History, chalk, grassland and forest — King Alfred's Way

Mountain Biking Collection by Katherine Moore

Tours

29:22 h

224 mi

11,850 ft

The newest long distance bikepacking route in the UK (summer 2020), created by charity Cycling UK, the King Alfred’s Way is a 217 mile (350 km) loop around the south east of England, taking in not only some incredibly diverse landscapes, but also millennia of history.

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.

On The Map

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King Alfreds Way

220 mi

11,750 ft

11,825 ft

Last updated: May 25, 2022

Tours & Highlights

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Stage 1: Winchester to Tilshead — King Alfred's Way
Difficult
05:46
46.6 mi
8.1 mph
2,500 ft
2,375 ft
Expert mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
The King Alfred's Way's official start is in Winchester, fittingly where King Alfred held his throne. But, as this route is a loop, you can start and finish at any point you choose.

This first stage will take you clockwise onto the loop from this ancient city bustling with history from the Westgate, straight…
by Katherine Moore
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Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Stage 2: Tilshead to The Ridgeway — King Alfred's Way
Difficult
07:28
50.2 mi
6.7 mph
2,950 ft
2,600 ft
Expert gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may require you to push your bike.
The second stage of the King Alfred's way from the Salisbury Plain Military Training Area to the Ridgeway is a stage that promises to be chock full of brilliant wide gravel roads.

Leaving the quaint village of Tilshead behind, head north via a series of grassy bridleways that have been newly updated…
by Katherine Moore
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Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Stage 3: The Ridgeway to Riseley — King Alfred's Way
Intermediate
04:01
37.3 mi
9.3 mph
1,025 ft
1,500 ft
Intermediate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
Completing the Ridgeway on the northern end of the King Alfred's Way before passing through Reading, Stage 3 feels like a ride of two halves. Chalky and grassy bridleways and byways turn into mucky tracks on the Thames Path, and from our once remote journey you now pass through the delightful villages…
by Katherine Moore
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Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Stage 4: Riseley to Liphook — King Alfred's Way
Difficult
05:59
46.1 mi
7.7 mph
2,325 ft
2,225 ft
Expert gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may require you to push your bike.
From Berkshire into leafy Surrey, the fourth stage is perhaps one of the best.

You'll start with a series of quiet country lanes as you head south, then leaving the tarmac behind every now and then to seek out hidden singletrack through roadside woodlands and heath. Although the official route does not…
by Katherine Moore
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Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Stage 5: Liphook to Winchester — King Alfred's Way
Difficult
06:08
43.3 mi
7.1 mph
3,050 ft
3,225 ft
Expert gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may require you to push your bike.
The final stage of the King Alfred's Way will take you full circle back to Winchester via the well-known South Downs Way.

From Liphook, you'll skirt the edge of the Longmoor Ranges before the old converted railway line cycle path into the town of Liss. Nicely warmed up, from here you'll tackle the first…
by Katherine Moore
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