London to Winchester

[gbs]

Does any have experience of the A30 S-bound from Bagshot to Hook - about 23k? I would expect to pass that way 0900-1000 on Sunday unless the weather forecast deters.

 

[andym]

Most roads will be pretty quiet at that time.

 

[Flying Dodo]

The A30 would be OK at that time. Boring and it won't be much fun in places, especially where it's not dual carriageway, as it's a fast road for vehicles but there shouldn't be much larger stuff on it.

 

[Broadside]

I live in Fleet so know the area well. To get between those two places the A30 is the obvious choice and the alternatives do involve a lot of extra miles. The A30 is generally fine in that area, quite built up from Bagshot to the big roundabout at Blackwater where there is a large Tesco and M&S. The only stretch to be a bit careful of is the arrow straight section past Blackbushe airport, it's not a very pleasant 2 miles and is the only road locally that I am wary of due to the cyclist accidents that happen along it. It will be busy enough along that section on a Sunday morning due to the very big market at Blackbushe airport so don't expect it to be quiet, but once that section is done the A30 opens out a bit and is a much nicer road.

If you are interested then I have some very scenic country roads to take you from Hook down to New Alresford just outside Winchester, you can do that stage of the journey without touching a main road and it is one of my favourite rides locally. This sort of thing http://goo.gl/maps/XgpTe which IMO is a better bet than using the A30 and A33 to Winchester.

 

[jay clock]

I live in WInchester. The A33 from Basingstoke is in fact ok as it parallels the M3. It is some dual some single carriageway but if in Basingstoke it is the only sensible option without diverting a long way. And makes navigation easier.

 

[Broadside]

I live in WInchester. The A33 from Basingstoke is in fact ok as it parallels the M3. It is some dual some single carriageway but if in Basingstoke it is the only sensible option without diverting a long way. And makes navigation easier.

Yes I would agree with that, the A33 is fine as it is relatively quiet on that stretch but IMO the route I posted is a better bet because coming from Bagshot it avoids having to go anywhere near Basingstoke with its dual carriageways and multiple massive roundabouts which are hard work on a bike. The scenery on the route i posted is also lovely by comparison.

 

[jay clock]

fair enough - agreed that Basingstoke is not the most stunning of places!

 

[gbs]

Thanks for the comments everybody. Mission accomplished - I duly arrived at my daughter's house in Winchester for lunch 10 mins ahead of schedule having had a v enjoyable and safe ride.