Mountain Biking on the South Downs. Peter Edwards

      The beech trees near Cheesefoot Head (Day 1)

ROUTE 1

      South Downs Way: Day One – Winchester to Cocking

Start	Winchester train station SU 478 300
Finish	Cocking Hilltop car park SU 875 167
Distance	56.5km (35 miles); 61km (38 miles), via Old Winchester Hill
On Road	16.75km (10½ miles); 16.75km (10½ miles)
Off Road	39.75km (24½ miles); 44.25km (27½ miles)
Percent Off Road	70%
Ascent	1295m (4250ft); via Old Winchester Hill 1370m (4495ft)
Grade	hard
Time	4hrs 30mins–5hrs 30mins
Pub	Various in Winchester; The Bluebell at Cocking
Café	Various in Winchester; QECP café; Moonlight Cottage at Cocking

      Overview

      The terrain at the start of the South Downs Way (SDW), particularly between Winchester and the Meon Valley, is considerably gentler than the more hilly country encountered further east, easing the mountain biker in at the beginning of this long distance, off-road epic. This first day’s route is marginally longer than the following day and arguably that bit easier. However, it should not be underestimated. Climbs include the steep (on-road) then steady (off-road) pull up from Chilcomb to Cheesefoot Head near the start; a tough, steep climb from Coombe Cross to Salt Hill; a long, steady ascent through Queen Elizabeth Country Park (QECP); a fairly steep, steady climb through woodland around Tower Hill and a steep ascent on chalk track to Philliswood Down. The variant route includes Old Winchester Hill, which is a stop-start sort of climb and the final 200m are a killer. The route traverses some fine countryside, with great views south to the Solent and the Isle of Wight near the beginning, and north across the Low Weald, especially from Butser Hill (270m) – the highest point on the South Downs. The route follows a combination of well-maintained bridleways, byways and minor roads and conditions are generally excellent, although some farm tracks can get a bit churned up in wet weather. There are several pubs, cafés and water points at intervals along the route (see map). Many sections of the SDW are popular with mountain bikers, walkers, horse riders and other users – slow down and give way.

      Directions

      1 From Winchester train station head along Station Hill, keep over a mini-roundabout and take the third exit at the onto City Road. At the next continue onto North Walls (B3330). Continue to a fork, bearing to continue on the B3330 along Union Street. Union Street becomes Eastgate Street and continues to a roundabout. Keep onto High Street then turn off the next mini-roundabout onto Chesil Street. Continue to a and turn onto East Hill (SDW). Climb to a fork, bear and continue along Petersfield Road to join a path at the end of the road. Follow the path then turn and continue round to a bridge over the M3. Once across, turn onto a path (SDW) running parallel to the A31. Follow the path to a roundabout, turn and continue alongside the A31, before bearing onto King’s Lane.

      2 Continue as the road bends right; turn at the first junction then again to climb, steadily at first then more steeply, through Chilcomb. At the top of the road, turn onto a bridleway and climb steadily to a . Turn and climb fairly steeply up to and around the flank of Telegraph Hill. After the path levels, arrive at a . Turn and continue to a with the A272.

      3 Cross over and continue along the SDW, passing through a stand of beech trees, soon descending steadily to pass some farm buildings and arrive at a . Turn to continue on the SDW, taking in a few minor ups and downs and passing through several gates and over several s along the way. After descending a short way across Gander Down, pass through a gate and – forking – climb a little, passing through another gate. Continue along the field edge and, on approaching another gate, swing sharp along the field edge instead (this is one of the easiest places to go astray on the whole SDW). Take the first through a gate (SDW) and continue to a road (A272).

      4 Cross over and continue along a byway track through Holden Farm. Continue along tracks for 1.5km before emerging onto a country road. Continue for 1km, turn at a then pass The