Odiham to Chawton House

Jane Austin fans will know that it's 250 years since her birth. Our very own celebration will be a light lunch at the cafe at Chawton House, where her brother lived, and where we can use Gardens World 2for1 entry cards, (or pay full cost of £12.50 of course) to visit both the house and garden. But that is after 22 miles. First, since we start in Odiham at 9.45, a quick cuppa at the lovely cafe at Lasham gliding club after 8 miles, (which now requires pre-booking if our group is more than 6). Our route then passes through the pretty village of Shalden (where the Cherry blossoms were in April), continuing through a beautiful valley, only spoiled by a cheeky climb out of the valley! We also pass Alton Priory enroute to Chawton, before dropping downhill through an offroad forestry track. After our time at Chawton House, we ride through Alton on a mix of cyclelanes and some main road, to reach Holybourne, and then over the A31 to the pretty Froyle villages. An uphill, but gradual now before we enjoy a long downhill back to Odiham.

Cycle helmets are compulsory. Please check your bike the night before, chain oiled, tyres fully inflated (makes it easier!), and always carry a spare inner tube suitable for your tyre size. And preferable two! And a pump which you know fits your valve.