{"id":2892,"date":"2024-04-08T11:39:39","date_gmt":"2024-04-08T11:39:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/?post_type=route&#038;p=2892"},"modified":"2025-02-11T15:05:20","modified_gmt":"2025-02-11T15:05:20","slug":"cycling-king-alfreds-way","status":"publish","type":"route","link":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/adventures\/cycling-king-alfreds-way\/","title":{"rendered":"Cycling King Alfred&#8217;s Way"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t<header id=\"block_cf77293d40383bb33cbd5254629b2e0e\" class=\"RouteHero skip-lazy default\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"RouteHero__categories\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities-adventures\/cycling\/\" class=\"category\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCycling\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities-adventures\/off-road-cycling\/\" class=\"category\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOff-road cycling\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"RouteHero__title\" >\n\t\t\t\t\tCycling King Alfred&#8217;s Way\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center align-items-center RouteHero__author\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto name\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBy Helen Newman\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"RouteHeroDetails\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"RouteHeroDetails__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"RouteHeroDetails__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDistance\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"RouteHeroDetails__val\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t352 km \/ 219 miles\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div 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GPX\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-sm-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"javascript:window.print()\" class=\"Button Button--default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPrint this route\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"RouteHero__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPublished on \t\t\t\t\t\t<time datetime=\"2024-04-08T11:39:39+00:00\" itemprop=\"datePublished\">April 8, 2024<\/time>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"dot\"><\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t10 min read\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/explore.osmaps.com\/route\/10191702\/cycling-uk-king-alfreds-way-full-route\" class=\"RouteHero__thumbnail\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Open in OS Maps\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1376\" height=\"680\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/adventures-banner-king-alfred.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"King Alfred&#039;s Way Route\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/adventures-banner-king-alfred.jpg 1376w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/adventures-banner-king-alfred-300x148.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/adventures-banner-king-alfred-1024x506.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/adventures-banner-king-alfred-768x380.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1376px) 100vw, 1376px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"44\" height=\"44\" viewBox=\"0 0 44 44\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g filter=\"url(#filter0_d_327_5301)\">\n<rect x=\"2\" y=\"1\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" rx=\"20\" fill=\"black\" fill-opacity=\"0.5\"\/>\n<path d=\"M28.75 18.75L28.75 14.25M28.75 14.25H24.25M28.75 14.25L22 21M20.5 14.25H18.85C17.5899 14.25 16.9598 14.25 16.4785 14.4952C16.0552 14.711 15.711 15.0552 15.4952 15.4785C15.25 15.9598 15.25 16.5899 15.25 17.85V24.15C15.25 25.4101 15.25 26.0402 15.4952 26.5215C15.711 26.9448 16.0552 27.289 16.4785 27.5048C16.9598 27.75 17.5899 27.75 18.85 27.75H25.15C26.4101 27.75 27.0402 27.75 27.5215 27.5048C27.9448 27.289 28.289 26.9448 28.5048 26.5215C28.75 26.0402 28.75 25.4101 28.75 24.15V22.5\" stroke=\"white\" stroke-width=\"1.33333\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<defs>\n<filter id=\"filter0_d_327_5301\" x=\"0\" y=\"0\" width=\"44\" height=\"44\" filterUnits=\"userSpaceOnUse\" color-interpolation-filters=\"sRGB\">\n<feFlood flood-opacity=\"0\" result=\"BackgroundImageFix\"\/>\n<feColorMatrix in=\"SourceAlpha\" type=\"matrix\" values=\"0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 127 0\" result=\"hardAlpha\"\/>\n<feOffset dy=\"1\"\/>\n<feGaussianBlur stdDeviation=\"1\"\/>\n<feColorMatrix type=\"matrix\" values=\"0 0 0 0 0.0627451 0 0 0 0 0.0941176 0 0 0 0 0.156863 0 0 0 0.05 0\"\/>\n<feBlend mode=\"normal\" in2=\"BackgroundImageFix\" result=\"effect1_dropShadow_327_5301\"\/>\n<feBlend mode=\"normal\" in=\"SourceGraphic\" in2=\"effect1_dropShadow_327_5301\" result=\"shape\"\/>\n<\/filter>\n<\/defs>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/header>\n\n\t\n\n\n\t\t<article id=\"block_d76bb1f4f81840915fd92e75ff52548c\" class=\"Universal Universal--route c-small default pt-default pb-default mt-none mb-none    \" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"InnerBlocks\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"lead\"><\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n<p>The King Alfred\u2019s Way is a 350km circular off-road cycling route that will take you back in time. Combining beautiful rural scenery with some of Britain\u2019s most iconic historic sites and four National