A272 (Meon Valley)

Street guide, Solent News

The A272 is a cross-country A-road that runs east-west through the Hampshire countryside, passing through the Meon Valley between Winchester and Petersfield. Within the Solent area's hinterland, it crosses the valley at Warnford and Exton, winding through villages, farmland, and downland in one of Hampshire's most scenic landscapes. The road has a loyal following among motorists and cyclists who regard it as one of England's great driving and riding roads. A book was written about it. It avoids the monotony of the motorway network and passes through a succession of attractive villages and market towns. Through the Meon Valley section, it follows the river valley with views of chalk downland on either side. While not a primary commuter route, the A272 is used by local traffic accessing the Meon Valley villages and by through-traffic avoiding the M27 corridor. It connects with the A32 at Warnford and the A3 near Petersfield. The road can be slow behind agricultural vehicles and has limited overtaking opportunities, but this is part of its character. It serves as a reminder that the Solent area extends beyond the coastal towns into deeply rural countryside.