Alton Abbey – Climb to Alton Abbey loop from Alton
Alton Abbey – Climb to Alton Abbey loop from Alton
5.0
(2)
15
riders
Alton Abbey – Climb to Alton Abbey loop from Alton
01:57
31.2km
240m
Cycling
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: April 19, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
9.78 km
St Leonard's Church, Hartley Mauditt
Highlight • Religious Site
Tip by
12.1 km
Frenchmare Copse
Forest
17.9 km
Rough Track in South Downs National Park
Highlight • MTB Park
Tip by
24.3 km
Alton Abbey
Highlight • Religious Site
The community was founded by the Revd Charles Plomer Hopkins in 1884, as the Society of Saint Paul, in Rangoon (Burma) and Culcutta (India) to work with destitute or distressed merchant seafarers and their chaplains. The first house was opened in 1894 in Barry Dock, South Wales (now closed) to continue this work.
A quieter house was needed and the site in Beech was acquired in 1895. This was initially used to care for retired or ill seamen in temporary wood and metal buildings. The current buildings were designed by Sir Charles Nicholson, using Tintern Abbey as a model.
The first monks did much of the construction using local flint, including a flint and brick Gatehouse (1901). The Abbey church, designed by John Cyril Hawes (flint and brick, built 1901-07), is dedicated to "Our Lady and Saint John". Having observed the Rule of St Benedict from 1893 the community formally adopted it on 28 January 1981.
In 1989 another charity undertook the society's work with seafarers. The community now runs retreats and courses for the public in guest rooms.
Cit. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alton_Abbey
A more extensive version of the Abbey's history can be found on its official website at altonabbey.com/history-of-alton-abbey
Coming from Beech towards Winchester (i.e. travelling in a south-westerly direction) the Abbey is at the top of a climb with gradients from 5% to 13%, with the steepest part just before a right bend that conceals the Abbey to the right.
Tip by
24.4 km
Climb to Alton Abbey
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
However, as many other things in life the sting is in the tail: towards the top you'll gain 50 m in elevation in the space of 500 m, a 10% average with a 13% maximum gradient.
Not a super-hard climb, but one where pacing and a decently low bottom gear can pay dividends, especially if you are carrying around some extra weight thanks to those seasonal mince pies ;-)
Tip by
29.4 km
All You Can Eat Cafe & Sandwich Bar
Highlight • Cafe
Tip by
30.3 km
Oliver Cromwell House
Highlight • Historical Site
31.2 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
23.3 km
3.18 km
2.56 km
1.23 km
802 m
171 m
Surfaces
26.4 km
2.93 km
1.47 km
225 m
172 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Highest point (220 m)
Lowest point (90 m)
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Wednesday 8 July
32°C
17°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Comments
Want to know more?
Sign up for a free komoot account to join the conversation.
Sign up for free