National Cycle Route 23
85.75 miles (138 km)
This Sustrans signed National Cycle Route runs from Reading to Southampton.
You'll pass through Berkshire and Hampshire visiting the towns of Basingstoke, Alresford, Winchester and Eastleigh. There's also a section on the Isle of Wight known as the Red Squirrel Trail. You will need to catch the ferry from Southampton to Cowes to access this final section.
The route includes lots of traffic free sections with lovely countryside views and scenic country lanes to enjoy.
See the list below for manageable day rides along sections of the route. Scroll further down for route videos and the gpx download.
Cycle Routes on National Cycle Route 23
- Basingstoke to Reading - This route takes you along NCN route 23 from Hampshire into Berkshire
- Winchester to Basingstoke - This route follows National Cycle route 23 through Hampshire.The route starts by Winchester tourist information centre and follows the Rivers Itchen and Alre to New Alresford
- Southampton to Winchester - This route follows National Cycle Network Route 23 from Southampton to Winchester
- Red Squirrel Trail - This super cycle trail explores the central and south eastern part of the Isle of Wight using a mixture of traffic free paths and country lanes.