Start: Winchester
Distance: 218 miles
Terrain: Mainly off road traffic free byways and bridleways. Some quiet roads
Bike Types: Mountain bikes, Hybrid
Grading : Moderate
The King Alfred’s Way is 218 mile (350km) long distance circular cycling route. Its about 85% off road on byways, canal paths and bridleways with the remainder being quiet country lanes. The King Alfred’s Way is named after Alfred The Great and so the route begins at King Alfred’s Statue in High Street,Winchester.
The King Alfred’s Way was launched by Cycling UK in 2020 and is part of Cycling UK’s aim to create a network of cycle routes across the UK. It uses parts of the Ridgeway, South Downs Way, North Downs Way and the Thames Path and takes in historic sites such as Stonehenge, Avebury and the hill forts Old Sarum and Barbury Castle.
The route isnt flat and demands a level of fitness. There are some steep climbs and uneven surfaces but nothing that could be classed as technical off roading. We have heard reports of it being quite muddy in winter. Whilst its possible to complete in 3 days we would suggest 4-6 days to give time to take in some of the sights along the way. In summer the route could be done on a moutain bike, hybrid, gravel bike or even a touring bike, in winter a mountain bike may be better.
It is possible to ride the King Alfred’s Way on an e-bike but please bear in mind there are sections which may have no available charging points so manage your battery capacity accordingly.
The route is being promoted as a bike packing route with plenty of accommodation and campsites along the way. During the corona virus pandemic however we did hear of eye watering prices for accommodation due to demand. Another option is wild camping although technically this is only legal within the Dartmoor Nationl Park.
Dont forget your drinks bottle.
King Alfred’s Way Route Map & GPX
King Alfred’s Way Accommodation
The Chapel B&B Tadley. Double or single rooms available or the whole chapel.
Rowbury Farm Camping, Andover. First class loos and showers.
The Foinavon, Newbury. Village pub with six letting bedrooms.
Porkers Cottage and Stables, Aldermaston, Studio rooms and shepherds hut.
The Chapel Bed & Breakfast, Tadley. Luxury detached self-contained annexe
The Paddocks, Aldbourne – B&B, lockable garage with electric.
Rookwood House, Newbury – Bed & breakfast, heated pool, BBQ
Stowford Manor Farm, Trowbridge – Camping, swimming club, workshops.
The West Wing, Everleigh – Accommodation, self catering, breakfast. Near Stonehenge.
The Stones Hotel, Salisbury – Accommodation, restaurant, near to Stonehenge.
Totteridge Farm, Pewsey – camping, camping pods, caravans, motorhomes
George and Dragon, Andover – Accommodation, meals, take-aways
The Kingsbury, Marlborough – We are a limited service B&B/hotel concept offering fabulous accommodation without the need for a reception or keys. We have a lockable garage for guests to be able to store their bikes.
The Five Bells Wickham – Accommodation, drinks, meals
Talmage House B&B, Malborough – Secure bike storage in garage, garden and summerhouse
Silbury House B&B, Avebury – Rooms and secure bike storage
Overtown Manor B&B, Swindon – Holiday Lets. Bed and breakfast, secure bike storage, near the Ridgeway
Hill Barn B&B, Wantage – Rooms, evening meals and packed lunches
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