Day 1 - London to Portsmouth
Description
Both times we have started from Wimbledon. From there the first 20km or so are mainy quiet suburban roads. We pick up a recent cycleway from Raynes Park to New Malden and another short stretch by Berrylands station towards Surbiton. We pass through Surbiton and head south between Esher and Claygate, briefly picking up the A244 which is busier than I would like. After a couple of km we take a right onto back roads again and head for Cobham and the Surrey hills.
Staple lane provides the first climb of the trip. There is then a descent into Shere (around 40km) which is a good spot for a coffee. From Shere we head south-west, across country, through Farley Green and Dunsfold to Midhurst. Just before Midhurst the route goes over Bexley Hill, which is very steep at the top. There is a pleaseant triangle of grass just before the hill if you want a picnic spot; alternatively Midhurst has some cafes on the main street.
After Midhurst we quickly turn back onto quite lanes, narrow in places, through Bepton, Didling and South Harting, before another climb past Uppark National Trust house and garden. We then continue south to the outskirts of Havant, then taking a weaving route round most of Havant and through an industrial estate (Harts Farm Way) to pick up a cycle route that takes us most of the way to Portsmouth docks. There is a final stretch of road to cross the peninsula to the ferry terminal. The Ship and Castle pub is right in the ferry area and is a very practical spot to have some well earned food and drink before an overnight crossing.