Mountain Biking Collection by Katherine Moore
King Alfred's Way — History, chalk, grassland and forest
5 routes
29:22
360km
3,610m
Named after the King that united England and reigned the Kingdom of Wessex from the start and finish point in Winchester, this route meanders through Hampshire, Wiltshire, Berkshire and Surrey on some of the finest off-road trails in the area. It links the South Downs Way, the Ridgeway and the Thames Path National Trails, and also meets the start point of the North Downs Way in Farnham.
The King Alfred’s Way is the latest product of Cycling UK’s ambition to create a network of cycleable off-road trails across the UK, which also includes the Great North Trail (komoot.com/collection/904449/).
From chalk grassland on the South Downs Way to leafy Surrey Forests, vast arable fields on the Salisbury Plain to quaint villages on the Thames, the King Alfred’s Way has it all. For the history buffs, there’s countless sites to explore including Old Sarum, the Avebury stone circles, Stonehenge, Farnham Castle, Salisbury and Winchester Cathedrals and countless hill forts.
As the route never strays too far from villages and towns, it is a great choice for beginner and experienced bikepackers alike. You can enjoy the route with full gear and camp locally, or pack light and stay in quaint B&Bs along the route, the choice is yours. Although the official start and finish is in Winchester, you can start the route wherever you like. It is really well served by train stations, including in Reading, Farnham, Goring and Salisbury.
Prepare to be surprised and amazed on the King Alfred’s Way; no two tracks are the same. Whether you want to pace around in just three days or take a relaxed approach in a week, there’s plenty to admire in the gorgeous South East.
Visibility:
Anyone
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King Alfred’s Way
354km
3,810m
3,810m
Last updated: February 21, 2025
Do it yourself!
Premium
Ready to get going? Create and customize your own version of this adventure using the full route below as a template.
Activities
75.0km
05:46
760m
720m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
80.8km
07:28
900m
790m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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60.1km
04:01
310m
460m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
74.2km
05:59
710m
680m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
69.7km
06:08
930m
990m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
Collection Stats
Activities
5
Distance
360 km
Duration
29:22 h
Elevation
3,610 m
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