Our favourite e-bike routes in the South Downs
Route 1 – The South Downs Flowerpots Loop
26 miles (42 km) with approximately 1100ft (336 meters) of elevation. https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49832690
Route Summary
A gentle rolling route heading into the South Downs National Park taking in several small villages on mostly quiet lanes. Towards the end of the route, you will pass through the edge of the city of Winchester before heading back towards The Cycle Company shop in Shawford. If you are using a navigation device (mobile phone or dedicated Bike GPS unit) we recommend using them so that the map screen is visible as some turnings can be easy to miss and many of the small lanes have no road signs.
Explore Twyford Village and Enjoy River Views
The route heads from The Cycle Company Shop in Shawford towards the village of Twyford (look out for some river views just before you enter Twyford). At the main traffic lights in Twyford you will cross straight over the main road into Hazely Road. You will soon leave Twyford behind and around 2 miles into the route take a right onto Mares Lane. The combination of beautiful landscapes and the quiet roads makes this one of the most scenic cycling routes near Winchester.
After an initial small descent, Mares Lane will give you a good chance to use the power of the E-bike motor as the Lane climbs steadily getting steeper before you then descend. At the bottom you will head left before taking the next right and climbing up to Owslebury bottom. You will be grateful for some motor assistance here as the short but sharp climb to the top reaches 14%.
At the top you will turn left and head out of Owslebury. At the crossroads take care as you are crossing a fast-moving road.
Enjoy the beauty of the South Downs National Park
Your E-bike will help you make light work of the gradual 2 mile climb towards one of the highest points on the route. Looking to your right as you approach the crossroads at the top you will see long reaching views across the beautiful South Downs National Park.
Turning right at the crossroads you will now enjoy a long descent before climbing slightly to another crossroads opposite The Milbury Pub. Once across the junction you will then take the next left (at 530ft this is the highest point on the route). The views as you descend towards the small village of Kilmeston are typical of the beauty you will find in the South Downs. At the junction take a left and head out of Kilmeston enjoying another long and picturesque descent to New Cheriton. Just before you get to the crossroads at New Cheriton at around 10.5 miles to the right of the road is the source of the River Itchen.
Relax at The Flowerpots Pub
Take care at the crossroads as you are crossing over the busy A272 road. You will now enter the pretty village of Cheriton. Don’t miss the junction on your left as the road curves to the right as this takes you to the recommended stop at The Flowerpots Pub.
Explore the typical South Downs villages of Cheriton and Tichborne
Hopefully fully refreshed and refuelled, you will now be ready for more scenic villages and South Downs riding. From the Flowerpots, head back down to the junction shown above and take a left through the pretty village of Cheriton, as you pass through you will notice the river Itchen passing under bridges and running through the village. As you leave Cheriton about half a mile on your left you will take Riverside Farm Lane towards the village of Tichborne. The junction has no road name signs but there is a sign to Tichborne. Another typical small village with plenty of thatched cottages and if you didn’t to stop at The Flowerpots Inn or fancy a second stop, the route takes you straight past the front door of the you excellent Tichborne Arms.
As the road winds you gently out of Tichborne, you will pass underneath the A31 and at the T junction with the main road take a left up the cycle path. Before you get to the top the cycle path crosses the main road via an island and goes right into East Lane. Cross the main road with caution.
East Lane descends quite steeply and you will need to use the power of your e-bikes disc brakes to slow you down as the road narrows and turns sharply right and then immediately left. On your right and left again you will see the river Itchen again as you head into the village of Ovington. At the end of the road before you get to the Bush Inn, the road turns sharply to the left, this is a great time to increase the power assistance on your bike as the gradient increases sharply. Just before the top take the right past the phone box into Lovington Lane. This is another great lane that goes up and down and is ideal for an e-bike.
Avington and Avington Park
You are now heading towards the village of Avington and Avington Park with its impressive Grade 1 listed mansion house. At a fork in the road take the left fork and into Avington. The route passes the church of St Marys built in 1761. Follow the road through the village taking a right turn (signposted as National Cycle Route 23 towards Easton and Winchester) You will now enter Avington Park as you cross over a cattle grid and head up a small incline. On your right is a lake and the mansion house, this is worth a short diversion across the grass to get a better view of the house and lake.
You will exit the park by riding over a second cattle grid at the top of the hill. Continue along the lane and into the village of Easton. You will pass the Chestnut Horse pub on your right where you can get excellent coffee and food etc.
As you exit Easton take the left turn on the bend opposite the Cricketers Inn into Chapel Lane. Follow the lane away from the village of Easton for about a mile before turning right into Fair Lane (not signposted). At the T junction with the main road, turn right to head towards Winchester.
The City of Winchester
Take care on this faster main road. As you head towards Winchester you will cross over the top of the M3 motorway, take the next left into Quarry Road. Take care as you descend especially at the fork. At the T junction go straight across and down Wharf Hill. Where the road bends to the right take a left signposted Cycle Route 23 Viaduct Way.
You will now be on the shared use Viaduct Way. Take care as there are usually pedestrians and dog walkers etc. Halfway along the path you will come to the excellent Cadence Café, your last chance for refreshments.
Continue along the path with the river Itchen on your right, and St Catherines Hill on your left. Where the path splits take the middle fork following National Cycle Route 23 onto Viaduct Way. You will pass over the old Railway Viaduct giving you an elevated view of your surroundings.
Heading back to the Cycle Company
Follow the path upwards until you eventually reach a crossing point across the main road. Take care here as this is a busy road. Follow the path around to the left and towards Otterbourne. You will go down into a dip before going up and over the motorway, one last chance to enjoy smooth pedalling and e-bike power! Just as you have crossed the motorway take the next left towards Shawford and Twyford. Go down the hill and under the railway bridge where you will arrive back at The Cycle Company on your right.
Book Your Ride Today
The South Downs National Park offers some of the best cycling experiences in the UK, with scenic routes that are perfect for cyclists of all levels. Whether you're visiting for a weekend getaway or exploring on a day trip, The Cycle Company in Shawford has the perfect bike for your adventure. Ready to hit the trails? Book your e-bike today and discover the charm of the South Downs!
