In Southampton.... Going back to Essex.
Peaslake? Barry something trail?
Where should I stop and what should I ride?
There have been a few threads recently. I'm sure you'll find a guide or get a gpx. Pity it wasn't next week or I could have shown you round (slowly you'd have to be patient)
Will dig out thrrads. Wed at 12 Nirvanaa in Westcott have a shop ride - 4hts
As Jamba said
Best starting point to find stuff is Walking Bottom CP in Peaslake - park there not in the village centre to avoid annoying residents. Start on Pitch Hill. Leave CP at the top and ride for about 10 mins. Avoid first LH turn but take any of the next ones to climb on to spine of the hill and obvious main track. Then use Strave and your eyes to spot the mass of singletrack on all sides. If you go right to the top and the trig point, you will find steeper stuff on the S side on both sides of the clear area around the trig points.
After a quick leek and pork slice at Village store, head up radnor lane - steepish narrow road until you see obvious gate and CP on the LH. Barry's starts opposite (look for big log) and will be way home later. Go thru small CP and head upwards. Again you need to use your eyes and strava to find start of trails. Two well know ones are Yog Pots and Tel Graph or add Crack Pipe which is q hard to find.
Play about up there and then retrace steps to Barrys for fast run back to the Village
Winterfold areas is great but trails are a bit harder to locat IMO first time and if time is short I would stick to Pitch and Holmbury
HTH - have fun!
Realise the above is a bit complicated .
If pressed for time, stick to Pitch Hill. If you like steep stuff, go to the very top and play on all e trails dropping down the south side. If you like easier singletrack just climb 3/4 of the way up and explore every side of the main tack up the spine. If ou keep your eyes open you will see lots of trail entrances. You could spend a couple of hours exploring this hill alone.