Trails this ride makes a great bikepacking adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The route is rich in history, making its way through the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Alfred the Great, Wessex as we all know it. Cycling UK launched the King Alfred\u2019s Way in 2020 and it was soon the talk of the town. Every cyclist wanted to give it a go and we were no exception. Combining beautiful rural scenery with some of Britain\u2019s most iconic off-road routes (South Downs Way, North Downs Way, Thames Path and The Ridgeway) this ride makes a great bikepacking adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/site\/uploads\/images\/2018champs\/Blog%20imagery\/King_Alfred's_Way_Cycling_south_downs_way2.jpg\" alt=\"South Downs Way Cycling\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><small>South Downs Way Cycling<\/small><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite being seasoned cycle tourists, we were a little apprehensive about this ride as we did not own off-road bikes. Cycling UK suggest the route can be ridden on a gravel bike or mountain bike, classing it as a bikepacking route as opposed to cycle touring. Our sturdy steel touring bikes have been over their fair share of lumps and bumps (like that time we took the wrong turn in New Zealand and ended up on a graded MTB trail) so we figured it would be ok.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/site\/uploads\/images\/2018champs\/Blog%20imagery\/King_Alfred's_Way_Cycling_Hankley_Camp.jpg\" alt=\"Wild camping bikes in woods\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><small>Wild camping in woods<\/small><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/site\/uploads\/images\/2018champs\/Blog%20imagery\/King_Alfred's_Way_Cycling_mum.jpg\" alt=\"Mother and daughter cycling\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><small>Mum and I<\/small><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/site\/uploads\/images\/2018champs\/Blog%20imagery\/King_Alfred's_Way_Cycling_views.jpg\" alt=\"Beautiful views in Wiltshire\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><small>Beautiful views in Wiltshire<\/small><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>We decided to tackle the route in one go and take each day as it comes, thanks to the flexibility of carrying our tents. We were also equipped with an OS Adventura 2 bike GPS with OS Mapping plus OS Maps on our phone for back up. Having both a bike GPS with Topo mapping and OS Maps on our phone worked incredibly well and we seldomly got lost. Plus, it was great to look back at our stats from each day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<div id=\"block_3885285cca9a7c05d49cef7eadea4f87\" class=\"Inner InnerWaypoint\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"60\" height=\"86\" viewBox=\"0 0 60 86\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t<rect x=\"6.00049\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" rx=\"24\" fill=\"#186571\"\/>\n\t<path opacity=\"0.12\" d=\"M30.0005 25C31.6573 25 33.0005 23.6569 33.0005 22C33.0005 20.3431 31.6573 19 30.0005 19C28.3436 19 27.0005 20.3431 27.0005 22C27.0005 23.6569 28.3436 25 30.0005 25Z\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n\t<path d=\"M30.0005 25C31.6573 25 33.0005 23.6569 33.0005 22C33.0005 20.3431 31.6573 19 30.0005 19C28.3436 19 27.0005 20.3431 27.0005 22C27.0005 23.6569 28.3436 25 30.0005 25Z\" stroke=\"white\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n\t<path d=\"M30.0005 34C34.0005 30 38.0005 26.4183 38.0005 22C38.0005 17.5817 34.4188 14 30.0005 14C25.5822 14 22.0005 17.5817 22.0005 22C22.0005 26.4183 26.0005 30 30.0005 34Z\" stroke=\"white\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n\t<path d=\"M6.44432 78.24C3.60432 78.24 1.42432 76.7 1.02432 74.98L3.70432 74.18C4.04432 75.1 4.94432 75.84 6.28432 75.86C7.70432 75.88 8.68432 75.18 8.68432 74.16C8.68432 73.28 7.94432 72.66 6.70432 72.36L4.88432 71.88C2.82432 71.36 1.42432 70.04 1.42432 67.96C1.42432 65.32 3.24432 63.76 6.44432 63.76C9.12432 63.76 10.7843 65 11.5243 66.96L8.86432 67.78C8.54432 66.88 7.66432 66.14 6.36432 66.14C5.02432 66.14 4.22432 66.8 4.22432 67.9C4.22432 68.78 4.86432 69.26 5.90432 69.52L7.74432 69.98C10.1643 70.58 11.5443 72.24 11.5443 74.1C11.5443 76.6 9.70432 78.24 6.44432 78.24ZM16.4528 78V66.5H12.2528V64H23.3728V66.5H19.1928V78H16.4528ZM33.1834 78L32.0034 74.92H26.2034L25.0234 78H22.1234L27.6434 64H30.5634L36.0834 78H33.1834ZM27.1234 72.5H31.0834L29.1034 67.34L27.1234 72.5ZM37.3607 78V64H42.5607C45.5207 64 47.6007 65.86 47.6007 68.52C47.6007 70.36 46.5407 71.82 44.9207 72.54L48.1607 78H45.0607L42.2007 73.04H40.1007V78H37.3607ZM40.1007 70.54H42.5807C43.8007 70.54 44.7607 69.7 44.7607 68.52C44.7607 67.32 43.8007 66.5 42.4407 66.5H40.1007V70.54ZM52.577 78V66.5H48.377V64H59.497V66.5H55.317V78H52.577Z\" fill=\"#186571\"\/>\n\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"InnerWaypoint__heading\">SU 64125 20448<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"54\" height=\"89\" viewBox=\"0 0 54 89\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<rect x=\"21.0005\" y=\"9\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" rx=\"6\" fill=\"#79716B\"\/>\n<rect x=\"21.0005\" y=\"9\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" rx=\"6\" stroke=\"white\" stroke-width=\"4\"\/>\n<path d=\"M25.7505 87C25.7505 87.6904 26.3101 88.25 27.0005 88.25C27.6908 88.25 28.2505 87.6904 28.2505 87L25.7505 87ZM25.7505 23L25.7505 25L28.2505 25L28.2505 23L25.7505 23ZM25.7505 29L25.7505 33L28.2505 33L28.2505 29L25.7505 29ZM25.7505 37L25.7505 41L28.2505 41L28.2505 37L25.7505 37ZM25.7505 