Route Planning advice London > SW

mattsaw

I'm planning on having a crack at this on Friday, weather permitting.

https://www.strava.com/routes/5121480

Outside of the London/Surrey borders and East Devon my knowledge of the roads and climbs is pretty poor.

I have used Google street view to check anything that looks as if it may be a bit risky, but would welcome any input on alternative routes or hills to avoid.

What's that climb out of Alton, is it as bad as it looks?

prhymeate

I haven't ridden that route, but this seems to be the segment for the hill out of Alton, steepish for the very last bit but shouldn't be too bad overall. https://www.strava.com/segments/720598

mattsaw

Thanks. You're right, I think the route profile distorts it and makes it look far worse than it is.

Comparing the segment you posted it actually looks even easier than Box Hill

Dizeee

That climbs not too bad
Ramps up at the end a couple of times but perfectly do able. It's steeper and lumiere than box hill but not as long.

mrfpb

The Meon valley - south of Arlesford - is very nice. A well kept secret really. Starting from Fleet, I go there rather than the Surrey Hills. It might be an alternative to go that way and west via the New Forest

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/12535882

alan_sherman

Go further south than Crewkerne - you wanted training right?

More seriously that part of the route is well planned.
The only bit of the whole route that looks unpleasant to me is the main road A354 around Salisbury. I think that might be quite busy.
Are you stopping over-night on the way or is this a monster day ride? An overnight stop would allow you to enjoy the ride more, have a leisurely lunch and cake stop, and see prettier places rather than just make time. How can you not go up Gold Hill in Shaftesbury on the way past? And why avoid the New Forest?

alan_sherman

There is a lovely bit of NCN route that drops into Winchester through some nice stately home or private school. Worth a look.