August 2025 ride

I’m considering a – possibly train-assisted – ride to Chichester. It’s one we’ve done a few times before. Let me know what you think. I’ll come up with an alternative if it’s not a popular idea.

The weather’s looking good at the moment: dry and not too hot.

You can either take the train to Chichester and cycle back, cycle there and train back, or cycle both ways.

There’s a train leaving Havant at 10.47 arriving 11.08 in Chichester. I suggest we meet at Chichester BR station at that time. Those who want to do some extra miles can meet me at HIADS at 9.30 to give us plenty of time to get to Chichester direct along the A259 using cycle lanes and cycle paths where possible.

From Chichester BR we’ll use the cycle path through to Westgate, over the railway bridge to join the start of the Salterns Way at Apuldram Lane. My inclination is to stick to the road down to Dell Quay Road. There is an off-road alternative (which is part of the Salterns Way) but the surface isn’t great and it takes us a little out of our way – but we can discuss this on the day and even consider splitting the ride and rejoining further on.

From Dell Quay Road we’ll follow the Salterns Way all the way down to Shipton Green. This is a mix of tarmac and off-road. No need for mountain bike tyres, but uncomfortable for skinny ones.

We’ll then be back on tarmac for all but 200m or so of the rest of the ride.

We’ll use the ferry to cross from Itchenor over to Bosham (£3.50).

I suggest we stop for lunch in Bosham. The Boat House café in Chichester Marina is another possibility. We can discuss on the ride. Alternatively you could bring a picnic.

From there we’ll find the back route to Havant and back home.

The distance from Chichester BR to home is around 26 miles (less than three hours on the bike). Those cycling from HIADS will travel an extra 15 miles.