Travelling to big smoke from the Basingstoke area, but going mid morning, so thinking that Basingstoke station car park will be full.

Anyone know of a station with a direct train to Waterloo with a car park that’s likely to have empty spaces mid-morning?

Try Grateley. Not a million miles away, and because it’s before Andover/Basingstoke etc, you’re more likely to get a seat.

Looks good – many thanks

De nada.

Also, if you’re back in time, it’s a lovely drive from Grateley to Newton Tony and the simply marvellous Malet Arms for a meal.

🙂

I can do pub recommendations in That London as well, if you like. 🙂

Will bear the Malet Arms in mind for the future. Am down South fairly frequently and normally stay around Oakley. In fact, I’m down next week and will be bringing a bike 🙂

From Oakley, head almost due South to the Bush at Ovington. A cracker of a pub. If they’re on, try the scallops. Sublime.

😉

For riding, there’s plenty around the area. I think there are some more local to Oakley than me, so perhaps post another thread on that. My riding is more Andover/Stockbridge/Salisbury Plain area, which may be a little too far West for you.

Watership Down isn’t far, lovely climb to the ridge. 8)

I’m missing Hampshire. 🙁

Here’s some routes for you. Post up if you need any further info!

http://www3.hants.gov.uk/cycling/cycle-trails.htm

Where’ve you moved to CG? I may have read, but apologies for forgetting. 😳

Captain – I’m in Wiltshire and sometimes ride past your beloved The Swan! Shall I pop my head around the door when I’m next passing, bearing in mind I invariably look like a tramp and ride a shonky singlespeed? 😉

Thanks CG. Did a lovely route from my book around Watership Down last year. Planning to repeat it next week. For somewhere so close to large conurbations and major roads, it seemed incredibly quiet.

You’re in the Avon? Wow! I lived at Nethers for a while, and worked at a certain very local brewery! Oh, and I know….I still owe you a ride.

No, no, no! Wash your minds out everyone else. Not that sort of ride! 😉

cheshirecat – there’s loads of nice riding around there, I know the area pretty well. The Candover Valley offers plenty of trails, even a little bit of rockiness and, of course, lots of bluebells.

Yes, trails are incredibly quiet but you’ll need to watch out for horses!

Captain – lucky for you I’m still recovering from my shoulder op then! 😉