45L25.7505 49L28.2505 49L28.2505 45L25.7505 45ZM25.7505 53L25.7505 57L28.2505 57L28.2505 53L25.7505 53ZM25.7505 61L25.7505 65L28.2505 65L28.2505 61L25.7505 61ZM25.7505 69L25.7505 73L28.2505 73L28.2505 69L25.7505 69ZM25.7505 77L25.7505 81L28.2505 81L28.2505 77L25.7505 77ZM25.7505 85L25.7505 87L28.2505 87L28.2505 85L25.7505 85Z\" fill=\"#E7E5E4\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n\n<p>The Kind Alfred&#8217;s Way officially starts and finishes in Winchester at the statue of King Alfred himself (it was where he was buried), but we decided to begin our adventure on top of Old Winchester Hill (on route) as this was closer to home and we knew a great coffee van up there. As it\u2019s a circular route, you could start from anywhere and not miss out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/site\/uploads\/images\/2018champs\/Blog%20imagery\/King_Alfred's_Way_Cycling_Cheesefoothead2.jpg\" alt=\"King Alfred's Way Cheesefoot Head\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><small>Cycling at Cheesefoot Head<\/small><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cycling clockwise, the first part of our journey followed the beautiful South Downs way to Winchester, a rather hilly trail we know so well. The birds were singing and there was plenty of wildlife on route including a stoat which ran out in front of us. The path at Cheesefoot Head was our first real encounter of the rocky ground we would experience for much of our journey. A mountain bike or gravel bike would glide across this kind of terrain, but our fully loaded touring bikes struggled. Luckily, the views out over the South Downs more than made up for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<div id=\"block_3bf97c14ea99fa1e27ceb39e43c4ed2f\" class=\"Inner InnerWaypoint\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"InnerWaypoint__heading\">SU 53033 27712<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"54\" height=\"89\" viewBox=\"0 0 54 89\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<rect x=\"21.0005\" y=\"9\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" rx=\"6\" fill=\"#79716B\"\/>\n<rect x=\"21.0005\" y=\"9\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" rx=\"6\" stroke=\"white\" stroke-width=\"4\"\/>\n<path d=\"M25.7505 87C25.7505 87.6904 26.3101 88.25 27.0005 88.25C27.6908 88.25 28.2505 87.6904 28.2505 87L25.7505 87ZM25.7505 23L25.7505 25L28.2505 25L28.2505 23L25.7505 23ZM25.7505 29L25.7505 33L28.2505 33L28.2505 29L25.7505 29ZM25.7505 37L25.7505 41L28.2505 41L28.2505 37L25.7505 37ZM25.7505 45L25.7505 49L28.2505 49L28.2505 45L25.7505 45ZM25.7505 53L25.7505 57L28.2505 57L28.2505 53L25.7505 53ZM25.7505 61L25.7505 65L28.2505 65L28.2505 61L25.7505 61ZM25.7505 69L25.7505 73L28.2505 73L28.2505 69L25.7505 69ZM25.7505 77L25.7505 81L28.2505 81L28.2505 77L25.7505 77ZM25.7505 85L25.7505 87L28.2505 87L28.2505 85L25.7505 85Z\" fill=\"#E7E5E4\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n\n<p>After an obligatory photo with King Alfred and a slight (a whole 24 hour!) delay in Winchester waiting for a replacement wheel, we were finally on our way. We were now nearly a day behind schedule but we had accounted for 6 days of cycling as we knew we\u2019d be slower thanks to our hefty set up. The route out of Winchester could have been a little hard to navigate if we did not have GPS but we managed it with ease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/site\/uploads\/images\/2018champs\/Blog%20imagery\/King_Alfred's_Way_Cycling_winchester3.jpg\" alt=\"Winchester Cathedral\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><small>Winchester Cathedral<\/small><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/site\/uploads\/images\/2018champs\/Blog%20imagery\/King_Alfred's_Way_Cycling_statue.jpg\" alt=\"Statue of King Alfred in Winchester\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><small>Statue of King Alfred in Winchester<\/small><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>After stopping at the charming village of Houghton for a cold drink (note: most pubs along the route don\u2019t serve food between 2:20pm-6pm) the path became quite rocky again and very narrow. However, there weren\u2019t many other cyclists or walkers on route, and we took joy in being immersed in nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<div id=\"block_877d55149d9a8736a36a82e9e7a03db2\" class=\"Inner InnerWaypoint\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"InnerWaypoint__heading\">SU 13792 32641<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"54\" height=\"89\" viewBox=\"0 0 54 89\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<rect x=\"21.0005\" y=\"9\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" rx=\"6\" fill=\"#79716B\"\/>\n<rect x=\"21.0005\" y=\"9\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" rx=\"6\" stroke=\"white\" stroke-width=\"4\"\/>\n<path d=\"M25.7505 87C25.7505 87.6904 26.3101 88.25 27.0005 88.25C27.6908 88.25 28.2505 87.6904 28.2505 87L25.7505 87ZM25.7505 23L25.7505 25L28.2505 25L28.2505 23L25.7505 23ZM25.7505 29L25.7505 33L28.2505 33L28.2505 29L25.7505 29ZM25.7505 37L25.7505 41L28.2505 41L28.2505 37L25.7505 37ZM25.7505 45L25.7505 49L28.2505 49L28.2505 45L25.7505 45ZM25.7505 53L25.7505 57L28.2505 57L28.2505 53L25.7505 53ZM25.7505 61L25.7505 65L28.2505 65L28.2505 61L25.7505 61ZM25.7505 69L25.7505 73L28.2505 73L28.2505 69L25.7505 69ZM25.7505 77L25.7505 81L28.2505 81L28.2505 77L25.7505 77ZM25.7505 85L25.7505 87L28.2505 87L28.2505 85L25.7505 85Z\" fill=\"#E7E5E4\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s worth stopping for a walk up Old Sarum Iron Age hill where you