Will have to have an explore. I've cycled lots in Micheldever woods but never ventured into Black Wood.
Bike Forum
Micheldever Wood / Black Wood near Winchester - worth exploring?
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Posted 2 years ago #
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Saturday 1st May: Black Wood: Excellent
OK, it was hard work, with plenty of uphill, and damp but firm ground adding resistance, but well worth the effort. The motorcycle trail is currently well defined on the ground. Anti-clockwise is the preferred direction. The route is slightly different from last year's. Measured 14 miles and 1000ft of vertical, following the motorcycle trail.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Where do you park for Black Wood Brian? I'm not far away and a 14 mile loop sounds interesting, but having trouble determining where to park from looking at maps. Where's the best place to start/ finish?
I'm not going to have a bike for at least 2 more weeks, so getting myself prepared to get back in the saddle!
Posted 2 years ago # -
Well, I started in Micheldever Woods car park, which adds 11 miles and a ride thru M.W. Just for Black Wood, there are a few options:
Micheldever Station car park, think it costs a quid;
Or follow the road up from West Stratton, then the north side of Larkwhistle Farm Road is a little access road for industrial units (not sure how safe this is);
Or a bit further east along L.F. Rd, by the Black Wood sign may be possible;
Or there is a small car park on the east side, off the A33 (I think just opposite the road to Woodmancott).Posted 2 years ago # -
I thought there was a little pull-in beside Black Wood, off the A33, leading to Micheldever? Or is there parking in North Waltham?
Obviously it's a case of trying to minimise time spent riding on the A33.
Presumably it is not worth checking out following the recent rain?
Posted 2 years ago # -
It should be fine. Plenty dry enough on Saturday, and not much rain since. Looks like it could take quite a bit of rain and still be OK.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Where's the best access point to the trail?
Posted 2 years ago # -
Just about any way in will do, as the trail loops around so much. If you continue up the road from West Stratton, and in past the industrial units (was 'Grainfarmers'), then after the tarmac, continue up the rutted grassy track and cross the perimiter bridleway, then aim to continue up the grassy track into the woods, but you have to climb over a log or two (nettles starting to appear here too). As soon as you're over the log, look to the right and in an opening you should see a hairpin bend of the motorcycle route. Take the righthand leg for anticlockwise. I have a GPS log of the trail, this year and last, but not sure how to make them available here. Maybe I can sort out a picture...
Posted 2 years ago # -
try this: (but you must replace the three $ symbols by ampersands (this forum does not appear to like ampersands!) Don't just click on the link: copy, paste and edit it.
http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2$cp=51.17017215671135~-1.2581191653671908$lvl=11$cid=507C42E2FB8E0467!113
Posted 2 years ago # -
and here's last years trail (again, replace the $s with ampersands)
http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2$cp=51.15843863412685~-1.2164054507675814$lvl=12$cid=507C42E2FB8E0467!117
On the maps you can select OS maps and zoom right in to the 25k map.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Did Black Wood again yesterday (3rd June), a fantastic summer's evening, and the trail was nice'n'dry. I'd just been for my first visit to proper mtb centres last weekend, and unfortunately Black Wood was rather dull in comparison!
Posted 1 year ago # -
Just a wee update: I eventually rode around Black Wood today and what a surprise it was. Hadn't expected to see so many beech trees!
I followed some singletrack and found some bombholes, one of which was rather large. I was riding around there for ages, couldn't believe how much singletrack there was. GPS was switched on, so uploaded route later and discovered I had only ridden half of the wood!
Didn't see another soul but was quite shocked at the amount of rubbish that had been dumped.
Another visit needed me thinks.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I've never seen any rubbish up there!
Plenty of big bombholes, though.Posted 1 year ago # -
Hmm. I've got to get down there and have another look I reckon. Last time I went it was boggy, I got lost (and rained on) cycling home and ran out of food.
