Cycle through Pierrepont farmA new 220-mile cycle route around the ancient country of Wessex and right through CRT’s Pierrepont Farm!

Steeped in 10000 years of history, the cycle route named King Alfred’s Way has taken the charity Cycling UK three years to set up. The route connects four of England’s National Trails: North Downs Way, South Downs Way, Ridgeway and Thames Path.

The 220-mile cycle route loop around the ancient country of Wessex is comprised gravel tracks and off-road trails that cuts through the heart of Hampshire, as well as neighbouring Wiltshire, Berkshire, and Surrey countryside.

Old Barn WorkshopIn the beautiful Surrey countryside, just outside Frensham, the cycle route runs straight through The Old Dairy business units on CRT’s Pierrepont Farm. The Old Dairy units were part of a restoration project undertaken by the CRT to transform disused dairy buildings and collection of historic Grade II listed farm buildings into vibrant artisan business units surrounded by idyllic countryside and wildlife.

The Old Dairy is home to traditional artisan crafts. The units are often open for you to stop by, see the crafts in action and purchase their wares.

Fenella WatsonThe ‘Old Barn Workshop’ is home to the handcrafted jewellery and metal artists, Fenella Watson, and Jessica Noble. The two established jewellery and silversmithing designers are regular jewellery tutors at South Hill Park Arts Centre and now host classes where you can learn to how to make the jewellery yourself (but you need to book in advance). www.oldbarnworkshop.co.uk

Peter Quarmby Windsor ChairPeter Quarmby has been making Windsor chairs for a many number of years after falling in love with the craft at a show of Sussex Guild of Craftsmen in Midhurst. Three hundred years of traditional techniques form the methods of the Windsor chairs made today. Obviously, sturdy joints are essential, but it is the delicate shaping of each element that leads to a beautiful chair by Peter Quarmby. You are welcome to stop by and see the man in action, using a variety of tools and techniques to make these gorgeous chairs that look fantastic in any home! www.peterquarmby.com

Birorobot studioNext door is the creative artist Sinead Fox and illustrators Lisa & Elena Gomez of biroRobot, in an art studio that produces illustrations and hand pulled, limited edition prints. Sinead Fox studied at the University of the Creative Arts in Farnham and went on to study graphic design at Camberwell College of Arts which led to varied work as a freelance artist and filmmaker for a range of clients before returning back to the area. biroRobots clients include: The Lightbox, Art Press, Ikea, Paperchase, The Daily Mail, The Art Group, Sainburys, Whistles and Armani. You can view Sinead Fox’s work on Instagram www.instagram.com/sineadfoxstudio/ and visit www.birorobot.co.uk

John Brown Cheese on the Wey The cycle route cross the River Wey, so definitely calls for a stop at the Cheese on the Wey unit! John Brown has been refining his cheesemaking methods in the Pierrepont unit and sells his blue cheese using unpasteurised milk from the pedigree Jersey herd from the farm. John Brown’s ethos is local sourcing, local production, and local supply whilst minimising any effect on the environment. The unit has been designed with a viewing area so visitors can witness how John Brown make the cheese in his unit.  www.cheeseonthewey.co.uk

Bodkins Fermented FoodsIn another of the Old Dairy units you will find Jessica Herridge’s, Bodkins’ Fermented Foods. Foods have been fermented for centuries to preserve them, but it is only quite recently that we have begun to understand their intrinsic health benefits. Bodkin's veg tastes delicious, is full of probiotics and suitable for a vegan diet. They are the perfect condiment to complement any meal! Have a taste and you will sure to be buying a jar or more! www.bodkins.co.uk

Craft Brews brewery and tap room After a long day of cycling, finish your exercise with a pint at Craft Brews brewery and tap room. Joe Wood’s brewing keeps it both traditional and flavourful! He brews beer and cider original recipes from the late 18th and early 19th centuries where the flavour comes from the malt and English hops collected by a group called Farnham Hoppers from local farms. www.craftbrews.uk

So why not get on your bike and immerse yourself in history-ridden cycle route and fulfil your desire for adventure – obviously making a stop at the Old Dairy along the way!

For more information on the cycle route visit: www.cyclinguk.org/