can imagine what it was like to live in Roman, Norman and Saxon times, each leaving their mark on this impressive site. The short walk up is rewarded with great views over the Wiltshire plains<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/site\/uploads\/images\/2018champs\/Blog%20imagery\/King_Alfred's_Way_Cycling_Old_Sarum2.jpg\" alt=\"Old Sarum Iron Age hill\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><small>View from Old Sarum Iron Age hill<\/small><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It was easy going towards Amesbury which we bypassed in order to find a camping spot before darkness. Nestled somewhere just before Salisbury Plain we had a fantastic night\u2019s sleep waking to the loudest dawn chorus we\u2019ve ever heard. The official route took us around Stonehenge, so we were rather baffled when we saw it in the distance behind us. Not wanting to miss out on one of Britain\u2019s most iconic landmarks, we backtracked to see it. There are details of the route diversion to Stonehenge in the official route guide by Cycling UK, something we rather foolishly forgot to read beforehand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<div id=\"block_f10dc8eded2c88660ec0170022f1d1ad\" class=\"Inner InnerWaypoint\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"InnerWaypoint__heading\">SU 11937 42234<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"54\" height=\"89\" viewBox=\"0 0 54 89\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<rect x=\"21.0005\" y=\"9\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" rx=\"6\" fill=\"#79716B\"\/>\n<rect x=\"21.0005\" y=\"9\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" rx=\"6\" stroke=\"white\" stroke-width=\"4\"\/>\n<path d=\"M25.7505 87C25.7505 87.6904 26.3101 88.25 27.0005 88.25C27.6908 88.25 28.2505 87.6904 28.2505 87L25.7505 87ZM25.7505 23L25.7505 25L28.2505 25L28.2505 23L25.7505 23ZM25.7505 29L25.7505 33L28.2505 33L28.2505 29L25.7505 29ZM25.7505 37L25.7505 41L28.2505 41L28.2505 37L25.7505 37ZM25.7505 45L25.7505 49L28.2505 49L28.2505 45L25.7505 45ZM25.7505 53L25.7505 57L28.2505 57L28.2505 53L25.7505 53ZM25.7505 61L25.7505 65L28.2505 65L28.2505 61L25.7505 61ZM25.7505 69L25.7505 73L28.2505 73L28.2505 69L25.7505 69ZM25.7505 77L25.7505 81L28.2505 81L28.2505 77L25.7505 77ZM25.7505 85L25.7505 87L28.2505 87L28.2505 85L25.7505 85Z\" fill=\"#E7E5E4\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n\n<p>Stonehenge did not disappoint (apart from the caf\u00e9) and our visit was made even more special as we arrived before it opened so we had the whole place to ourselves. A public footpath runs alongside the ruins which allowed us to get closer than we expected. Back on the saddle, the riding was pleasant and varied with wide grassy paths and patches of woodland, my favourite a short stretch near Tilshead (OS Grid Ref: SU 02855 47584).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/site\/uploads\/images\/2018champs\/Blog%20imagery\/King_Alfred's_Way_Cycling_stone_henge_small.jpg\" alt=\"Cycling touring Stonehenge\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><small>Stonehenge<\/small><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/site\/uploads\/images\/2018champs\/Blog%20imagery\/King_Alfred's_Way_Cycling_GPS.jpg\" alt=\"OS GPS Cycle\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><small>OS GPS<\/small><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Past Tilshead we ventured into the Danger Zone, often used in military training. We saw a few helicopters flying past but nothing that left us feeling unsafe. Making our way up to the Wessex Ridgeway along the White Horse Trail was demanding but rewarding none the less. My favourite view from our journey was up the top of Tan Hill (OS Grid Ref: SU 07752 64907) which was a lovely smooth paved ascent and a rather rocky way down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/site\/uploads\/images\/2018champs\/Blog%20imagery\/King_Alfred's_Way_Cycling_Tan_Hill2.jpg\" alt=\"Tan hill cycling\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><small>Tan Hill<\/small><\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<div id=\"block_7293f5139ea974f656412896739c9229\" class=\"Inner InnerWaypoint\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"InnerWaypoint__heading\">SU 10303 70076<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"54\" height=\"89\" viewBox=\"0 0 54 89\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<rect x=\"21.0005\" y=\"9\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" rx=\"6\" fill=\"#79716B\"\/>\n<rect x=\"21.0005\" y=\"9\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" rx=\"6\" stroke=\"white\" stroke-width=\"4\"\/>\n<path d=\"M25.7505 87C25.7505 87.6904 26.3101 88.25 27.0005 88.25C27.6908 88.25 28.2505 87.6904 28.2505 87L25.7505 87ZM25.7505 23L25.7505 25L28.2505 25L28.2505 23L25.7505 23ZM25.7505 29L25.7505 33L28.2505 33L28.2505 29L25.7505 29ZM25.7505 37L25.7505 41L28.2505 41L28.2505 37L25.7505 37ZM25.7505 45L25.7505 49L28.2505 49L28.2505 45L25.7505 45ZM25.7505 53L25.7505 57L28.2505 57L28.2505 53L25.7505 53ZM25.7505 61L25.7505 65L28.2505 65L28.2505 61L25.7505 61ZM25.7505 69L25.7505 73L28.2505 73L28.2505 69L25.7505 69ZM25.7505 77L25.7505 81L28.2505 81L28.2505 77L25.7505 77ZM25.7505 85L25.7505 87L28.2505 87L28.2505 85L25.7505 85Z\" fill=\"#E7E5E4\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n\n<p>It was getting late in the day, but we couldn\u2019t pass Avebury Henge and stone circles which was free to visit. Within the henge is the largest stone circle in Britain (about 100 stones) and encloses two smaller stone circles. It\u2019s a lovely area