A practical and inspiring guidebook to bikepacking King Alfred’s Way, a 353km circular route through southern England that weaves together ancient trackways, rolling chalk downs and quiet rural lanes. Riding through landscapes shaped by thousands of years of history, the route links some of the most iconic off-road trails in the country, including the Ridgeway, North Downs Way and South Downs Way, with long stretches of traffic-free riding and big open views.

Designed by Cycling UK and presented here in a clear, rider-focused format, this guidebook helps you plan and ride the loop with confidence. Divided into seven manageable stages of between 40 and 60km, it suits both beginner and experienced MTB and gravel riders, whether you are looking for a relaxed multi-day adventure or a more ambitious challenge. Clear mapping, detailed stage descriptions and flexible itinerary options make it easy to tailor the ride to your time, fitness and preferred style of overnight stop, from wild camping to campsites and comfortable accommodation.

• Seven stages graded for difficulty, from easy to moderate
• GPX files available to download for easy navigation
• 1:150,000 maps included for each stage
• Alternative schedules breaking the route into between 3 and 7 days
• Route summary tables, accommodation listings and suggested wild camping spots to help plan your itinerary
• Easily accessible by train from London and from the north and west of the UK

Map key 
Route summary table 
Alternative schedules: hostels and B&Bs 
Alternative schedules: wild camping 
Alternative schedules: campsites 
Introduction 
What is bikepacking? 
Planning your ride 
What to take 
Rights of way 
Navigation 
Accommodation 
Fuel strategies 
About the route 
Using this guide 
The route 
Stage 1 Test Valley: Winchester to Old Sarum 
Stage 2 Salisbury Plain: Old Sarum to Chirton 
Stage 3 Vale of Pewsey and Ridgeway Part I: Chirton to Uffington Castle 
Stage 4 Ridgeway Part II and Thames Valley: Uffington Castle to Reading 
Stage 5 Forest of Eversley: Reading to Farnham 
Stage 6 North Downs: Farnham to Forty Acre Lane 
Stage 7 South Downs: Forty Acre Lane to Winchester 
Appendix A Accommodation 
Appendix B Bike shops 
Appendix C Recommended kit lists

Seasons

Any season, but spring, summer and autumn are best to avoid churning up the trails.

Centres

Winchester, Salisbury, Avebury, Reading, Farnham, Liss, Liphook

Difficulty

Most of the 7 stages in this guide could be classified as easy, although the final two through the North and South Downs are classified as moderate. The main difficulty comes from the overall distance at 353km.

Must See

The route passes through King Alfred’s Anglo-Saxon capital of Winchester and Old Sarum, the haunting Neolithic centre of Salisbury. It includes world-famous sites such as Stonehenge, Salisbury Plain and Avebury, home to the world’s largest stone circle. Walkers will also encounter the chalk White Horse of Uffington, the mysterious Wayland’s Smithy, thought to be a portal to the underworld, and the ancient Ridgeway, one of England’s first great highways. The journey continues across the rolling heathland of the South Downs, with dozens of fantastic pubs and cafés along the way.

We do not yet have any updates available for this book

We are always grateful to readers for information about any discrepancies between a guidebook and the facts on the ground. If you would like to send some information to us then please use our contact form. They will be published here following review by the author(s).

Free Royal Mail 48 postage on UK orders. European postage is £3.50 per item. Worldwide postage is £5.50 per item. If you're not happy with your purchase for any reason, we'll give you a full refund.