Distance = 30 miles / 46km
Difficulty = Challenging
Category = Mixed
Start Point = West mills, Newbury
Further Info & GPX file: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36613278
This 30 mile route has some steep climbs and stunning views as it heads south into Hampshire through the area that gave its name to Richard Adams’ story, Watership Down.
The route heads out to Greenham before cutting across the Common to the Business Park then south through Bishop’s Green to Ecchinswell.
From Ecchinswell the road rises and falls then rises again steeply to the top of the ridge at Watership Down, after which you are rewarded with a lovely, long descent towards Whitchurch.
You turn west just before reaching Whitchurch and shortly afterwards head north to Crux Easton. There is a short section that follows the A343 before heading off to Ashmansworth.
You are then rewarded with another long descent towards Ball Hill before returning to Newbury via Skinner’s Green.
There’s not much in the way of refreshments en route apart from the Royal Oak at Ecchinswell. However, you can always reward yourself at the end in one of Newbury’s many pubs / cafes.
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