The best cycling routes around Bishops Sutton
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1,483
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rides
Touring cycling around Bishops Sutton, Hampshire, UK, offers diverse landscapes characterized by rolling hills and chalk grasslands, including parts of the South Downs. The region features a mix of mostly paved surfaces and quiet roads, with some unpaved segments providing varied terrain. Scenic water features like the River Itchen and the lake at Avington Park Mansion contribute to the picturesque quality of the area.
Best touring cycling routes around Bishops Sutton
- The most popular touring cycling route is View of…
Last updated: June 18, 2026
4.8
(4)
73
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(6)
81
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
27
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
8
riders
14.5km
00:53
120m
120m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
9
riders
29.2km
01:48
270m
270m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Nice town, broad streets, easy to park bike. Plenty of nice benches to sit at without going into a cafe. St John the Baptist church is worth visiting and I enjoyed corporal refreshment in the nearby Coffee #1,
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Open when I passed late morning on a Saturday in May 2026. Lovely church, which was probably the ecclesiastical highlight of my Camino Inglés. I particularly liked the 'prayer tent' set up at the back of the church. Of note that this church is also on the Winchester - Canterbury pilgrim route, so it is a kind of spiritual crossroads.
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Historic waterbeds for growing watercress, on a very quiet road. There's a ford just along with a perfect cycle crossing
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The striking bronze statue of King Alfred the Great is one of Winchester's most recognizable landmarks, dominating The Broadway at the eastern end of the High Street near the River Itchen. Sculpted by Sir Hamo Thornycroft, the colossal, 15-foot-tall figure was erected in 1901 to commemorate the millennium of the king's death—a pivotal figure who made Winchester his capital and is credited with being "The Founder of the Kingdom and Nation," as inscribed on its granite base. Depicting a heroic, bearded Alfred in a regal stance with a downward-pointing sword hilt forming a cross, the statue celebrates his dual role as a military champion against the Vikings and an early Christian leader, all while standing proudly in the city he helped define.
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The Sword: Alfred is shown grasping a large, cross-hilted sword with the point facing downwards. This posture is symbolic, representing not just his prowess as a warrior who defended his kingdom against the Vikings, but also his role as a Christian leader, with the hilt forming the shape of a cross. The Pedestal: The statue rests on a large pedestal of Cornish granite, which is inscribed with just one word: AELFRED. Historical Portrayal: Thornycroft's depiction is a romanticized, heroic one—showing Alfred with a long, flowing beard—even though contemporary coins suggest the King was clean-shaven. The monument represents the Victorian-era idea of Alfred as a perfect warrior, statesman, and philosopher king.
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The statue depicts Alfred the Great (847–899 AD), who was the King of the West Saxons and is traditionally regarded as the first King of the Anglo-Saxons and the founder of the Kingdom of England. Winchester was his capital. Sculptor: Sir Hamo Thornycroft, a highly-regarded Royal Academician. Completion: It was completed in 1901, although it was commissioned to mark the millennium of King Alfred's death (which was in 899 AD). Size: The bronze statue is monumental, standing at 15 feet (4.57 m) high and weighing about five tons. The total height with its granite pedestal is around 40 feet. Location: It stands prominently at the eastern end of The Broadway, near the junction with Bridge Street and Eastgate Street, with the High Street extending behind it toward the city centre.
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More information about King Alfred: https://www.cityofwinchester.co.uk/history/html/king_alfred.html
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes around Bishops Sutton?
The touring cycling routes around Bishops Sutton feature a diverse mix of terrain. You'll find mostly paved surfaces and quiet country roads, ideal for touring. Some segments may also include unpaved sections, offering a varied experience as you explore the rolling hills and chalk grasslands of the region.
How many touring cycling routes are available in Bishops Sutton?
There are over 150 touring cycling routes available around Bishops Sutton. This includes a wide range of options, with 22 easy routes, 87 moderate routes, and 42 more challenging routes, ensuring there's something for every skill level.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Bishops Sutton offers several easy touring cycling routes. For a gentle ride, consider the New Alresford town centre – Watercress Beds loop from New Alresford, which is approximately 8.9 miles (14.4 km) long and features minimal elevation gain, making it suitable for a relaxed outing.
What are some notable landmarks or natural features I can see while cycling in the area?
Cyclists can enjoy a variety of landmarks and natural features. You might pass by the historic Avington Park Mansion and Lake, or explore the ancient Old Winchester Hill Iron Age Fort, which offers panoramic views. The routes also often feature scenic viewpoints along the River Itchen and through the Old Winchester Hill National Nature Reserve.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes around Bishops Sutton?
Many of the touring cycling routes in Bishops Sutton are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. An example is the Avington Park Mansion and Lake – View of Avington Park and Lake loop from New Alresford, which provides a moderate 21.4-mile (34.5 km) circular journey.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in Bishops Sutton?
The touring cycling routes around Bishops Sutton are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 90 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the diverse landscapes, quiet roads, and the scenic beauty of areas like Avington Park and the River Itchen.
Can I find routes that offer significant elevation gain for a more challenging ride?
Yes, for those seeking a more challenging ride with significant elevation, Bishops Sutton has options. The View of Avington Park and Lake – Stoke Charity Pond loop from New Alresford is a difficult 30.4-mile (48.9 km) route that includes nearly 500 meters (1640 feet) of ascent, providing a good workout.
Are there routes that pass through the South Downs National Park?
Yes, the region around Bishops Sutton includes parts of the South Downs, offering routes that traverse these beautiful chalk grasslands. You can experience the stunning views and unique ecology of the South Downs, particularly around areas like Old Winchester Hill and Beacon Hill.
What are some routes that offer scenic views of water features?
Many routes highlight the area's water features. The River Itchen Viewpoint – View of Avington Park and Lake loop from New Alresford is a great choice, offering picturesque views along the River Itchen and glimpses of Avington Park Lake. The lake at Avington Park Mansion is a particularly serene spot.
Are there any routes that explore the area around Cheesefoot Head?
Yes, you can cycle routes that take you near Cheesefoot Head. The Cheesefoot Head – View of Avington Park and Lake loop from New Alresford is a moderate 30.28-mile (48.7 km) route that incorporates this notable landmark into its scenic journey.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Bishops Sutton?
The summer months are particularly good for touring cycling in Bishops Sutton, as the chalk grasslands, such as those at Old Winchester Hill National Nature Reserve, are vibrant with diverse plant life and numerous butterfly species. However, the region offers enjoyable cycling throughout much of the year, with varied terrain suitable for different seasons, though some unpaved segments might be muddier in wetter conditions.
Most popular routes around Bishops Sutton
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