Ten years after a special cycle ride one of the main suggestions has come to fruition.
The new cycle/foot path linking Whitchurch to Tufton and the Test valley countryside is now open. It followed years of lobbying that started with a special cycle ride in April 2012 arranged for Town, Borough and County councillors, the Mayor at the time Barry Jackman, and the cycling baronet MP Sir George Young.
Safer access to the countryside
2022 now sees a much safer access route has now been constructed joining the town to Nuns Walk at Tufton and southwards into the tranquil countryside with its chalk streams, thatched cottages and country pubs. This also leads through to the National Cycle Network route No.246 (NCN246) which follows the Test and Bourne valleys.
It is also encouraging to see wild flowers starting to appear adjacent to the path, adding colour to the roadsides and providing habitats for insects and wildlife.
Part of a network
With an existing cycle path at the Shuttle Street junction into Mill Springs, it also has potential to join up with the cycle route through to the new Sports pitches and Micheldever Road, as well linking into the rear of Testbourne Community School. Cycling into school or to the sports area open space from the south of town has never been easier.
The project has been funded from developers contributions and put in place as a part of a wider Whitchurch Accessibility Scheme by Hampshire County Council.
Teething problems
Signage
As with all schemes there are a few teething problems. The signage seems rather awry in places and there are no clear signs at the start.
It would also be helpful to have Cyclist/Pedestrian crossing point warning signs when approaching the southern Winchester Road crossing from the north and also at the exit of Shuttle Street and Webbs Farm Close.
Bollards and bins
Some wooden bollards have also been placed in a section near the Charlcot housing entrances which have already caused danger to some users while refuse bins have also been stored on the path. However these are all relatively minor issues and should be easy to remedy, so maybe some more friendly lobbying is required.
“It’s great…”
For now the route it is a welcome addition to the area, and summed up by a recent family of cyclists heading towards the countryside with “It’s great, isn’t it” 
Where it all started – April 2012
Pictured below are those who took part in the cycle ride in April 2012 to look at the town’s cycling facilities, or rather lack of them, and which kicked off the idea for the new route. It’s a good plan that has now come to fruition.
Left to right in 2012 (below):
Harriet Titcomb (resident), Barry Jackman (Town Mayor), Jackie Day (Town Councillor), Claire Isbester (resident), Dave Titcomb (Town Councillor), Sir George Young (MP), Eric Dunlop (Borough Councillor), John Buckley (Hampshire Cycle Training and organiser), photo by Andrew Reeves-Hall (resident).
 |
| ABOVE: April 2012 Discussing the possible crossing point near the A34. In 2022 this was eventually provided. |
 |
ABOVE: July 2022 Cyclists using the new crossing point near the A34. |