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
Ed Hunton grew up in North Devon on the edge of Dartmoor and cycling was his main mode of transport. The unparalleled feeling of freedom his first bike afforded him on his adventures throughout South-West inspired a lifelong passion for cycling. Tours in Italy, Spain, Benelux, France and Cuba followed, with a mixture of campsites, wild camping and pensions being his preferred accommodation. A keen member of Audax, Ed has also completed the Trans Alba (an 800-mile circuit of Scotland), taken part in Bear Bones events, completed a DIY tour of the Badlands in southern Spain and ridden countless sportives. His previous guidebooks for Cicerone focus on bikepacking in the Lake District and in the South East of England.
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
