United Kingdom

Wessex - King Alfred's Way

Guided Mountain Bike Holiday

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

8 days

Prices from

£1,975 P.P.

E-MTB HIRE AVAILABLE

This holiday is great fun on a regular mountain bike or an e-mountain bike and you can choose to hire either when you book your holiday with us! If you’re an experienced rider, you can choose one of our quality e-mountain hire bikes and experience the buzz of a pedal-assisted ride.

Select your e-MTB hire when you book a holiday with us. Bear in mind that the pace will be set to riders with a regular mountain bike.

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Embark on an unforgettable Skedaddle adventure on King Alfred's Way, a thrilling 350km (220-mile) mountain bike journey that weaves through some of the most stunning paths and trails in the south of England. Starting in the historic cathedral city of Salisbury, we'll traverse an exhilarating loop that connects iconic long-distance routes like The North Downs Way, The South Downs Way and The Ridgeway.
Over six days of cycling, experience the true diversity of English countryside riding as you navigate everything from endless gravel bridleways and snaking tracks through heather clad hills, to technical off-road climbs, sweeping singletrack descents and deserted country lanes. Despite being close to bustling towns and cities, we'll quickly find ourselves immersed in peaceful landscapes, conquering singletrack routes that offer sweeping views of rolling hills.
Named after the legendary 9th-century King Alfred of Wessex, this route also offers a journey through time, taking in breathtaking historical landmarks including the awe-inspiring Stonehenge, the ancient Avebury Stone Circle, Iron Age hill forts, and the magnificent Salisbury and Winchester cathedrals.
We're proud to offer this new cycling holiday on one of Cycling UK’s seven long distance routes. 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 the King Alfred's Way for each of our customers.
King Alfred's Way is also available as a private departure for groups of friends, colleagues, families or anyone else! If our standard dates don't work, if you'd like a slightly altered itinerary just for your group please give us a call for a chat.
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Holiday Highlights

  • Visiting historic Winchester and its Cathedral (and the King Alfred the Great Statue)
  • Enjoying chalky hillsides and rolling countryside
  • Riding short, technical ascents and soaring downhill on the South Downs and The Ridgeway
  • Escaping from busy southern urban cities on ancient paths and rough tracks
  • Biking a mix of undulating terrain on Salisbury Plain and South Downs Way
  • Experiencing 10,000 years of history
  • Marvelling at Stonehenge

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Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival Salisbury

Our journey along King Alfred’s Way begins in the charming cathedral city of Salisbury, Wiltshire, conveniently accessible by both road and rail.

Salisbury is a city worth exploring if you have some extra time on arrival. The magnificent 13th-century cathedral is a must-see, and there are also numerous museums, shops, restaurants, and bars to enjoy. Tonight, we’ll be staying in the heart of Salisbury, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet your guides and fellow travellers over dinner, a perfect start to our adventure together.

Day 2
Salisbury to Devizes
40 Miles / 64 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 635 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 635 Metres Approx.

We leave Salisbury to begin our journey around the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Wessex, which was ruled by Alfred the Great over 1000 years ago. From our hotel, we weave our way through the city along the scenic banks of the River Avon. It doesn’t take long before we hit our first off-road trail, which leads us to the Iron Age fort of Old Sarum – an impressive multi-ring hill fort dating back to 400 BC. From there, we continue onward along bumpy farm tracks and some fun muddy single track bridleways, to one of the UK’s most renowned archaeological sites; Stonehenge. After a brief stop to marvel at this 10,000-year-old stone circle, we venture onto the criss-crossing chalk and gravel tracks across Salisbury Plain, entering an active MOD military firing range.

Navigating around the red flags and artillery zones of Black Heath, the terrain becomes more challenging as we follow rutted paths flanked by wildflower banks, passing through the village of Tilshead and down a fast grassy descent into Chirton. We conclude the day by pedalling along quiet roads and winding tracks into the historic market town of Devizes, Wiltshire’s “hidden gem,” where we’ll enjoy a meal at one of the town’s charming pubs before resting up at our hotel after a rewarding day’s ride.

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Day 3
Devizes to Letcombe Regis / Wantage
43 Miles / 70 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 725 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 725 Metres Approx.

We begin the day following a nice flat gravel path along the Kennet and Avon Canal, the perfect warm-up for our legs. Our first real challenge comes with the steep ascent of Tan Hill, where ancient earthworks surround us, and the climb rewards us with breathtaking views over the plains, and a long, fun descent down quiet rutted farm tracks to our morning coffee stop in Avebury, home to yet another remarkable historic site; The Great Henge. This stone circle, less famous but perhaps more significant than Stonehenge, is the largest in the world, boasting over 100 stones!

