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Take the Challenge

Take the Challenge

Uphill, downhill and zig zag! Take the challenge and explore the area around Petersfield on your bike as you follow this circular cycle route from Petersfield to Steep, taking in Hawkley, East Meon and Buriton.

Be impressed by the beauty of the steep valleys and wooded hills, the chalk grasslands and imposing scarp slopes of the South Downs. With plenty of pubs and inns along the way, you can stop off for a refreshing pint of local ale and recover before facing the next uphill challenge!

Getting around
Distance 22 miles from Petersfield railway station
Duration A full day with stop offs for refreshments
Grade ENERGETIC
Directions – Cycle

Turn left out of Petersfield railway station into Station Road. Turn right at the roundabout towards Steep and follow the brown cycle signs signposted along this circular route.

Download the Petersfield, East Meon and Buriton ride leaflet for full directions.

Useful information

The steep wooded hills in this corner of the South Downs are known as ‘hangers’ because the ancient beech, lime, yew and ash woodlands seem to hang from the tall slopes creating a wonderful canopy that is especially beautiful when the trees display their autumnal colours.

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Explore the rich habitats and historic villages along the River Meon west of Petersfield on the Meon Valley Trail.

EXTEND YOUR VISIT

Extend your visit and cycle the length of the Shipwrights Way using Petersfield as your midway point. A long-distance trail for walkers, cyclists and, wherever possible, horse riders and people with disabilities, the 50-mile Shipwrights Way passes through Bordon, Liphook, Liss, Petersfield, Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Staunton Country Park, Havant, Hayling Island. It continues to Portsmouth via the ferry, finishing at the Historic Dockyard.

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"The Downs...too much for one pair of eyes, enough to float a whole population in happiness."