Shipwrights Way - a new cycle route

PDF of proposed route

With the formation of the South Downs National Park, HCC, EHDC, Sustrans and the Forestry Commission are discussing implementing a new long distance, multi-user, foot and cycle route linking Alice Holt, via Petersfield to the QE Park.

This potential route has been an aspiration that many partner agencies, including the Forestry Commission, have held for a number of years. It will provide an excellent way of sampling the beauty of the East Hampshire countryside with its diverse scenery and many historical features.

The route is likely to broadly follow the historical route that was used for wood was taken from Alice Holt Forest to Portsmouth Dockyard. Additionally it should form part of the National Cycle Network Route being promoted by Sustrans which will link London to Portsmouth.

Initially the route wil be a mixture of existing road and bridleway links. However, with local support, it is hoped this path can be made completely off-road and it will then provide an attractive, signed, off-road cycleway suitable for family and all ability cycling. For more serious cyclists the route will link many existing trails in the region and from there into the South Downs providing excellent long distance riding.

So far, a feasibility study has been commissioned and consultation is ongoing. We need your help for our petition in support of the route and you can contact us by email

There is now an online petition for this available at the link below. After signing you will be asked to donate to the site promoting the petitions. Donations are OPTIONAL. If you dont't want to donate just close the window.
http://actionoffroad.wordpress.com/

NOTE: There is a series of rides exploring the area and possible routes for the Shipwrights Way in the off-road section. More info call Kate Patterson 07941 132658

Notes

First Ride.... Sunday 14th February 2009.
The first ride exploring the proposed route took place. Five riders met at the southern end of Alice Holt forest to tackle the route as far as Bordon. Immediate problems as the first section of byeway is closed to all but walkers as a result of severe erosion from run-off. An alternative route to the east is used: Heath Hill to Smithy Lane then west to Pickets Hill.

The intended route is then to turn off Picketts Hill through private grounds belonging to Headley Park. On route we meet the local warden who tells us of an ongoing dispute over access. An alternative bridleway is only a few hundred metres further west, turning south off Picketts Hill and joining the intended route but bypassing the disputed land.

We continue southwards past Headley Wood Farm towards Lindford. There is a steep drop under the trees down to cross the river Wey and on the south side the track is wet and muddy. Work will be needed here to make the track rideable by children and less experienced riders. It's then out into open fields.

The climb towards Frensham Lane is a deep single rut that will also need work. We head along Frensham Lane into Lindford and Bordon, negotiating the built-up areas through housing estates and along footpaths, we skirt the playing fields adjacent to Mill Chase Community Tech College and cross Holywater Road.

A short climb takes us up to the cemetary between Lindford and Standford. The next part of the route appears to be across private land, and as time is getting on we decide to retrace our route back to Alice Holt. On the way back we take a look down the close byeway just south of the forest. The damage is severe and we realise this stretch has the potential to soak up a lot of valuable funds and effort!

Last ride... From The Harrow Inn, Steep to Queen Elizabeth Park

On a cool but dry May day we set off from the Harrow Inn at Steep on the fringes of Petersfield. First job is to cross the busy and fast A3. Fortunately a small bridge just south of the inn provides the answer. Then it's through the streets of Petersfield. We even manage a short stretch of byway, unfortunately liberally laced with dog droppings.

From the southern fringes of Petersfiled we head down lanes for Buriton and its Church. We run around the edge of the local duck pond there and climb up onto the South Downs. The climb is not too long but steep and probably not rideable for any but the fittest. From the top of the climb, the 'backdoor' to the Queen Elizabeth Park is right there.

Our ride doesn't end there. We head East along the SDW for a few miles before dropping back off the ridge just west of South Harting. From there we head north past Quebec and cross the A272 at Durleighmarsh then follow the Sussex Border Path up through Durford Wood to Hill Brow. From Hill Side we skirt Rake Common on a byway and head back towards the A3 using the underpass just north of Sheet, then its a short stretch of byway back to the Inn and a welcome pint.