Hills and Hale

This is a challenging 37 mile ride taking in some fairly steep inclines and some sweeping descents. We shall leave from Five Rivers leisure Centre at 9.30 am and head out on the Golden Way cycle route through Laverstock and Petersfinger joining Sustrans Cycle Route 24 to Alderbury. From Alderbury we shall head out uphill and downhill on Witherington Road towards Downton continuing onto Moot Lane stopping for a breather at the pretty bridge over the river. We shall then encounter one or two short little hills on this meandering stretch of tree lined road where we turn off to Hale to visit Hale Market and its lovely local stalls selling local produce, tea and coffee. There are also toilets. After a short refuel and rest we shall set off towards Woodfalls joining the A338 very briefly before crossing over towards beautiful Breamore. We then cycle through Damerham and Martin, crossing straight over the A354 and up and down hill into Broadchalk taking in some quite breathtaking views! There will be another opportunity to stop at Broadchalk Village Store to refuel and rest and use a loo if needed before heading off on the home stretch that includes just one more steady hill up past Salisbury Race Course before we glide back down into Salisbury through Quidhampton and Churchfields! Please bring a road bike in good working order and enough water to see you through between stops. A spare inner tube and puncture repair kit is always a good idea on a ride of this length. There is parking at Five Rivers but restrictions do not allow for the duration of the ride therefore you may want to park over the other side of Castle Road where there is some free non residence parking available on Queensbury Road.