Trip Overview

This fantastic four-day tour is a unique and inspiring journey of largely traffic-free cycling across three counties. It follows the newly opened King Alfred's Way as well as the Solent Way and the New Forest cycle trails. The King Alfred's Way in its entirety is a 350km circular off-road adventure route through 10,000 years of history, connecting some of England’s most iconic sites. Despite being easily accessible from cities in the south of England, you’ll feel like you’ve escaped from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Think white horses on chalk hillsides and wide-open views across rolling waves of countryside. The name of the trail is inspired by Alfred the Great, who ruled the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Wessex. The tour starts in Reading and heads south-east in a clock-wise direction around the King Alfred’s Way route taking in the sights of the south downs. The journey then takes in the amazing cycling tracks and wildlife of the New Forest before venturing through the North Solent Nature Reserve with its expansive salt marshes. After a journey out to historical Hurst Castle, our finish point eventually will be Lymington, famous for sailing and smugglers. Come and experience a slice of British history on an almost entirely traffic-free cycling adventure with no shortage of idyllic countryside, forests and seaside riding.

DAY 1 - Reading to Farnborough (49km)

The tour starts out in Reading and threads itself cunningly through cycle paths, forest tracks and forgotten back roads to Riseley. From there we’ll divert to the Roman town at Silchester with its impressively well-preserved defences. The day consists of pedaling between heathland nature reserves, canal towpath, back roads and bridleways. We finish the day navigating our way through defence force territory and up to the spectacular vantage point at the hill fort at Caesar’s Camp before rolling into Farnham.

DAY 2 - Farnborough to Petersfield (55km)

A challenging day exploring the picturesque scenery through beautiful heathland, forests, back roads and bridleways. Heading out of Farnham we ride through one of the top 100-listed off-road cycling trails in Britain - the Alice Holt Forest before taking in the expansive tranquillity of Frensham Ponds. There are numerous more highlights of the day including the fantastic views at both Hankley and Hindhead commons, as well as the charming villages of Tilford and Thursley with the promise of coffee and cake by the village green music to your ears.

DAY 3 - Petersfield to Southampton (62km)

We start this varied day heading south to where the King Alfred’s Way meets the North Downs Way. We’ll cycle up onto the ridgeline of North Downs to traverse to Queen Elizabeth Country Park on a mix of bridleways and back roads before reaching the transmitter at Wether Down. The next section will require all your effort and leg strength as we drop in and out of small – but sometimes steep – valleys before hitting a downhill gradient heading south and off the King Alfred’s Way to Southampton. The day’s route is arguably the most challenging of the trip but there’s certainly no shortage of beautiful panoramic views, ridgeline riding and rolling hills in an area steeped in history.   

DAY 4 - Southampton to Lymington (49km)

After leaving Southampton, we cross the Solent estuary and soon enter the New Forest; a mecca for cyclists wanting to escape the city and find some excellent off-road trails. Through the forest we will visit the likes of Brockenhurst, the North Solent Nature Reserve and historical Hurst Castle; all topped off with the magnificent clifftop views as we ride into Keyhaven.  After lunch we join the Solent Way cycle path which feels like you'll be floating on two wheels as we cycle in amongst the salt marshes, before finally reaching our finishing point at Lymington, a colourful coastal town is an ancient seaport with a rich maritime history.   

Distance

215km (4 days cycling)

Logistics

This tour begins in Reading and finishes in Lymington. We recommend you catch the train to Reading and from Lymington to/from your destination. If you are driving you will need to park at Reading for the duration of the tour. From Reading the tour will be point-to-point riding to Farnham, Petersfield, Southhampton and then Lymington. On the final day we will aim to arrive at Lymington at around 4pm. Please book a train that leaves Lymington after 4pm on the final day. If there is demand a minibus may be organised to transport people and bikes to Reading (extra charge). A luggage transfer will be provided for you on each day of the tour.

Highlights

- Fantastic cycle trails of Alice Holt Forest and the New Forest

- Britain’s best display of wild heathlands

- Stunning views of the Solent along the cliff tops at Keyheaven and through the salt marshlands on the Solent Way path

- Roman and WWII history throughout the route

- Riding along the North Downs ridgeway

What to budget for?

• Train tickets

• Extra meals and snacks

• Depending on demand, a minibus from Lymington to Reading will
  incur an extra charge if you take this service

Price

Earlybird Single £445
Earlybird Twin £395pp
Full Payment - Single £495
Full Payment - Twin £440pp
Deposit £250

*earlybird ends March 12th, 2023