to stop for a picnic with quaint rural cottages and well-kept gardens dotted around. Beyond Avebury, the Ridgeway (a National Trail) provided exciting riding with lots of ups and down. This was probably my favourite section of the entire King Alfred\u2019s Way and involved the White Horse chalk figure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/site\/uploads\/images\/2018champs\/Blog%20imagery\/King_Alfred's_Way_Cycling_Avebury_Henge2.jpg\" alt=\"Avebury Henge\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><small>Avebury Henge<\/small><\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<div id=\"block_b13516f4bdd5e55d838ea74b718abdca\" class=\"Inner InnerWaypoint\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"InnerWaypoint__heading\">SU 15448 76167<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"54\" height=\"89\" viewBox=\"0 0 54 89\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<rect x=\"21.0005\" y=\"9\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" rx=\"6\" fill=\"#79716B\"\/>\n<rect x=\"21.0005\" y=\"9\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" rx=\"6\" stroke=\"white\" stroke-width=\"4\"\/>\n<path d=\"M25.7505 87C25.7505 87.6904 26.3101 88.25 27.0005 88.25C27.6908 88.25 28.2505 87.6904 28.2505 87L25.7505 87ZM25.7505 23L25.7505 25L28.2505 25L28.2505 23L25.7505 23ZM25.7505 29L25.7505 33L28.2505 33L28.2505 29L25.7505 29ZM25.7505 37L25.7505 41L28.2505 41L28.2505 37L25.7505 37ZM25.7505 45L25.7505 49L28.2505 49L28.2505 45L25.7505 45ZM25.7505 53L25.7505 57L28.2505 57L28.2505 53L25.7505 53ZM25.7505 61L25.7505 65L28.2505 65L28.2505 61L25.7505 61ZM25.7505 69L25.7505 73L28.2505 73L28.2505 69L25.7505 69ZM25.7505 77L25.7505 81L28.2505 81L28.2505 77L25.7505 77ZM25.7505 85L25.7505 87L28.2505 87L28.2505 85L25.7505 85Z\" fill=\"#E7E5E4\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n\n<p>We whizzed down to the Inn at the Well Pub in Ogbourne St George where we had the most incredible feast. Our favourite pub grub along the route (The Shoe at Exton is also great!), This gave us the energy to cycle back up on to the Ridgeway where we set up camp somewhere along the top there. Both sunset and sunrise were truly magical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/site\/uploads\/images\/2018champs\/Blog%20imagery\/King_Alfred's_Way_Cycling_Ridgeway_Sunset2.jpg\" alt=\"Sunrise on the Ridgeway\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><small>Sunrise on the Ridgeway<\/small><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I felt a world away from the hustle and bustle from city life, yet we weren\u2019t too far from civilisation at all. It was plain sailing down to the bustling village of Goring (Goring-on-Thames) on The Ridgeway. Goring was once named Oxfordshire Village of the Year so we figured it would be a great place to stop for a drink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<div id=\"block_489c675bcb3134cd18d9b2dd23647ec6\" class=\"Inner InnerWaypoint\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"InnerWaypoint__heading\">SU 60653 80123<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"54\" height=\"89\" viewBox=\"0 0 54 89\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<rect x=\"21.0005\" y=\"9\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" rx=\"6\" fill=\"#79716B\"\/>\n<rect x=\"21.0005\" y=\"9\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" rx=\"6\" stroke=\"white\" stroke-width=\"4\"\/>\n<path d=\"M25.7505 87C25.7505 87.6904 26.3101 88.25 27.0005 88.25C27.6908 88.25 28.2505 87.6904 28.2505 87L25.7505 87ZM25.7505 23L25.7505 25L28.2505 25L28.2505 23L25.7505 23ZM25.7505 29L25.7505 33L28.2505 33L28.2505 29L25.7505 29ZM25.7505 37L25.7505 41L28.2505 41L28.2505 37L25.7505 37ZM25.7505 45L25.7505 49L28.2505 49L28.2505 45L25.7505 45ZM25.7505 53L25.7505 57L28.2505 57L28.2505 53L25.7505 53ZM25.7505 61L25.7505 65L28.2505 65L28.2505 61L25.7505 61ZM25.7505 69L25.7505 73L28.2505 73L28.2505 69L25.7505 69ZM25.7505 77L25.7505 81L28.2505 81L28.2505 77L25.7505 77ZM25.7505 85L25.7505 87L28.2505 87L28.2505 85L25.7505 85Z\" fill=\"#E7E5E4\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n\n<p>Cycling out of Goring we saw the most incredible flock of Red Kites overhead which we stopped to watch for a while. A local told us they were reintroduced to the area a few years ago and their numbers have boomed. Now, it was time to join another National Trail, the Thames Path. Following the River Thames, I thought the Thames path would be as flat as a pancake, but I was wrong! This section was incredibly hilly, all short and steep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/site\/uploads\/images\/2018champs\/Blog%20imagery\/King_Alfred's_Way_Cycling_Thames_Path2.jpg\" alt=\"Cycling Thames Path steep slope\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><small>Steep slope on the Thames path<\/small><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Reading was a chance to stock up on supplies and used a lot of our time, mainly stopping for coffee and navigating through city streets. Luckily, most of the route followed the tow path which was at least busy with people rather than cars. We set up camp in a small wooded area out of town and were treated to a memorable sunrise cycling past fields of poppies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<div id=\"block_e616c508594d854584eae479632aa3c6\" class=\"Inner InnerWaypoint\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"InnerWaypoint__heading\">SU 77795 53782<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"54\" height=\"89\" viewBox=\"0 0 54 89\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<rect