Reader's Rides:
Jim's King Alfred's Way.

Words by Jim Barrow

One of my local favourites, the King Alfred’s Way is, to quote Cycling UK (who created the route): “...a 350km/217-mile circular off-road adventure route through 10,000 years of history, connecting some of England’s most iconic sites."

A really enjoyable couple of days bikepacking, with really varied terrain from the chalk of the south downs, to the sandy trails of surrey, canals and rivers, it’s got it all. Including a whole load of cafes and country pubs. A great way to spend a couple of days out bikepacking with your mates.

One of the standout memories for me was when we had a sub zero bivvy on the Ridgeway and woke up to a great sunrise and ice on our bivvy bags.

The promised food truck later on the ridgeway wasn’t open and we had to keep on for several hours before we got into Goring on Thames where I had French Toast with Bacon, Banana and Maple Syrup. Well worth the effort and a visit!

One of the great things about the route is that it’s very popular, so you will meet a bunch of people going in each direction and get to chat and exchange trail tips and pub recommendations.