Where can I cycle?

More than 750 miles of off-road routes are open to cyclists through the Rights of Way network in Hampshire - below are details of which Rights of Way cyclists may use.

You can also cycle on the entire road network with the exception of motorways! Hampshire also has some designated cycle paths, particularly in urban areas. They are particularly useful for local trips and access into the countryside.

Its a good idea to buy a local map such as the OS Landranger maps (1:50 000) for on-road cycling and the OS Explorer maps (1:25 000) for off-road - these are available at most bookshops or direct from the Ordnance Survey.

As a cyclist, you have a legal right to ride on:

• Bridleways - shared with walkers and horseriders. Please give way to them and be considerate - bridleways are marked with blue waymarks
• Byways Open to All Traffic ('BOATs') and Roads Used as a Public Path ('RUPPs') - usually unsurfaced tracks shared with walkers and horseriders and the occasional motor vehicle. - BOATS are marked with red waymarks and RUPPs with wooden signposts where the path meets roads
• some of the "white roads" on the Landranger and newer Explorer maps. If you are not sure whether a route is open to cyclists, check with Hampshire Highways on 01962 848544
• long distance paths – These are continuous routes of varying lengths combining individual rights of way selected for their scenic qualities or history; they are regularly maintained and have distinct way-marking. In Hampshire, cyclists can use the South Downs Way, the Ox Drove, Hayling Billy Line, Castleman Trail and the disused railway lines in the Test Valley and Meon Valley

Cycling is not allowed on footpaths (Rights of Way marked with yellow waymarks).

A Map of Rights of Way in Hampshire shows all the Rights of Way; this is updated daily but is not guaranteed to reflect the official legal position. A copy of the legal Definitive Map may be consulted at the the county council's Rights of Way office in Mottisfont Court, Winchester - please contact us if you would like to visit. You should also look at information on how to find and follow Rights of Way on maps and on the ground

Other cycling opportunities

• Hampshire County Council manages a variety of countryside sites throughout Hampshire; some provide opportunities for cycling, for example QE Country Park
• The ‘Cycling in Hampshire’ web- pages contain lots of information on promoted cycling routes and links to other cycling sites such as SUSTRANS, the sustainable transport charity developing the National Cycle Network. Some publications can be downloaded
• The Explore More of Hampshire site gives ideas for days out on foot, bicycle and horseback for for each area of Hampshire.
• The New Forest has a good network of gravel paths open to cyclists - details on the 'Cycling in Hampshire' website
• Other Forestry Commission landsare also open to cyclists - a cycling leaflet is available by contacting them tel 0131 314 6322
• You can cycle on some canal towpaths, for example Basingstoke Canal - information tel 01252 370073 or info@basingstoke-canal.co.uk
• Look at attractions and places to visit in the countryside, on the county council’s web-site
• Information centres and tourist information centres are also a good source of information
• Check the website of your District or Borough Council which may have cycling pages
• Cycling is permitted in some parks and open spaces, particularly in larger cities such as Southampton and Portsmouth
• Join a club - members invariably know the best routes and in addition to guided rides, they often organise open events.
• Visit your local bike shop; staff are usually enthusiastic cyclists

Transporting your bike

• Trains - since privatisation, each train operator has its own rules on bike carriage! Check details carefully before turning up at the station. Useful contacts for doing this are the Association of Train Operating Companies tel 0171 214 9941 and National Rail Enquiries tel 08457 484950
• Buses - currently, there are no public services in Hampshire that provide bike carriage, although some are in development
• Cars - this is often the only way to get further afield; remember to park considerately
• Hire - contact your nearest bike shop or Tourist Information Centre for local bike hire

Outside Hampshire

Hampshire is beautiful but sometimes you may wish to go further afield. Below are the gateways to information in our neighbouring counties:

• Dorset
• Wiltshire
• West Berkshire
• Surrey
• West Sussex