Litchfield And Woodcott
Litchfield And Woodcott
The best gravel rides around Litchfield And Woodcott
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Gravel bike trails around Litchfield And Woodcott traverse a landscape characterized by rolling hills, downs, and varied terrain within Hampshire, UK. The region offers a mix of hard flint and gravel tracks, providing diverse surfaces for gravel cyclists. Situated within or adjacent to the North Wessex Downs, the area features scenic views and natural features suitable for exploration on two wheels. This environment combines challenging sections with picturesque countryside.
Best gravel bike trails around Litchfield And Woodcott
- The most popular…
Last updated: October 29, 2026
4
riders
31.6km
01:49
100m
100m
Easy gravel ride. Mostly paved surfaces.
2
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
1
riders
Easy gravel ride. Mostly paved surfaces.
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If you’re looking for a spot with a "dark history meets beautiful views" vibe, Combe Gibbet is exactly that. Perched high on Gallows Down (the name gives it away, doesn't it?) on the border of Berkshire and Hampshire, it’s one of the most atmospheric places in the North Wessex Downs. Here’s the story behind this lonely landmark: The "Double Trouble" Origin Story The gibbet isn't just a random decoration; it was built in 1676 for a very specific and grim reason. A local man named George Broomham and his mistress, Dorothy Newman, were convicted of murdering George's wife and son. As a warning to others, the authorities built a massive double-arm gibbet to hang them in chains right on the parish boundary. The one you see today is a replica (the 7th or 8th version!), but it stands in the exact same spot, looking quite eerie against the skyline. Why It’s Actually a Lovely Visit Despite the macabre history, people flock here for reasons that have nothing to do with 17th-century crime: The Views: Because it sits on the crest of the ridge (near Walbury Hill, the highest point in South East England), you can see for miles. On a clear day, you can look across the Kennet Valley all the way to the Cotswolds. The Paragliders: It’s a legendary spot for paragliding and hang-gliding. It’s incredibly relaxing to sit in the grass and watch them launch off the steep scarp and circle over the valley like giant birds. Ancient History: The gibbet is actually built on top of a Neolithic Long Barrow (a 5,000-year-old burial mound). So, it’s been a significant "high place" for humans for a very, very long time.
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Not only are these old Cold War Cruise missile bunkers but Star Wars used them in the Force Awakens film as the rebel base
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Any climb is generally worth it for the views at the top, this is in the top few for a far reaching vista.
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Yellow Route around Greenham and Crookham Commons is straightforward, mostly flat, and accessible for various ages and fitness levels. Be aware of livestock along the way, best to keep pups on a lead.
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Combe Gibbet is an impressive landmark at the top of Gallows Down, near Combe. It is actually located on the Test Way footpath on the Berkshire-Hampshire border and is a well-known local landmark. Historically, the gibbet was only used once back in 1676 to display the bodies of George Broomham and Dorothy Newman. Both were hanged for murdering Broomham’s wife and son, who discovered their extramarital affair, but alas, there was a witness, and things didn’t work out so well for them. Since that time, the gibbet has been replaced seven times, the last time back in 1992. Now it is just a tourist attraction and an area where you have stunning views out over the surrounding countryside. With a nearby car park, it is also a popular spot with hang gliding and paragliding enthusiasts.
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The River Kennet is a tributary of the River Thames and has a good towpath system in the main, but it can be a tad narrow in places. It forms part of NCN Route 4 that travels from London to Fishguard. A considerable section of this route is on the Kennet & Avon Cycle Route using the canal towpath. Here the village of Woolhampton sits across the swing bridge, there is a lock, a nearby pub, and The Rowbarge Inn, which backs onto the canal.
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This is a fantastic country pub located on the banks of the River Kennet near Woolhampton. The pub has existed since 1850, and serves up a range of delicious dishes as well as cask ales. A great place to stop on a long walk.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on gravel bike trails around Litchfield And Woodcott?
The gravel bike trails in Litchfield And Woodcott feature a diverse landscape of rolling hills, downs, and varied terrain within Hampshire, UK. You'll encounter a mix of hard flint and gravel tracks, providing different surfaces for your ride. The area is situated within or adjacent to the North Wessex Downs, offering scenic views and natural features.
Are there any challenging gravel routes for experienced riders?
Yes, the region offers challenging routes for experienced gravel bikers. For instance, the Crookham Common Gravel Trail – Greenham Common Bunkers loop from Wash Common is a difficult 19.8-mile trail that explores the historically significant area around Greenham Common. Another difficult option is the Greenham Common Control Tower – River Kennet Path loop from Newbury, which is 9.4 miles and includes historical sites.
What are some notable landmarks or points of interest I can see along the trails?
The area is rich in historical and natural landmarks. You can visit the Combe Gibbet on Gallows Down, which offers panoramic views of the countryside. The Ladle Hill Iron Age Hillfort is another significant historical site and a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest. Additionally, the Greenham Common Control Tower provides a glimpse into Cold War and WWII history.
Are there any moderate gravel biking options available?
Yes, there are moderate options for gravel biking. The View from Combe Gibbet – Combe Gibbet on Gallows Down loop from Woolton Hill is a moderate 16.4-mile path that leads to Combe Gibbet, offering rewarding panoramic views.
What is the best time of year for gravel biking in Litchfield And Woodcott?
The region's diverse landscapes, including hard flint and gravel tracks, make it suitable for gravel biking year-round. However, for the most pleasant conditions and to fully enjoy the scenic views of the North Wessex Downs, spring and autumn often provide ideal weather. Winter riding is also possible, but be prepared for potentially muddier sections on some off-road routes.
Are there any loop trails for gravel biking in the area?
Yes, many of the gravel biking routes in Litchfield And Woodcott are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Crookham Common Gravel Trail – Greenham Common Bunkers loop from Wash Common and the View from Combe Gibbet – Combe Gibbet on Gallows Down loop from Woolton Hill.
What are the typical distances and durations for gravel bike routes here?
The routes vary in length and duration to suit different preferences. You can find shorter rides like the Greenham Common Control Tower – River Kennet Path loop from Newbury, which is about 9.4 miles and takes around 1 hour 9 minutes. Longer routes, such as the Crookham Common Gravel Trail – Greenham Common Bunkers loop from Wash Common, cover approximately 19.8 miles and can take around 2 hours 24 minutes.
Can I find routes that offer panoramic views?
Absolutely. The region is known for its scenic viewpoints, especially within the North Wessex Downs. The View from Combe Gibbet – Combe Gibbet on Gallows Down loop from Woolton Hill specifically leads to Combe Gibbet, which offers extensive panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Other highlights like View from Plantation Hill and View from White Hill also provide stunning vistas.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about Litchfield And Woodcott?
Gravel bikers using komoot often praise the varied terrain and the blend of challenging sections with picturesque countryside. The historical significance of sites like Greenham Common and the panoramic views from locations like Combe Gibbet are frequently highlighted as rewarding aspects of the rides.
Are there any specific natural features to look out for while cycling?
Beyond the rolling hills and downs, the area is part of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You might encounter features like the well-preserved ramparts of the Ladle Hill Iron Age Hillfort, and experience the steep climbs of areas like Watership Down, which offer both a physical challenge and rewarding views at the summit.
Where can I find more information about cycling in the broader Hampshire area?
For more general information about cycling routes and trails across Hampshire, you can visit the official tourism website: visit-hampshire.co.uk. This resource can provide additional context on the extensive network of off-road cycle routes available in the county.
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