Open Access Land WOOD 0 0.5 miles Wherever you see this symbol you are free to walk KILMESTON 8 and picnic within the mapped area. Please be 1km aware of livestock and wildlife. BROCKWOOD COPSE