Bikepacking King Alfred's Way

Bikepack King Alfred's Way and explore 353km of ancient trackways, rolling chalk downs, and quiet rural lanes through the historic landscapes of Wessex, in a circular loop from the Anglo-Saxon capital of Winchester. Devised by Cycling UK and linking some of England's most iconic off-road trails, including the Ridgeway, North Downs Way, and South Downs Way, this is one of the most historically rich and accessible bikepacking routes in the country.

Suitable for beginner and experienced MTB and gravel riders alike, this trusted Cicerone guidebook describes the full 353km route in 7 stages of 40–60km, completable in 3 to 7 days. Flexible alternative schedules for wild camping, campsites, and hostel and B&B accommodation make it easy to tailor the adventure to your style and available time.

Ride King Alfred's Way in 7 stages from Winchester, following ancient trackways and chalk downs through the Test Valley, Salisbury Plain, the Vale of Pewsey, the Ridgeway, the Thames Valley, the Forest of Eversley, the North Downs, and the South Downs back to Winchester.
Discover the highlights of King Alfred's Way, including Winchester itself, Old Sarum and the haunting Neolithic landscape of Salisbury Plain, Stonehenge, the world's largest stone circle at Avebury, the White Horse of Uffington, the mysterious Wayland's Smithy, and the rolling heathland of the South Downs.
Choose a schedule to suit your style, with flexible alternative itineraries for wild camping, campsites, and hostel and B&B accommodation, breaking the route into between 3 and 7 days, with suggested wild camping spots included throughout.
Navigate with confidence using 1:150,000 maps and GPX files available to download for every stage, with clear rider-focused route descriptions throughout.
Plan your King Alfred's Way adventure with route summary tables, a full accommodation appendix, bike shop listings, and recommended kit lists covering everything you need for a successful bikepacking trip.
Access the route easily by train from London and from the north and west of the UK, with Winchester well connected by rail and practical getting there information provided throughout the guide.


Take on King Alfred's Way with confidence using the definitive Cicerone guidebook. From the ancient streets of Winchester to the open chalk downs of Wessex, this is the essential companion for one of southern England's most rewarding and historically rich bikepacking adventures.

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.