The best road cycling routes around Holt Pound Inclosure
4.4
(191)
6,778
riders
280
rides
Road cycling routes around Holt Pound Inclosure traverse a landscape characterized by ancient woodlands, including Alice Holt Forest, and picturesque countryside within East Hampshire. The area features well-surfaced paths and flat woodland cycling segments. It is situated within the South Downs National Park, providing a backdrop of protected natural scenery. The terrain offers a mix of gentle gradients and some more challenging sections, particularly where routes extend into the broader South Downs.
Best road cycling routes around Holt Pound Inclosure
…Last updated: August 14, 2026
23
riders
34.3km
01:23
180m
180m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
19
riders
11.9km
00:29
60m
60m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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24
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
3.0
(1)
56
riders
43.3km
01:58
360m
360m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.0
(2)
56
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Tips from the Community
A song that—originally from the American gospel tradition—has traveled the world is a perfect fit for this church, which the parish has dedicated to the patron saint of All Saints. "Oh when the Saints go marching in, oh when the Saints go marching in, oh Lord, I want to be in that number, oh when the Saints go marching in." Over the decades, numerous versions of the lyrics have emerged, but an original text cannot be verified due to its early oral transmission. Many artists have taken up the gospel song and released their own interpretations, such as Bruce Springsteen with his session band at a concert in Dublin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6eKkirEcgE
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Has a couple of covered benches by the entrance which could be a good place to shelter in rain / for lunch
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The church in Hawkley was dedicated to the two Saints PETER & PAUL, also known as the "Princes of the Apostles". Their common feast day in the calendar of saints is June 29th for all major denominations. * Simon, nicknamed Peter (Rock), was a fisherman on Lake Genesareth when he was called by Jesus Christ to be a "fisher of men" together with his brother Andrew. In works of fine art, Peter is almost always depicted with two keys in his hand; this attribute refers to the Bible verse in Matthew: "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." (Chapter 16, Verse 19). * Paul was initially an opponent of the Christian movement and was not called to the apostleship by Jesus Christ during his lifetime like the other apostles, but was only converted later with the famous "Damascus experience". His attribute is the sword with which he was executed. According to the Roman law of the time, such a sentence was a "privilege" (quick death and not, like other forms of execution, a long, painful death struggle) that was reserved for the citizens of Rome.
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A long climb but not to hard but it does kick up as you reach the top.
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Upon arrival in the village of Oakhanger, you'll notice a series of sizable structures resembling golf balls peppered throughout the scenery. These are radomes, housed at RAF Oakhanger and are designed to shield large antennas from the elements.
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Holy Cross is an impressive church which traces its origins back to the 12th century and boasts the addition of two chapels in the 14th century. Notable features include an eye-catching stained glass window crafted by Capronnier, a memorial dedicated to Sir Richard de Westcote – regarded as the earliest known resident of the village – and a complete peal of six resounding bells. In the churchyard, a poignant landmark resides in the form of the final resting place of Viscount Montgomery of Alamein.
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Nestled at the heart of Hawkley, St Peter and St Paul church is a 19th-century Romanesque-style building. Boasting a unique Rhenish helm spire and adorned with exquisite interior decorations and stained glass, this church emanates beauty. The picturesque setting in an attractive churchyard enhances the overall charm of this welcoming place of worship.
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This is a lovely café at Gilbert White’s House & Garden, offering both indoor and outdoor courtyard seating. Convenient bike parking means your bicycles are always within close view.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes around Holt Pound Inclosure?
The road cycling routes around Holt Pound Inclosure traverse a diverse landscape. You'll find well-surfaced paths and flat woodland cycling segments, particularly within and near Alice Holt Forest. As routes extend into the broader South Downs National Park, the terrain offers a mix of gentle gradients and some more challenging sections with elevation changes.
Are there road cycling routes suitable for beginners or families in Holt Pound Inclosure?
Yes, there are plenty of options for beginners and families. Out of over 280 routes, 75 are rated as easy. For example, the White Footbridge Over Road – East Green Lane loop from Bentley is an easy 7.4-mile (11.8 km) ride through local lanes and countryside. Alice Holt Forest itself offers easy, mostly paved surfaces suitable for all skill levels, and is committed to inclusive cycling with adapted bikes available.
Where can I find more challenging road cycling routes with significant elevation around Holt Pound Inclosure?
For those seeking more challenging rides, the area offers routes with notable elevation changes, especially within the South Downs National Park. A moderate option is the Binstead, Selborne and the Hampshire Hangers loop – South Downs National Park, which is 33.6 miles (54.0 km) long with over 550 meters of ascent.
What natural features and landmarks can I see while road cycling in this region?
The region is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. You can cycle through ancient woodlands, including parts of Alice Holt Forest with its ancient and veteran trees. The area also features several ponds like Lodge Pond and Kennels Pond, supporting diverse wildlife. Within Holt Pound, the historic Holt Pound Oval, a former cricket ground, adds a recreational and historical element. The entire area is set within the scenic South Downs National Park.
Are there any specific long-distance cycling routes that pass through Holt Pound Inclosure?
Yes, the Shipwrights Way is a prominent long-distance route that links villages and towns through picturesque countryside, passing directly through Alice Holt Forest. It's known for its well-surfaced, compact gravel terrain and flat woodland cycling, making it accessible for various fitness levels.
What is the best time of year to go road cycling around Holt Pound Inclosure?
The area is enjoyable for road cycling throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Summer provides longer daylight hours, while winter can be suitable on drier days, though some unpaved sections might be muddy. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Are there facilities like cafes or cycle hire near the road cycling routes?
Yes, Alice Holt Forest, adjacent to Holt Pound Inclosure, offers excellent visitor facilities. You'll find a welcome center, a cafe, and cycle hire facilities, making it a convenient starting point or stop-off during your ride. There are also picnic areas available.
What do other road cyclists say about the routes in Holt Pound Inclosure?
The road cycling routes around Holt Pound Inclosure are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 170 reviews. More than 6,200 road cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the scenic beauty of the ancient woodlands and the diverse options for different ability levels.
Can I find circular road cycling routes in the Holt Pound Inclosure area?
Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Holt Pound Inclosure are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For instance, the popular View of the Fields – White Footbridge Over Road loop from Bentley is a 21.3-mile (34.3 km) circular route offering views of open fields and woodland edges.
Is public transport available to reach the road cycling routes around Holt Pound Inclosure?
While specific public transport links directly to trailheads might vary, the area is accessible. Bentley is a nearby village with a train station, which can serve as a starting point for several routes, including the Holy Cross Church, Binsted – Clay’s Lane loop from Bentley. It's advisable to check local bus and train schedules for the most current information on reaching your desired starting point.
Are there any specific considerations for road cycling with dogs in this area?
While Alice Holt Forest has walking trails where dogs are welcome, road cycling with dogs can be challenging and is generally not recommended on public roads for safety reasons. If you plan to bring a dog, consider dedicated dog-friendly walking trails within Alice Holt Forest rather than road cycling routes.
Where can I park my car when visiting the road cycling routes?
Alice Holt Forest, a central point for many routes, offers ample parking facilities for visitors. There are also various smaller car parks and roadside parking options in nearby villages and along some routes. Always check for any parking restrictions or fees before leaving your vehicle.
Most popular routes around Holt Pound Inclosure
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