x=\"21.0005\" y=\"9\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" rx=\"6\" fill=\"#79716B\"\/>\n<rect x=\"21.0005\" y=\"9\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" rx=\"6\" stroke=\"white\" stroke-width=\"4\"\/>\n<path d=\"M25.7505 87C25.7505 87.6904 26.3101 88.25 27.0005 88.25C27.6908 88.25 28.2505 87.6904 28.2505 87L25.7505 87ZM25.7505 23L25.7505 25L28.2505 25L28.2505 23L25.7505 23ZM25.7505 29L25.7505 33L28.2505 33L28.2505 29L25.7505 29ZM25.7505 37L25.7505 41L28.2505 41L28.2505 37L25.7505 37ZM25.7505 45L25.7505 49L28.2505 49L28.2505 45L25.7505 45ZM25.7505 53L25.7505 57L28.2505 57L28.2505 53L25.7505 53ZM25.7505 61L25.7505 65L28.2505 65L28.2505 61L25.7505 61ZM25.7505 69L25.7505 73L28.2505 73L28.2505 69L25.7505 69ZM25.7505 77L25.7505 81L28.2505 81L28.2505 77L25.7505 77ZM25.7505 85L25.7505 87L28.2505 87L28.2505 85L25.7505 85Z\" fill=\"#E7E5E4\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/site\/uploads\/images\/2018champs\/Blog%20imagery\/King_Alfred's_Way_Cycling_poppyfields2.jpg\" alt=\"Poppy fields at dawn\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><small>Beautiful fields of poppies at dawn<\/small><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Barley Mow bridge near Winchfield Green was so picturesque, we deviated from the route to follow the river for a bit before turning back. The route had flattened out and it was gentle riding to Farnham where we stopped at Gail\u2019s Bakery (a must visit) for breakfast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/site\/uploads\/images\/2018champs\/Blog%20imagery\/King_Alfred's_Way_Cycling_Barley_Mow_Bridge2.jpg\" alt=\"The Barley Mow bridge\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><small>Peaceful area around the Barley Mow bridge<\/small><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The route around Farnham was a mixture of rhododendron-lined trails and quiet country lands with grand houses either side. It was only once we passed the tranquil Frensham Ponds that the riding become tough again, partly due to the hot weather. If we&#8217;d had more time, we would have stopped for a dip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<div id=\"block_6468d8364dc64fc41e3475ac0fd40673\" class=\"Inner InnerWaypoint\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"InnerWaypoint__heading\">SU 85269 40262<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"54\" height=\"89\" viewBox=\"0 0 54 89\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<rect x=\"21.0005\" y=\"9\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" rx=\"6\" fill=\"#79716B\"\/>\n<rect x=\"21.0005\" y=\"9\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" rx=\"6\" stroke=\"white\" stroke-width=\"4\"\/>\n<path d=\"M25.7505 87C25.7505 87.6904 26.3101 88.25 27.0005 88.25C27.6908 88.25 28.2505 87.6904 28.2505 87L25.7505 87ZM25.7505 23L25.7505 25L28.2505 25L28.2505 23L25.7505 23ZM25.7505 29L25.7505 33L28.2505 33L28.2505 29L25.7505 29ZM25.7505 37L25.7505 41L28.2505 41L28.2505 37L25.7505 37ZM25.7505 45L25.7505 49L28.2505 49L28.2505 45L25.7505 45ZM25.7505 53L25.7505 57L28.2505 57L28.2505 53L25.7505 53ZM25.7505 61L25.7505 65L28.2505 65L28.2505 61L25.7505 61ZM25.7505 69L25.7505 73L28.2505 73L28.2505 69L25.7505 69ZM25.7505 77L25.7505 81L28.2505 81L28.2505 77L25.7505 77ZM25.7505 85L25.7505 87L28.2505 87L28.2505 85L25.7505 85Z\" fill=\"#E7E5E4\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n\n<p>The trail was dusty, almost desert-like on this section (in late-June) through to the Devil\u2019s Punchbowl. When it wasn\u2019t sandy, it was rocky and we found this part really tough. No matter how many times I visit the Devil\u2019s Punchbowl, I still enjoy this unique landscape and it was great to cycle along the top. The next section of the trail took us on a mixture of undulating off-road trails and roads to Liphook where we met the Shipwrights Way which we followed until Liss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/site\/uploads\/images\/2018champs\/Blog%20imagery\/King_Alfred's_Way_Cycling_rhododendrons_small.jpg\" alt=\"Rhododendron-lined trails near the Devil's Punchbowl\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><small>Rhododendron-lined trails near the Devil&#8217;s Punchbowl<\/small><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/site\/uploads\/images\/2018champs\/Blog%20imagery\/King_Alfred's_Way_Cycling_Hankley_Common3.jpg\" alt=\"Hankley Common cycling\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><small>Sandy Hankley Common<\/small><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t<div id=\"block_13ba4910c4c8a23fbdcc21059ce23b16\" class=\"Inner InnerWaypoint\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"InnerWaypoint__heading\">SU 78986 25594<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"54\" height=\"89\" viewBox=\"0 0 54 89\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<rect x=\"21.0005\" y=\"9\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" rx=\"6\" fill=\"#79716B\"\/>\n<rect x=\"21.0005\" y=\"9\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" rx=\"6\" stroke=\"white\" stroke-width=\"4\"\/>\n<path d=\"M25.7505 87C25.7505 87.6904 26.3101 88.25 27.0005 88.25C27.6908 88.25 28.2505 87.6904 28.2505 87L25.7505 87ZM25.7505 23L25.7505 25L28.2505 25L28.2505 23L25.7505 23ZM25.7505 29L25.7505 33L28.2505 33L28.2505 29L25.7505 29ZM25.7505 37L25.7505 41L28.2505 41L28.2505 37L25.7505 37ZM25.7505 45L25.7505 49L28.2505 49L28.2505 45L25.7505 45ZM25.7505 53L25.7505 57L28.2505 57L28.2505 53L25.7505 53ZM25.7505 61L25.7505 65L28.2505 65L28.2505 61L25.7505 61ZM25.7505 69L25.7505 73L28.2505 73L28.2505 69L25.7505 69ZM25.7505 