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
2 Continue as the road bends right; turn
3 Cross over and continue
4 Cross over and continue along a byway track through Holden Farm. Continue