Cycle route through Havant

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flat tyre
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Cycle route through Havant

Post by flat tyre »

Can anyone advise me of the best cycle route through Havant from Rowlands Castle to the bridge to Hayling Island?
I'm planning a ride to the seafront at Hayling Island in the next few weeks.
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Mick F
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Re: Cycle route through Havant

Post by Mick F »

It must have changed since I was riding all over Hampshire back in the 80s and 90s.
If I was riding from Rowlands Castle to Hayling Island ........... like I've done on many an occasion ............ I'd just head south on the roads.

However, looking at the map, you have to cross the A27. Personally, I'd have no problem with this - even these days - but I can see that it could be difficult if you're not happy with big roundabouts.

What sort of route are you wanting?
Are there purpose-build cycle tracks anywhere?
Mick F. Cornwall
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horizon
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Re: Cycle route through Havant

Post by horizon »

Here's the one offered by cycle.travel:

http://cycle.travel/map?from=harwich&to ... mLL=&toLL=

This is the official map:
http://www.havant.gov.uk/sites/default/ ... /Front.pdf

There is a route but it doesn't look very enticing.

I think Havant is pretty awful due to its dual carriageway, though it's a while since I cycled through it on a work trip and my memory is hazy. I more recently cycled along the old A27 (e.g. through Emsworth) and that was a lot better (east to west).
When the pestilence strikes from the East, go far and breathe the cold air deeply. Ignore the sage, stay not indoors. Ho Ri Zon 12th Century Chinese philosopher
manybikes
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Re: Cycle route through Havant

Post by manybikes »

There is a cycle path adjacent to the dual carriageway for most of the way from Rowlands Castle (but not the first bit of single carriageway road). Once you get to Havant jump onto the Hayling Billy Trail and you will not need to cross the A27. The trail will take you all the way to the Hayling Bridge and continues south once over the bridge.
The map posted above shows it easily enough.
The relatively short section from Rowlands Castle to the start of the cycle path is easily managed if confident in moderate traffic,
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horizon
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Re: Cycle route through Havant

Post by horizon »

manybikes wrote:There is a cycle path adjacent to the dual carriageway


That's what I meant by not very enticing. But there doesn't seem to be anything better and at least it's not on the d/c itself.
When the pestilence strikes from the East, go far and breathe the cold air deeply. Ignore the sage, stay not indoors. Ho Ri Zon 12th Century Chinese philosopher
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Graham
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Re: Cycle route through Havant

Post by Graham »

Yep, that is part of my Aldi route . . . . .

Rowlands Castle
shortly after the village green turn left along College Close.
At the top, take the tarmac lane up to the bridleway ( this is part of the National Cycle Network )
Follow the bridleway down to Whichers Gate Road.

Carefully cross Whichers Gate Road and cycle along Prospect Lane into Leigh Park estate.

Probably easiest to stagger right & left to continue on a further section of Prospect Lane.

Then a left & right to follow New Lane through the industrial estate.

Just after the small railway crossing you will find the first part of the northern section of of the ex-railway path that will lead you down to Hayling Island.

NOTES :
I tend to avoid the bridleway after heavy rain. It gets a bit boggy.
On balance it is a hell of a lot better than the alternative routes.

Prospect Lane - southern section -
road surface pretty grim.

New Lane - with painted cycle path -
The highwaymen laid the line of paint with absolutely no regard to the extensive road defects at the edges.

Believe it or not that is my recommended route.
flat tyre
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Re: Cycle route through Havant

Post by flat tyre »

Thanks Graham, that looks easy enough. Most of my rides are within the Southdowns National park area hence the question about the route thought Havant.
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Graham
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Re: Cycle route through Havant

Post by Graham »

Whether you know a little or a lot about Hayling Island, you may find this website useful. ( I did! )

http://www.cyclehayling.org.uk/

In my experience, the main north - south road should be avoided/minimised.
I have experienced a high incidence of close passes ( punishment passes, quasi-road-rage incidents and incompetent elderly drivers ).

Any other route is better - if you can find one !

PS. I prefer to head for Bosham these days.
flat tyre
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Re: Cycle route through Havant

Post by flat tyre »

Yes I've cycled to Bosham a few times, nice café there too!
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horizon
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Re: Cycle route through Havant

Post by horizon »

flat tyre wrote:Thanks Graham,


... and horizon and manybikes and MickF ... :wink:
When the pestilence strikes from the East, go far and breathe the cold air deeply. Ignore the sage, stay not indoors. Ho Ri Zon 12th Century Chinese philosopher
flat tyre
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Re: Cycle route through Havant

Post by flat tyre »

horizon wrote:
flat tyre wrote:Thanks Graham,


... and horizon and manybikes and MickF ... :wink:


Yes, thanks for your help.
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