____Schwingis Southampton

To the north west of Southampton trough the hills of the Test Valley, with some nice climbs

Leaving Basset cross the sports centre near Lord's Wood (40/17), and cycle trough the wood on the bridle way to the east. In Nursling (38/16) turn north and stay on small roads to reach Romsey (36/21). At the first round about turn west and after leaving the town turn right onto A27. Follow it up the hill till a small road heads south again. Via Redwood Lane and Romsey Road cycle on to West Wellow (29/19) and south Nomansland (25/18). From there use the bridle ways to get westwards to Lover (21/20) where this trip turns finally north first on the road, but soon off road. After climbing Pepperbox Hill (21/25) with his beautiful view the track turns east but soon a junction joins the road that leads to the next track going north to East Grimstead (23/28). In Farley two km north a track enters Hound Wood turning east to Bentley Wood (25/31). Keeping along its edge Middle Winterslow (25/33) can be reached where the Monarchs Way turns east. After Buckolt Farm a cycling trail leads north again to Over Wallop (28/38). Stay on the cycling trail till getting to Old Stockbridge Road that turns easwards to Kensboro. Still staying on the cycling track eastwards the river Test is reached where a turn to the south starts the return. In Stockbridge (36/35) take the road the parallels the Test way and ends in King's Somborne (36/31). Over Ashley (38/31) a C road joins the Calderon way that leads in a steep climb up Bacon Hill and down to Farley Farm (40/28). Keep going south on a the road to Lower Slackstead and than on Clypit Road to Ampfield (40/23). The A3090 and Hook Road lead to Chandler's Ford (42/23) that can be surrounded on Knightwood road. After Chandler's Ford, use the cycle path beside Castle Lane to the west and than the bridle way up to Chillworth (41/19). From there only a short distance is left to get back to Southampton.