Depending on how confident and fit a cyclist you are, there are a range of destinations that can be accessed by bike from Bishop’s Gardens.
The Square can be reached in just a couple of minutes, where you’ll find a selection of shops, cafes and restaurants. When you consider traffic and the time it takes to park, that is probably quicker than a journey by car!
A journey to Fareham, including the train station, takes around 30 minutes via National Cycle Network Route 224.
If you do want to try the journey to Fareham, NCN Route 224 can be reached within 5 minutes. You’ll find the starting point in Wickham Car Park, just next to the River Meon. You’ll also find the Meon Valley Trail here, which stretches for 10 miles from Knowle to West Meon, along a disused railway line providing a safe and flat surface for all the family. The track is graded easy which is also perfect for cycling newcomers!
NCN Route 224 is mainly on-road, but many local roads around Wickham are rural in nature and lightly trafficked. Google Maps provides an easy way to identify the most suitable routes.
For more information on cycling locally visit our useful cycling guides and resources page.
Planning a Journey by Bike
If you are unfamiliar with the local area and looking to plan a route by bike, an online route planner can be a really useful tool to use. You can enter your journey start point and end point and the route planner will display a number of route options on a handy map. Alongside easy to follow directions it will tell you how far the journey is, how long it will take, and even how hilly it is.
Cycle Streets is a handy website that allows you to plan your journey. Simply enter your start and end points and away you go! You can also use Google Maps to plan your journey by bike, simply click the button below and select the bike icon.
Why cycle?
Cycling is rapidly growing in popularity, and through the CV19 pandemic has for many people become an essential travel option. Cycling has always, however, been a great way to travel around for those able to do so. It offers many personal benefits, such as improved health and cost savings. It also offers significant benefit to the environment and local community, helping to take cars off the road, reducing pollution and reducing congestion.
Cycling can also be a great commuter travel option. If you’re new to cycling or aren’t really sure where to starting with your cycle-commute then check out some of our handy guidance on buying a commuter bike, commuting by bike whatever the weather and the benefits of choosing to travel actively.