Destination: Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Hampshire
Although the two way-marked trails are on the short side, there’s a really active trail building group and, as a ride destination, Queen Elizabeth Country Park looks likely to keep getting better and better.
A bit of map research and you can put together some really good rides that incorporate the trails.
Don’t forget, the park is on the 100-mile South Downs Way is you’re up for a real epic.
How to get there
You can’t miss it. It’s about 3 miles north of Portsmouth, on the A3 and well signposted.
Sat Nav: PO8 0QE
Facilities
There’s a visitor centre, toilets and a decent cafe. There are also two kiosks in the park, including one at the top of Butser Hill, if you’re in urgent need of re-fueling.
Trails
First up is the original and still to be revamped 6 km Purple Route. It’s aimed at beginners and is predominately wide fire roads, although there is some decent single track near the end. There’s a bit of an uphill slog at the start but it’s the only real climb of the loop.
Next and re-opened in May 2012 is the yet to be named Red Trail. At 7.5 km it’s built on the foundations of the old Orange Trail but has been given a major facelift by the good folk of the QECP Trail Build Collective. It’s pretty much all singletrack, with some steep and loose sections and some jumps, all rollable, for those who like to get airborne. This is the South Downs though so watch out for wet chalk and slippery roots.
Nearest bike shop
Other info
Parking is a bargain at £2 for the day so you’ve no excuse not to go onto the QECP Trail Build Collective website and make a donation.
Useful links
Queen Elizabeth Country Park official site
QECP Trail Build Collective
QECP Mountain Bike Trail Building on Facebook – Go here and say thanks!
National Trails guide to the South Downs Way
Location Map:
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