Leaving Avebury, we continue onto the rugged, tussocky track of The Ridgeway, which guides us for the rest of the day. Along the way, we pass landmarks like Barbury Castle and Ogbourne St George. After lunch, we maintain our elevation, skirting the villages of Bishopstone and Ashbury, before reaching White Horse Hill. Here, we can descend to admire the iconic Uffington White Horse from below before completing the final stretch to our accommodation for the evening.

It is thought that King Alfred was born in Wantage, and there is a statue in the centre of the town which makes a great photo opportunity before dinner!

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Day 4
Letcombe Regis / Wantage to Heckfield
44 Miles / 71 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 580 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 580 Metres Approx.

We’ll need a hearty breakfast this morning, as we kick off with an early morning climb straight from our accommodation, ascending back onto the Ridgeway. From there, we enjoy one of the longest continuous off-road sections of the trip, as we pedal our way along 12 miles of chalk grasslands, rutted tracks and gravel byways, before descending to the River Thames and into Goring. We make our way our way through quintessential English countryside, passing charming locks, weirs, churches, and riverside cafes, before reaching the vibrant town of Reading.

Our route avoids the bustling areas and traffic, guiding us along the River Kennet — a tributary of the Thames — via cycle paths, forest tracks, and hidden back lanes. Before long, we leave the town behind and find ourselves on tranquil bridleways. Riding past Wellington Country Park on some surprisingly quiet forest tracks, we soon arrive at our destination in Heckfield, where we can unwind with a pint at a traditional pub and settle in for the evening.

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Day 5
Heckfield to Liphook / Liss
52 Miles / 83 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 900 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 900 Metres Approx.

There’s a bit of everything on today’s ride, which is the longest of the week. We start the day on some picturesque tree-lined country roads, then start twisting our way along a sandy singletrack section through Hazeley Heath before we come to Oldiham Common and the remains of WWII tank testing areas.

A short climb and descent take us to Farnham, and its impressive motte & bailey castle, before we hit more sandy heathland trails around Frensham and Thursley Common, and more Iron Age and post-Roman archeological remains. The toughest climb of the day is up onto Hindhead Common but the reward is an amazing view of the rolling Surrey Hills making it well worth it! (not to mention the 5 mile descent to Bramshott).

The final stretch of the day undulates along quiet trails to our accommodation near the bustling village of Liss, where we can relax in the knowledge that the longest and hilliest day is now behind us.

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Day 6
Liphook / Liss to Winchester
39 Miles / 62 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 865 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 865 Metres Approx.

We’ll find ourselves this morning riding on forest tracks and singletrack trails across Rogate Common, crossing into Sussex before joining the South Downs Way at Torberry Hill Fort. From there, we tackle a series of short, steep off-road climbs and descents as we make our way to Queen Elizabeth Country Park.

Next, we ascend to stay high on The Downs ridge, following a mix of bridleways and back roads toward the more challenging terrain around Old Winchester Hill Fort. Our journey then takes us down the exhilarating yet technical descent of Wether Down, navigating steep chalk singletrack while carefully avoiding rare butterflies.

After reaching the Meon Valley railway line in Exton, we face our final significant climb of the day—an on-road ascent up Beacon Hill—before soaring down the aptly named ‘Wheely Down’ and ‘Gander Down’ trails, arriving at the natural amphitheater of Cheesefoot Head.

To reach Winchester, we depart from the South Downs Way, crossing the M3 via gravel tracks and bridleways to St. Catherine’s Hill. From there, a picturesque path leads us directly to Winchester city centre; we’ll ride past Abbey Gardens and the sculpture to commemorate King Alfred on route to our hotel. There should be time to explore Winchester and its spectacular cathedral before dinner this evening.

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Day 7
Winchester to Salisbury
27 Miles / 44 Kms Approx.
Ascent: 455 Metres Approx.
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 455 Metres Approx.

Our final day is the shortest, allowing us time to explore Salisbury and unwind after a week of riding.

We begin by leaving Winchester, gently climbing out of the suburbs onto singletrack roads and ancient trails, passing by prehistoric earthworks and picturesque villages. We then descend into King’s Somborne and the scenic Test Valley, known for its shallow tributaries and tranquil ponds, as well as its muddy singletrack paths and rough byways which we follow before tackling a short but steep climb onto Broughton Down, where we’ll have a view of Danebury Hill Fort, one of the most extensively excavated hill forts in the UK.

After the climb, we‘re rewarded with a fantastic descent along gravel and dirt trails on the Monarch’s Way, an ancient Roman road that almost seems custom-built for our mountain bikes’ chunky tires! Weaving westward through fields and woodlands we head up onto Porton Down, an area rich in military history, which brings us back to Old Sarum, a familiar landmark from our first day’s ride.

