Micbas one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

A route of 2 halves. We walked from Basingstoke to Micheldever to get the urban bit out of the way first. It isn't the most inspiring walk coming out of Basingstoke - which takes 5 miles - hence only giving it 3 stars. Otherwise it would be at least 4. There are roadworks on the Brighton Hill roundabout which mean that one has to go around it, not across. I've been trying to work out a better way out of Basingstoke and can't find anything of the same distance. There would be the option of heading west along various footpaths and then pick up the roman road/ St James Way at Buckskin but that would add just over half a mile. However, it is more off road and more pleasant.
We took a detour at the bottom of Dummer Down Lane, walking straight across Duxford Lane to go into Dummer Down Farm and have lunch at the Honesty Cafe. We then left through the back of the farm which they've always been happy for people to use and caught up with the proper route a little way up the hill. Another possible alternative would be to follow the Wayfarer's Way from Dummer to Duxford Lane, crossing it and following the permissive route which would link to a footpath taking you back to The Holt - again adding about 1/2 mile but cutting out over a mile of road.
Yes, The Holt can get muddy during the winter but never completely impassable although care needs to be taken as it can be slippery. It was more the nettles that were the challenge today. As the paths in the Holt were a little overgrown, more than I've ever seen before, we decided to stay on the road rather than go through College Woods given the previous reviews.
The path out of Blackwood still needs a detour - which was blocked by fly tipping just before Larkwhistle Farm Road. Given the detour, it would be possible to walk more directly across Blackwood to Larkwhistle Road.
The bit from Dummer to Micheldever has lovely views and goes through beautiful beech woods.
The dogs loved it although it was hot and there weren't many wet bits for them to cool off in. Their favourite was Rownest Wood. No stiles.
Several options for food. There is the community cafe in Beggarwood Park and a Forest Holidays cafe in the middle of Blackwood as well as the Queen Inn in Dummer.
If coming from Micheldever, the turning onto the footpath through The Holt is easy to miss. I've marked it on the last photo. However the GPX file is a good guide and we didn't get lost once (which is quite unusual).
The train from Basingstoke to Micheldever takes 10 minutes - a very easy linear route.
In summary, I'd walk from Dummer to Micheldever again (and have done most of it previously) but not from Basingstoke to crossing the M3.

Micheldever Station to Basingstoke 1 (Micbas 1) review..

A longer Slow Way which takes in lanes, fields, woodland paths, and a final urban stretch into Basingstoke.

The route starts at Micheldever Station (Photo 1).

One need to be vigilant along the Larkwhistle Farm Road. Traffic can be fast and the grassy verge narrow in places. The road is straight but the undulations can hide approaching vehicles (Photo 2).

The Slow Way is supposed to leave the road for a private lane [SU531421]. Unfortunately, a new business development has put a gate across the lane, with “Private, no access” signs. It’s only a short detour to continue along the main road and reach the other end of the lane via a byway. I’m happy to verify, as the access problem is minor; although the route will probably need modifying.

There’s a shaded walk under beech trees in Blackwood Forest, and then a lane over the M3. The route continues through Rownest Wood (Photo 3) and College Wood. I found the latter rather overgrown.

After Woodmancott, there’s a well-maintained footpath past many prospective Christmas trees (Photo 4).

The route through The Holt woods is tricky to find. I kept on the correct bearing and somehow found my way. It looks like it could easily get muddy (Photo 5).

There’s a welcome break point at The Queen Inn in Dummer (Photo 6).

The Slow Way leaves Dummer via a remarkably fancy stretch of the Wayfarer’s Walk (Photo 7). It recrosses the M3 for a footpath to the edge of Basingstoke.

The long route across Basingstoke suburbia makes good use of the available green spaces. Eventually, however, one is walking alongside main roads for the final approach into the city centre.

Leaving Micheldever Railway Station the route is briefly on pavement along Overton Road before turning left onto Larkwhistle Farm Road for about ½ mile. The latter has fast moving traffic and no flat verges to step on to, although the first third has an unofficial path in an adjacent field probably created by local dog walkers. The next 4 1/2 miles are off road but dry under foot despite several showers over preceding days. The 1/3-mile section through College Wood follows a weaving, wide, but partially overgrow, track that is discernible but is obviously rarely used. The 1 /2 mile through The Holt is very narrow and it is very difficult to ensure it is the correct path without the aid of a GPS device. The last 7 miles of the route are on lanes or pavements. This route is easy walking and although there are a couple of ordinary gates and fallen trees, there are no stiles.

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