We seem to like starting from here and for good reason; it is easily accessible just off the motorway junction for Bar End, it is large enough to accommodate us, and it gives a good starting point for nice riding, although I suspect part of the attraction is The Queen Inn at the end of the ride. I don’t need to remind you that it can be a bit cold in December, so be sure to arrive kitted out in appropriate clothing.

As discovered in previous rides starting from Garnier Road, there are a number of options to choose from including a route southwards along the Itchen Navigation where it passes St Catherine’s Hill before turning eastwards up Plague Pits Valley, then onwards along the Dongas tracks for Hazeley Down, Morestead, and Cheesefoot Head and the South Downs Way, Milbury’s Inn and the general area near Cheriton. Or, we could choose to take the other direction, up Compton Down, around the fringes of Flowerdown, West Wood Farley and other points of note.