King Alfred’s Way, is a 350km exhilarating mountain bike adventure through England’s scenic south. Starting in Salisbury, this journey loops through historic sites like Winchester and Stonehenge on a route steeped in 10,000 years of history. Following the soaring slopes of the South Downs and The Ridgeway, you will experience short technical ascents and swooping chalky downhills on this unforgettable ride.
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- Highlights of cycling King Alfred’s Way
- Day-by-day stages
- Route map
- Need-to-knows
- Our NEW King Alfred’s Way mountain biking holiday
Highlights of cycling King Alfred’s Way
Named after the revered 9th-century Anglo-Saxon ruler of Wessex, King Alfred the Great, the trail traverses the landscapes that defined his ancient kingdom. During the ride, you will encounter a tapestry of history and stunning scenery as you wind your way across four counties, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Surrey, and Berkshire, visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Stonehenge and Avebury and exploring Iron Age hill forts such as Old Sarum and Barbury Castle.
The route showcases the chalk downlands—a characteristic feature of the region—noted for their unique biodiversity and sweeping vistas. These rolling hills are adorned with rare wildflowers, such as the vibrant cowslip and fragrant wild thyme, and are a haven for butterflies, including the dazzling Chalkhill Blue and the elusive Adonis Blue. A variety of bird species, like skylarks, fill the air with song, adding to the area’s allure. The mixture of history and nature makes this journey an immersive experience, allowing adventurers to pedal through over a millennium of heritage while enjoying the vibrant beauty of the southern English landscape. Your mountain bike wheels will follow a mixture of terrains, woodland single-track, ancient chalk roads some of which have been used for centuries, technical climbs and short tricky descents, quiet country lanes and riverside paths.
We’re proud to offer this new cycling holiday on one of Cycling UK’s seven long-distance routes designed to connect riders with England’s rich history and stunning landscapes. When you book on this holiday, you’ll have an option to donate to Cycling UK to help with the upkeep of this route and others like it. Skedaddle will also be making a donation for every mile ridden on King Alfred’s Way for each of our customers.
Discover what each day will hold for you when you cycle King Alfred’s Way with Skedaddle!
Salisbury to Devizes
Distance: 40 Miles / 64 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 635 Metres Approx.
Our riding starts in Salisbury, within sight of England’s tallest Cathedral spire, weaving through the city along the scenic River Avon. It’s not long before we hit the first off-road trail leading to the impressive Iron Age fort of Old Sarum. Continuing onward, we journey to the iconic Stonehenge, pausing to marvel at its ancient grandeur. Taking in the sweeping views from the heights of Salisbury Plain, we ride past a military training zone before heading through Tilshead and reaching Devizes for a well-earned meal and restful night.
Devizes to Letcombe Regis
Distance: 43 Miles / 70 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 725 Metres Approx
The day’s journey begins along the flat gravel path of the Kennet and Avon Canal, offering an easy warm-up. The challenging ascent of Tan Hill rewards with panoramic views and descent to Avebury, where The Great Henge, the world’s largest stone circle, awaits exploration. Continuing along The Ridgeway, pass notable sites such as Barbury Castle en route to White Horse Hill. Capture the iconic Uffington White Horse, then proceed to Wantage, King Alfred’s supposed birthplace, for a memorable photo opportunity before dinner.
Letcombe Regis to Heckfield
Distance: 44 Miles / 71 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 580 Metres Approx.
We start with an early climb back up onto the Ridgeway, enjoying a 12-mile off-road stretch of chalk grasslands and off-road trails. Descending to the River Thames, we ride through charming countryside to reach Reading. Our route bypasses traffic, leading us along the River Kennet via cycle paths and forest tracks. Leaving the city boundary, we enjoy tranquil bridleways past Wellington Country Park, ending the day in Heckfield with a pint at a traditional country pub.
Heckfield to Liss
Distance: 52 Miles / 83 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 900 Metres Approx.
This is the longest stage of our route, and it offers a diverse range of scenery. We start on picturesque country roads, twist through sandy singletrack at Hazeley Heath, and explore WWII sites at Oldiham Common. After visiting Farnham’s castle, we ride sandy trails at Frensham and Thursley Commons. The toughest climb is Hindhead Common, rewarded by Surrey Hills views and a thrilling descent to Bramshott. We finish with quiet trails to the pretty town of Liss.
Liss to Winchester
Distance: 39 Miles / 62 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 865 Metres Approx.
This beautiful ride leads us to King Alfred himself. Staring on forest tracks across Rogate Common into Sussex, joining the South Downs Way at Torberry Hill Fort. We navigate steep climbs and descents to Queen Elizabeth Country Park and Old Winchester Hill Fort. Descending Wether Down, we carefully avoid rare butterflies on the chalk single-track. After Exton’s Meon Valley railway, we ascend Beacon Hill, then soar down ‘Wheely Down’ to Cheesefoot Head. The journey concludes via scenic paths to Winchester, passing King Alfred’s sculpture before arriving at our evening stop.
Winchester to Salisbury
Distance: 27 Miles / 44 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 455 Metres Approx.
On our shortest and final day, we leave Winchester’s suburbs, climbing on single-track roads and trails by ancient earthworks. We descend into King’s Somborne and the Test Valley, navigating its muddy paths before a steep climb to Broughton Down with views of Danebury Hill Fort. Enjoy a thrilling descent along the Monarch’s Way, heading through Porton Down’s military-rich landscapes back to Old Sarum. We complete our journey in Salisbury, with some time to explore this richly historic and compact city.
See our King Alfred cycle route map below.
Route map for King Alfred’s Way
What you need to know about King Alfred’s Way
King Alfred’s Way is the ideal cycle route for anyone with a good level of fitness and basic off-road skills. Our holiday is designed for mountain bikes.
What kind of bike is best for cycling King Alfred’s Way?
To fully enjoy the experience of cycling King Alfred’s Way a mountain bike is recommended. The mixed terrain of the route, which includes rugged off-road trails, twisty single-track and quiet roads, calls for a bike with off-road capabilities. One of the joys of cycling along King Alfred’s Way is the variety of trails and tracks you will encounter.
How difficult is cycling King Alfred’s Way?
Cycling King Alfred’s Way is considered moderately challenging, it is a Skedaddle Grade 3 mountain bike trip requiring a good level of fitness and some experience with varied off-road terrains. The 350-kilometer route includes elevation changes, gravel paths, chalky single track and steep sections, which can test your endurance and skills. However, the breathtaking views, historic landmarks, and sense of accomplishment make the challenges worthwhile.
When is the best time of year to cycle King Alfred’s Way?
The best time to cycle King Alfred’s Way is during late spring through early autumn, typically from May to September. During these months, the weather is generally milder and more predictable, offering ideal conditions for an enjoyable ride. Watching the sunset across the hills and hearing the buzz of busy insects amongst the wildflowers of the chalk hills makes the whole ride a sensuous journey. The longer daylight hours also allow more time to explore the landmarks along the way and appreciate the spectacular landscapes and historic sites that make cycling King Alfred’s Way a truly unique and memorable experience.
Discover King Alfred’s Way with our NEW cycling holiday
We think one of the best ways to explore the UK is by bike, and King Alfred’s Way is the perfect example! A unique cycling adventure offering a quintessentially English blend of landscapes and rich history whilst providing exciting and occasionally challenging off-road riding. Book your Skedaddle holiday on this fantastic new route or discover more of our UK cycling holidays or cycling holidays in England and begin your next adventure.