The best cycling routes around Rushmoor

Rushmoor offers a diverse cycling experience, with routes spanning natural landscapes, waterside paths, and some hilly sections. You'll find extensive natural areas, including woodlands like Southwood Woodland, and paths alongside the Basingstoke Canal and the Blackwater Valley Path. While generally relatively flat, altitudes range from 48 to 188 meters, providing a mix of tranquil rides and more challenging excursions.

Yes, Rushmoor has numerous easy routes. For a gentle ride, consider the View of Farnborough Airport – Eelmoor Flash loop from Farnborough, which is 16.3 km long and has minimal elevation gain. Another accessible option is the View from Caesar's Camp – Bricksbury Hill loop from Aldershot, a 12 km route with moderate climbs, offering scenic views.

Many routes in Rushmoor offer scenic views and pass through natural areas. The Bricksbury Hill – View of Caesar's Camp loop from Aldershot provides views of Caesar's Camp. For waterside scenery, the Basingstoke Canal Locks – Curzon Bridge — Railway View loop from North Camp follows the Basingstoke Canal. You can also explore routes near Southwood Woodland or the Blackwater Valley Path for natural surroundings.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in Rushmoor are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Bricksbury Hill – View of Caesar's Camp loop from Aldershot, the Pudding Hill – Car Crash Hill Gravel Path loop from Frimley, and the View of Farnborough Airport – Eelmoor Flash loop from Farnborough. These loops offer convenient starting points for your ride.

The touring cycling routes in Rushmoor are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 150 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, from tranquil waterside paths along the Basingstoke Canal to routes through natural landscapes like Southwood Woodland, and the connections to the Blackwater Valley Path. The network offers options for all ability levels, contributing to its popularity.

Yes, Rushmoor offers routes for more experienced cyclists seeking a challenge. The Pudding Hill – Car Crash Hill Gravel Path loop from Frimley is a difficult 39.1 km path that includes gravel sections and significant elevation gain. Another challenging option is the Swinley Forest Blue Trail – Barossa Training Area loop from Frimley, a 24 km route with notable climbs.

While specific cafes and pubs directly on every route are not detailed in the route descriptions, Rushmoor's extensive cycle path network connects Aldershot and Farnborough town centres, where you'll find various amenities. Many routes pass through or near populated areas, making it likely to find refreshment stops. For example, the Elstead Mill on the River Wey – The Barley Mow, Tilford Green loop from Aldershot specifically mentions a pub, 'The Barley Mow', in its name, indicating potential stops.

Rushmoor is rich in natural attractions. You can find beautiful lakes like Hawley Lake and Eelmoor Flash. The Rowhill Nature Reserve, though not for cycling within, is adjacent to routes and is the source of the River Blackwater, offering diverse habitats. You might also encounter historical features like Ash Aqueduct and Inglis Pyramid Bridge over the Basingstoke Canal.

While specific routes are not explicitly marked as 'dog-friendly cycling,' many of Rushmoor's natural paths, especially those along the Blackwater Valley Path and Basingstoke Canal towpath, are popular with walkers and cyclists who bring dogs. It's always best to keep dogs on a lead, especially in nature reserves or near wildlife, and to check local regulations for specific areas. Southwood Country Park is a large green space suitable for outdoor enjoyment with pets.

Rushmoor offers cycling opportunities year-round, but spring and autumn generally provide the most pleasant conditions with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Spring brings blooming flora, especially bluebells in woodlands like Southwood Woodland, while autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Summer is also popular, but be prepared for warmer weather. Winter cycling is possible, but routes may be muddier, especially off-road sections.

Rushmoor has good accessibility. The region's cycle network connects Aldershot and Farnborough, both of which have train stations providing public transport links. Access points to major routes like the Blackwater Valley Path and Basingstoke Canal towpath are available in Aldershot (e.g., Aldershot Park, Ash Lock) and Farnborough (e.g., North Camp, Farnborough Gate). Parking is generally available in and around the towns and at various access points to parks and woodlands, though specific parking details for each route should be checked locally.

Yes, there is a route that incorporates Hartland Country Park. Consider the Hartland Country Park – View of Farnborough Airport loop from Aldershot. This 22 km route is rated as difficult and offers a chance to explore the park's surroundings while cycling.