Four Marks to South Warnborough Loop
Starting in the small Hampshire town of Four Marks this route will take up and down a number of hills. The reward for these hills is some spectacular scenery over parts of the South Downs. The route is almost entirely on quieter country roads and lanes with the only busier section being through Alton.
Route description
From the start point at the Chawton Wood car park in Four Marks take a short trip along Red Hill before turning up Roe Downs Road and following the road in to Medstead. From Medstead the route travel northwest through Lower Wield and Bradley before turning back northeast just after Bradley. After leaving Bradley the route follows Red Lane , Bagmore Lane and The Street in an almost straight line. You will pass through the small villages of Bagmore, Southrope, South Patrick before arriving in Warnborough Green.
Once in Warnborough Green the route turns back south and begins the journey back to the start. Skirting the edge of RAF Odiham the route takes you to South Warnborough before turning and following the road through Lower Froyle and on to a crossing over the very busy A31. Once over the A31 the route takes a leisurely route meandering through Isington and back under the A31 to Alton.
The stretch through Alton is the busiest, but at under two miles long it should present any real challenges for most cyclists. The route also passes very close to Jane Austens house just after leaving Alton and a stop off is thoroughly recommended. After leaving Alton, there are only a couple of miles to go straight back to the start point. These last two miles are uphill but again the views toward the South Downs make it worthwhile.
Start Point – Four Marks – Chawton Wood Car Park
Distance – 31 miles / 50 km
Elevation Gain – 1830 ft / 558 m
Places Of Interest:
- Watercress Heritage Raliway Line, Four Marks Station – about 0.5 miles from start point.
- Jane Austens House – just off route at 28.5 miles point.
- Chawton House – just off route at 28.5 miles point.
Refreshment Stops:
- The Hoddington Arms in Upton Grey at the 11.5 mile point.
- The Poacher Inn in South Warborough at the 16.6 mile point.
- The Anchor Inn in Lower Froyle – at the 20.7 mile point.
- Numerous pubs and shops in Alton at the 28 mile point.
Local Bicycle Shops:
- None
Closest Railway Station(s)
- Four Marks (Watercress Line Heritage Railway) – 0.5 miles from the start / finish point.
- Bentley – approx 1.1 miles from the 22 mile point of the route.
- Alton – Just off the route at the 26.5 mile point of the route. (Links to Watercress Line)
Ride with GPS Link – https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35156540
GPX file direct download – Click Here
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