Sun 21st August: Ride around Marwell

The next Campaign ride takes place on Sunday 21st August.  Advertised as “to Marwell” it is actually a circular route around Marwell encompassing the South Downs villages of Owslebury and Lower Upham.

Assemble:  from 9.45 am at Lakeside Country Park, Eastleigh, outside the cafe, for a prompt 10 am departure.  Return to Lakeside approx 1.30 pm

Route in brief:  through Eastleigh to station, shared path to Bishopstoke, Bishopstoke Lane, Church Lane, Nob’s Crook, Hensting Lane, Hatcher’s Lane, Baybridge Lane, Lower Baybridge Lane, Red Lane (bridleway), bridleway to Lower Upham, Alma Lane, Greenwood Lane, Durley Rd, Fir Tree Lane, new cycle provision towards Fair Oak on Allington Lane then shared off-road path to Alan Drayton Way, off-road path to Guest Rd, through park to Oakbank Rd, short section of Itchen Way, back to Lakeside via shared path and Eastleigh town centre.

Coffee and cake stop:  Allington Garden Centre

Terrain:  mixture of quiet roads, rural lanes, tarmac off-road cycle paths, gravel tracks and bridleways.  Hilly from Bishopstoke to Owselbury; several small hills between Lower Upham and Allington Lane, thereafter mainly flat.  Approx 20 miles.

Weather:  unfortunately rain predicted, but forecast for the last few days has not been entirely accurate so it is difficult to make a decision about the ride this early.  If, on Saturday evening, continual heavy rain is forecast for Sunday the ride will be postponed.  Check your emails before setting out if in any doubt.

Regards,

Lindsi

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