Third Sunday Hill Challenge - Petersfield, Buriton and Harting Hill

This is a challenging and hilly route and is not intended for beginners. It is intended for those who are wanting to practice cycling up hills and developing stamina, perhaps for a Charity ride e.g. London to Paris. We will be cycling at an average speed of about 10-12mph so it will not be a fast ride.

You will not be left on your own at the back, there will always be someone with you, it is not a speed trial. There are some challenging hills and you go up the hills any way you can, even if you need to walk. The route is worth the effort and very scenic.

A circular route with some quite challenging hills during the first half of the ride. Initially we travel northward through Clanfield and then alongside the Queen Elizabeth Country Park on country lanes and dedicated cycle paths. Then on country lanes through the picturesque village of Buriton and on to the B2146 to South Harting. The B2146 is quite a wide fast (traffic wise) road, though not normally very busy.

At South Harting we turn south towards Compton and our hardest climb – part of Harting Hill. Some walking may be necessary here as the climb is very challenging. Once at the top the ride to Compton is very scenic and much less challenging.

We will stop at Compton for refreshments and then an easier ride back through Westbourne, Rowlands Castle, Horndean and back to Denmead.

This is an enjoyable route with plenty of opportunity to practice hills and improve your speed if this is what you want.

This ride is not for beginners. Although very scenic, it is a hard ride and is intended for those who want to practice challenging hills - Harting Hill being the biggest challenge on this ride - those of us who have tried it have not conquered it yet!! This is another chance to try before the weather turns cold.

Cycle paths, country lanes and a fast B road

There are opportunities to stop for refreshments at Compton and/or Rowlands Castle.

Please wear cycle helmet, clothes suitable for weather conditions, Hi Viz clothing and bike lights if you have them. Bring spare inner tube, water, a rain jacket in case of a shower and some money for refreshments. You might also like to bring a snack in case you get hungry before we stop.

This ride is intended for the more experienced rider who wants to practice challenging hill, and it is NOT suitable for beginners. However, more experienced first-timer cyclists welcome and you will not be left on your own at the back there will always be someone with you.