Cheesefoot Head & Meon Valley MTB Ride

Our knowledge of the South Downs National Park brings us another gem of a cross-country mountain biking route. We start in the heart of Hampshire’s Meon Valley before looping westward across the rolling downland east and south of Winchester. This ride has long been a personal favourite of ours with its diverse mix of byways, bridleways and woodland trails. It’s nothing short of a stunning and thrilling journey. This really is one of the best Hampshire guided mountain bike rides – available from our expert team of passionate local leaders.

This ride has it all: a stunning National Trust estate, vineyards, and fun descents. As a South Downs ride, there are are long steady climbs, panoramic views of the Solent and quaint ancient villages, right from the very start. We take in the Allan King Way, the amazing bridleways that criss-cross the hamlets of Upham, Dean and Corhampton, and a sublime finishing descent on the Monarch’s Way, before our pub finish.

What to expect

You will need to have a good level of fitness to be able to enjoy this day out. In true South Downs style the riding is good old-fashion cross-country, with long but rewarding climbs and open epic views. The riding is a mixture of stunning doubletrack and singletrack bridleways combined with super fun and flat out woodland trails. The terrain is not overly technical, however, a couple of the descents to require confident bike handling techniques it provides an exciting mixture to inject plenty of fun and a sense of challenge for all levels, especially novice mountain bikers.

If you are still not sure whether this ride is for you, then please do not hesitate to contact us, so we can help you decide.

Expected conditions

The majority of this classic ride handles the variety of weather very well but in places is exposed. Therefore we would recommend packing an additional layer and your sunglasses, ready for when the sun is out and gleaming off the Solent and the chalk.

Riding with Marmalade

We pride ourselves on creating the perfect vibe that makes everyone feel comfortable and confident to maximise your enjoyment during our guided South Downs rides. Combine this super fun and relaxed atmosphere with our expert knowledge and professionalism we will guarantee you the best day out on your bike to discover the trails of the South Downs National Park. Marmalade rides and trips are known for their friendly, sociable and welcoming buzz. We ride and we laugh.

A route for regular mountain bikes or e-bikes

This route is a traditional cross-country mountain bike ride. There will be fun bumpy descents, rooty forest trails and wide-open pastures. So a hardtail or short travel full suspension mountain bike would be perfect. Big travel bikes are welcome – just be prepared for some extra effort.

This ride can be enjoyed on a conventional mountain bike or an e-bike. If this ride is right for your level of experience and fitness, then bring your choice of bike! Marmalade rides have a friendly welcoming atmosphere, and e-bike riders who find themselves first up the hill are always patient and understanding of those relying on human-power alone.

Ensure your e-bike is maintained and ready to ride, and please pack a spare mech hanger with your usual trail pack spares. Consider bringing a spare battery if you feel your power consumption may call for one.

Mountain bike hire

Your bike not quite right? Visiting family and friends without your bike? Or simply you want to give this ride a go, but do not own a mountain bike? Then we can arrange day hires through our local partners, Riverside South Downs or Hassocks Community Cycle Hire.