77L25.7505 81L28.2505 81L28.2505 77L25.7505 77ZM25.7505 85L25.7505 87L28.2505 87L28.2505 85L25.7505 85Z\" fill=\"#E7E5E4\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n\n<p>Riding down through Durfood Wood was incredibly enjoyable but tough going on my bike. The tea room at Durleighmarsh Farm would have provided me with a much needed pick-me-up (they do great sausage rolls) if I wasn\u2019t on a mission to complete the King Alfred\u2019s Way before dark. Crossing the road after Durleighmarsh, the route became hilly, very hilly. We made our way back up on to the South Downs and it was hard riding, too technical for our thin tyres and fully loaded panniers. Our legs were trying to move over 25kg (bike and kit) up these hills which didn\u2019t help! That saying, we did it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<div id=\"block_3e0c78e058cf2ba2709695c5a527b479\" class=\"Inner InnerWaypoint\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"InnerWaypoint__heading\">SU 71437 19837<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"54\" height=\"89\" viewBox=\"0 0 54 89\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<rect x=\"21.0005\" y=\"9\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" rx=\"6\" fill=\"#79716B\"\/>\n<rect x=\"21.0005\" y=\"9\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" rx=\"6\" stroke=\"white\" stroke-width=\"4\"\/>\n<path d=\"M25.7505 87C25.7505 87.6904 26.3101 88.25 27.0005 88.25C27.6908 88.25 28.2505 87.6904 28.2505 87L25.7505 87ZM25.7505 23L25.7505 25L28.2505 25L28.2505 23L25.7505 23ZM25.7505 29L25.7505 33L28.2505 33L28.2505 29L25.7505 29ZM25.7505 37L25.7505 41L28.2505 41L28.2505 37L25.7505 37ZM25.7505 45L25.7505 49L28.2505 49L28.2505 45L25.7505 45ZM25.7505 53L25.7505 57L28.2505 57L28.2505 53L25.7505 53ZM25.7505 61L25.7505 65L28.2505 65L28.2505 61L25.7505 61ZM25.7505 69L25.7505 73L28.2505 73L28.2505 69L25.7505 69ZM25.7505 77L25.7505 81L28.2505 81L28.2505 77L25.7505 77ZM25.7505 85L25.7505 87L28.2505 87L28.2505 85L25.7505 85Z\" fill=\"#E7E5E4\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n\n<p>Queen Elizabeth Country Park brought with it a huge dose of adrenaline as we whizzed through the forest on mountain bike tracks, a wonderful place to ride. My new-found confidence on these off-road trails resulted in a snapped mudguard which took me a while to remove so I could carry on riding. Now, if you\u2019ve ever stood at the bottom of Butser Hill and looked up, you\u2019ll see that it\u2019s a great challenge to even attempt to cycle up Hampshire\u2019s highest peak. With my fully loaded bike, I didn\u2019t even try but if you haven\u2019t got a huge amount of luggage, you just must give it a go! If cycling the King Alfred\u2019s Way clockwise, like me, you\u2019ll have gradual descent from Butser and it was a short lump, bumpy ride back to where we started this epic cycle adventure five days ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/site\/uploads\/images\/2018champs\/Blog%20imagery\/King_Alfred's_Way_Cycling_butser_Hill2.jpg\" alt=\"Looking up towards to top of Butser Hill\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><small>Looking up towards to top of Butser Hill<\/small><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Kind Alfred\u2019s Way is not to be underestimated. It\u2019s tough riding at times, especially if you\u2019re not on a gravel or mountain bike, but it\u2019s an amazing route passing some of the most beautiful and historic parts of Southern England. I highly recommend giving it a go, either in sections or on a bikepacking trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_fa34c8f7d6f77e0526fe4b1f34d1b11c\" class=\"Inner InnerGoodToKnow\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row align-items-center jusitfy-content-start\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"InnerGoodToKnow__icon \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g id=\"info-circle\">\n<path d=\"M15.9994 21.3333V16M15.9994 10.6666H16.0127M29.3327 16C29.3327 23.3638 23.3631 29.3333 15.9994 29.3333C8.63555 29.3333 2.66602 23.3638 2.66602 16C2.66602 8.63616 8.63555 2.66663 15.9994 2.66663C23.3631 2.66663 29.3327 8.63616 29.3327 16Z\" stroke=\"white\" stroke-width=\"2.664\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/g>\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"InnerGoodToKnow__heading\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThree top tips:\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"InnerGoodToKnow__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\">Always carry water\/food because amenities in small villages are not always open<\/li>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\">Choose a gravel or mountain bike with a lightweight set up, bikepacking bags are much easier on narrow sections.<\/li>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\">Factor in time to explore some of the historic sights and make detours to some villages slightly off route.