New Forest (Hale to Totton) cycling along A31, A336

Pola

Hi everyone,

I'm currently staying in Hale, New Forest while looking for a flat in Totton/Ashurst area. I am starting work at Garmin (Totton, south of Southampton) in a week and I don't currently have a driving licence (waiting for my provisional). There is no way that I know of to get to Totton via public transport from where I am - the shortest route is via Salisbury to Southampton to Totton, but it takes about 3 hours. According to Google, I could cycle to work in about an hour, which sounds perfect. However, I don't know if the way there is safe for cyclists - is there anyone here who knows the area and could advise? Here's the route I would be taking:

Starting point: Hale, down Roger Penny Way (B3078, B3079), cross the M27 in the underpass, shortly follow A31 then A336 (Southampton Rd into Ringwood Rd), then out of New Forest into Totton - the last bit should be ok.

Do you think there is a lot of traffic in any of these parts between 6am and 7am?

Thanks a lot for your help in advance!

lostboysaint

There won't be too much traffic on the B roads at any time and it's quite a nice route. You don't need to touch the A31, just go straight down the A336, which again won't be too busy at all, and then pick your way down the A326 into Garmin HQ at Hounsdown. It's actually a very simple ride and relatively traffic free - up until that last A326 bit which will be scary!

I'd be inclined to drop down Woodlands Lane and onto the A35 (which will also be rather traffic bound - but much more civilised) for that last section.