HAMPSHIRE County Council says a new 2.5 mile cycle route on a ride out from Petersfield to Queen Elizabeth Country Park has been well received by cyclists.

The route was officially opened on Friday (November 18) at the country park – a gateway to the South Downs National Park – and dozens of cyclists turned out to try it out.

The £1.5m route was partly funded by the county council, with contributions such as £865,000 from the South Downs National Park Authority via the Department for Transport’s Cycling Ambition Fund, £300,000 from the Enterprise M3 LEP, and £220,000 from East Hampshire District Council (EHDC).

Councillor Rob Humby, the County Council’s Executive Member for Environment and Transport, said: “More than 4,000 cyclists told us they wanted this route, and I’m pleased to say that with support from our partners, we have delivered a first class facility. The work is of a very high standard, and the descent cut into the cliff at Queen Elizabeth Country Park is particularly memorable. This new route is in line with the County Council’s Cycling Strategy to attract funding for new investment for cycling, and promote it as a convenient, safe, healthy, affordable and popular means of transport and recreation within Hampshire.”

Allison Thorpe, who leads on access and recreation for the South Downs National Park Authority, said: “It’s always exciting to see our vision of easy-to-use cycle routes – connecting people living in towns and cities with the National Park’s spectacular landscapes – becoming reality. The new path between Petersfield and Queen Elizabeth Country Park will help more walkers and cyclists of all abilities to get out and enjoy everything the South Downs has to offer.”

Councillor Julie Butler, EHDC Portfolio Holder for Customer Service, said: “This important route will be of great benefit to the local community, helping to link residential areas with the local countryside as part of the wider walking and cycling network in East Hampshire.

“We want to get residents and visitors in East Hampshire out and about enjoying the district’s fantastic natural environment and this new route is a fantastic way to encourage that.”

Paul Tuohy, Cycling UK Chief Executive said: “Three years ago, close to 4,000 people called for the Butser Cutting cycle route after a petition started by one of Cycling UK’s members, and we’re pleased to say that the wait was worth it.

“It’s the crowning achievement of the South Downs National Park Authority’s vision that saw them awarded with a £3.81m Cycle Ambition Grant in 2013. It really demonstrates what local authorities and national parks can do to help make cycling and walking a normal activity, and Cycling UK hopes the rest of the country will follow in their example by creating similar high quality space for cycling.”

The route links seamlessly to existing routes to Petersfield railway station. Although primarily built for cyclists, the route can also be used by walkers and horse riders.