<\/li>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\n\t\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\t\t<div id=\"block_dcbf6245fb419673a5eb4aebe91e1780\" class=\"Inner InnerWaypoint\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"2.5\" height=\"65.25\" viewBox=\"0 0 2.5 65.25\"><path d=\"M103.75,218a1.25,1.25,0,0,0,2.5,0Zm0-64v2h2.5v-2Zm0,6v4h2.5v-4Zm0,8v4h2.5v-4Zm0,8v4h2.5v-4Zm0,8v4h2.5v-4Zm0,8v4h2.5v-4Zm0,8v4h2.5v-4Zm0,8v4h2.5v-4Zm0,8v2h2.5v-2Z\" transform=\"translate(-103.75 -154)\" fill=\"#e7e5e4\"\/><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"70\" height=\"86\" viewBox=\"0 0 70 86\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t<rect x=\"11.0005\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" rx=\"24\" fill=\"#186571\"\/>\n\t<path d=\"M27.0005 33L27.0005 16M27.0005 25H34.4005C34.9605 25 35.2406 25 35.4545 24.891C35.6426 24.7951 35.7956 24.6422 35.8915 24.454C36.0005 24.2401 36.0005 23.9601 36.0005 23.4V16.6C36.0005 16.0399 36.0005 15.7599 35.8915 15.546C35.7956 15.3578 35.6426 15.2049 35.4545 15.109C35.2406 15 34.9605 15 34.4005 15H28.6005C28.0404 15 27.7604 15 27.5465 15.109C27.3583 15.2049 27.2054 15.3578 27.1095 15.546C27.0005 15.7599 27.0005 16.0399 27.0005 16.6V25ZM36.0005 17H42.4005C42.9605 17 43.2406 17 43.4545 17.109C43.6426 17.2049 43.7956 17.3578 43.8915 17.546C44.0005 17.7599 44.0005 18.0399 44.0005 18.6V25.4C44.0005 25.9601 44.0005 26.2401 43.8915 26.454C43.7956 26.6422 43.6426 26.7951 43.4545 26.891C43.2406 27 42.9605 27 42.4005 27H37.6005C37.0404 27 36.7604 27 36.5465 26.891C36.3583 26.7951 36.2054 26.6422 36.1095 26.454C36.0005 26.2401 36.0005 25.9601 36.0005 25.4V17Z\" stroke=\"white\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n\t<path d=\"M2.17869 78V64H11.1587V66.5H4.91869V69.86H10.1187V72.36H4.91869V78H2.17869ZM12.0929 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20448<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"InnerWaypoint__distance\">352 km \/ 219 miles<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"MetaShare\">\n\n\t\t\t<button id=\"likeButton\" data-nonce=\"918b80de8d\" data-postid=\"2892\" class=\"Button Button--default Button--icon likeButton\"><span class=\"likeButtonText\">Like this adventure<\/span><svg width=\"21\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 21 20\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M10.4947 3.09742C8.5448 1.39335 5.66108 1.04464 3.42166 2.95804C0.999337 5.02773 0.647396 8.5134 2.56291 10.9783C3.29002 11.9139 4.70917 13.3196 6.07302 14.6069C7.45283 15.9092 8.82946 17.1399 9.50834 17.7411C9.51258 17.7449 9.51691 17.7487 9.5213 17.7526C9.58512 17.8092 9.66457 17.8796 9.74074 17.937C9.83194 18.0057 9.96286 18.0909 10.1377 18.1431C10.3701 18.2124 10.62 18.2124 10.8524 18.1431C11.0272 18.0909 11.1581 18.0057 11.2493 17.937C11.3255 17.8796 11.405 17.8092 11.4688 17.7526C11.4732 17.7487 11.4775 17.7449 11.4817 17.7411C12.1606 17.1399 13.5373 15.9092 14.9171 14.6069C16.2809 13.3196 17.7001 11.9139 18.4272 10.9783C20.3353 8.52288 20.0377 5.01032 17.5597 2.95074C15.2954 1.06872 12.4424 1.3927 10.4947 3.09742Z\" fill=\"#186571\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n<\/button>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center MetaShareSocial\" aria-label=\"Share\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"X\" class=\"Button Button--default MetaShareSocial__button MetaShareSocial__button--x\" id=\"share-twitter\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><g transform=\"translate(-173 238)\"><path d=\"M18.9.75h3.68l-8.04,9.213L24,22.5H16.594l-5.8-7.6L4.156,22.5H.474l8.6-9.854L0,.75H7.594L12.837,7.7ZM17.61,20.291h2.039L6.486,2.843H4.3Z\" transform=\"translate(173 -237.625)\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/><\/g><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"facebook\"  class=\"Button Button--default MetaShareSocial__button MetaShareSocial__button--f\" id=\"share-facebook\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><g transform=\"translate(-89 238)\"><path d=\"M14.186,24V13.2h3.279L18,8.4H14.186V6.062c0-1.236.032-2.462,1.759-2.462h1.749V.168A19.34,19.34,0,0,0,14.671,0C11.5,0,9.508,1.989,9.508,5.64V8.4H6v4.8H9.508V24Z\" transform=\"translate(89 -238)\" fill=\"currentColor\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"\/><\/g><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div id=\"likeCount\" class=\"likeCount\">Liked by <span id=\"likeCountValue\">425<\/span> users<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<hr class=\"MetaShare__hr\" \/>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"MetaShareAuthor\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"MetaShareAuthor__name\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBy Helen Newman\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/article>\n\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The King Alfred\u2019s Way is a 350km circular off-road cycling route that will take you back in time. Combining beautiful rural scenery with some of Britain\u2019s most iconic historic sites and four National Trails this ride makes a great bikepacking adventure.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"template":"","tags":[],"activities_adventures":[66,68],"locations_adventures":[79],"difficulty":[53],"class_list":["post-2892","route","type-route","status-publish","hentry","activities_adventures-cycling","activities_adventures-off-road-cycling","locations_adventures-south-east","difficulty-hard"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Britain&#039;s most historic off-road adventure | OS GetOutside<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The King Alfred\u2019s Way is a 350km circular off-road cycling route that will take you back in time. Combining beautiful rural scenery with some of Britain\u2019s most iconic historic sites and four National Trails this ride makes a great bikepacking adventure.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/adventures\/cycling-king-alfreds-way\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Britain&#039;s most historic off-road adventure | OS GetOutside\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The King Alfred\u2019s Way is a 350km circular off-road cycling route that will take you back in time. 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