Posted 1 year ago # -
it certainly won't be boggy now.
let me know if you need a tour guide!Posted 1 year ago # -
Thanks for the offer! I have no idea when I will get time to go at the moment though
Posted 1 year ago # -
So is there more than one large bombhole then? Found a small one too. Had a half-hearted attempt at the big one but felt, being on my own, I needed to be sensible! Actually it was jolly difficult clambering back up!
The rubbish was actually on the bridleway, obviously used the opening from the 303 to access.
Could anyone make an evening ride up there? There is space to park for around 6 cars.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Trail center plans on hold, as FC are a royal pain in the $@$£ and especially Nick Hazlitt, the area manager. Ian Warby and I are trying to think of ways to gain funding, as the FC will then listen, but we are now being treated like a flea on a flabby elephants behind!
Any ideas anyone.
Anyone up for a bit of Guerilla trail building?
Posted 1 year ago # -
I guess you need to play the PC game and sell it on that basis. Cynical? Moi?
Posted 1 year ago # -
On a serious note, I am still not convinced that the soil there is suitable for mtb'ing.
Edit: am assuming this is still Farley Mount.
Posted 1 year ago # -
AndyRT - I might be interested in trying to help out. I have had some dealings with Nick Hazlett before (and other FC guys) when trying to get something going in Lordswood. We go approval for some 'erosion control' and 'weed clearance' but because the woods are leased not owned we couldn't take it further.
What sort of funding levels do you need?
We managed to get the FC to provide some drain piping and wood when required. We just provided the labour. We had to give written explanation of what we planned. Get it approved. Do the work. Get it approved. Repeat for each section of work. Bit of a drag but it was doable.
Email me if you want to discuss.
Posted 1 year ago # -
What's up with the soil? Is it sustainability you are worried about?
Posted 1 year ago # -
Anyone up for a bit of Guerilla trail building?
If you can get something going then i'll offer my services.Posted 1 year ago # -
As long as it doesn't annoy the FC so they throw their toys out the pram...?
Posted 1 year ago # -
Chalk base.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Size depends on your perspective! There are two bombholes that you will really struggle to get out of on some aspects (don't forget this route was for motorcyles) and there are numerous other bombholes that need commitment to escape.
Would be up for certain evenings. Allow 2 hours to complete it. Gets gloomy under the trees by late evening, even at this time of year, so lights are useful.
Plenty more parking at the railway station (costs two pounds) - there might even be a pub by there, I seem to recall.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Large bombhole gave you two attempts, first one had a couple of stumps as it descended followed by a rooty finish. That led to second attempt which looked easier. Really needed quite a fast run-up but soil was not particularly grippy, ie more loamy.
Early evening would be best as I don't have lights!
Posted 1 year ago # -
I am in the UK next week and wouldn't mind joining you guys if that is okay. I can pick up and drop off 1 person and bike from Winchester is swap for directions if that helps.
Any evening
Posted 1 year ago # -
Would it be okay for me to come along too. I'm trying to incorporate Black Wood, Micheldever and Farleigh Mount into one big ride so being able to map it with some local knowledge would be ideal.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I think I know the one you mean - you immediately double back and hit it again. Yep, the first escape is the worst (I have heard someone has done it, so it is possible! But not me.) Second escape I did after several attempts, and plucking up courage to take a little speed into it.
Yeah the soil can be loamy - but soft if you wipe out
How about a 6pm start? You should be OK, especially on a sunny day. Otherwise just take it a bit slower towards the end.
Posted 1 year ago # -
6pm
Which day/date - I am free all week I think
Who wants a lift, I am heading up from Southampton?
Posted 1 year ago # -
If next week... Wednesday?
Posted 1 year ago # -
6pm Wednesday 14th.
Gears, SS or fixie?
Posted 1 year ago # -
I only do gears, don't think I should advise!
Gradients tend to be long & gentle.Posted 1 year ago # -
Possibly, have got a delivery due that day but will know 48 hours beforehand whether it's am or pm.
Obviously if that's OK for everyone, go for it!
Thanks Brian for being our guide.
Posted 1 year ago #
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