The final 3 miles take us past Castle Hill and into the heart of Salisbury, where we’ll have time to explore this impressive cathedral city or simply relax after a week of adventure. In the evening, we’ll gather for a final meal to celebrate completing an epic 350km loop on the mountain bike!

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Day 8
Departure Salisbury
  • Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we all go our separate ways. For those travelling by train we offer a transfer back to Salisbury train station. For those extending their stay, there is plenty to explore in and around Salisbury.

Understanding Profiles

Use these profiles to see:

  • Distance in Km (horizontal axis)
  • Ascent / Descent in metres (vertical axis)

Click 'see gradient' to see:

  • Distance in Km (horizontal axis)
  • % Gradient (vertical axis)

Please check the scales on both graphs, and both axes as they both may differ from day to day.

White vertical lines indicate unpaved sections or slightly rougher terrain. Using both graphs, alongside the grading and terrain information provided, will give you a full picture of how flat, bumpy or steep the climbing on your particular tour is going to be. Please keep in mind this is an indicative guide and GPS units and software produce different statistical information.

Learn More

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The Cycling

Terrain

King Alfred’s Way is best suited to those with good off-roading skills, and a good level of fitness, as there are a few steep climbs and descents, and daily distances vary between around 45 to 80 km (30 to 50 miles) a day. We recommend mountain bikes for this tour (hardtail or full sus) as they will make for more comfortable riding, particularly on the rougher and sometimes rutted descents, and in the event of adverse weather conditions.

The terrain is very varied, but as with any mountain biking trails, you can expect to come across loose surfaces, ruts and tree routes, grassy descents and some sections can be particularly slippery when wet, especially on the Ridgeway and Salisbury Plains. The vast majority of the route should be rideable, depending on conditions, but there are a few technical sections where you may have to get off and push.

It is possible to use an electric mountain bike on this holiday, which would be particularly beneficial to those wanting an extra boost to get up some of the tougher climbs.

Please note, e-bikes are generally heavier than standard mountain bikes, which is worth considering when handling the bike over some of the rougher and more technical terrain.

If you plan on hiring an e-MTB, it should not be ridden beyond your own technical ability level on a standard mountain bike. Chat to us if you would like to rent or bring your own. For more information about riding an e-MTB on our holidays please click here

The King Alfred’s Way uses one of Cycling UK’s seven long distance routes. Cycling UK is a charity organisation that campaigns for a cleaner, happier and healthier world. Their aim is to encourage people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to cycle safely, easily, and enjoyably throughout the UK. Public campaigns and route development are just a few of the ways that Cycling UK looks to support cyclists across the country.

When you book this holiday, you’ll have the option to donate to Cycling UK to help maintain this route and others like it. Additionally, Skedaddle will be making a 5p donation for every mile ridden on this holiday for each of our customers.

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Mountain Biking Grade

1
2
3
4
5
Grade 3 : Moderate

Distances of 25-50 miles / 40-80 kms per day

Aimed at regular cyclists who have a degree of off road experience

Some moderate and difficult technical sections

Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!

For more information about our grading system click here.

Is this suitable for you?

If you have some experience of off road riding on a variety of terrain, and would like to do more, a grade 3 trip could be for you. These holidays give you elements of our higher grade trips but at a manageable level with sections of singletrack (narrow trails wide enough for one rider) and shorter steep sections (both up and down) which require more bike handling ability. A day’s ride can see you on the trails for around 8 hours (with breaks) and covering between 25-50 miles depending on the terrain. If you’re generally fit and manage to ride regularly this could be the level for you.

For more information about the grading of this holiday in particular, please check out the terrain section which will give you some specifics of what to expect on this tour.

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Dates & Prices

Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit

Book now with a £300 deposit and nothing more to pay until 60 days before departure. Choose a date to start your booking and see all prices, including bike hire and single room supplements.

Select a date to view prices and book
Start Date
End Date
Duration
Price p.p.
Start Date
15/06/2025 Guaranteed
Return Date
22/06/2025
Duration
8 days
Price
£1,975.00
Start Date
10/08/2025
Return Date
17/08/2025
Duration
8 days
Price
£1,975.00

Whats Included Tick

A) Accommodation (shared twin / double en suite rooms)

B) Meals as itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

C) Full support service including a guide qualified in First Aid and a back up vehicle carrying spares, snacks and extra equipment not needed on your bike

D) GPX files available upon request

E) Scheduled train station transfers on arrival and departure days

F) Financial Protection through ABTOT

What's not Included Cross

A) Bike and helmet rental (available if required)

B) Travel or flight costs or charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)

C) Meals not stated in the itinerary

D) Single room (available if required)

E) Travel insurance

F) Personal clothing and equipment

G) Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)

H) Entrance fees to cultural or historical sites and visitor centres

I) Other optional activities

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Private Departures

Private Departures

Are you keen to only travel with your family or friends? Struggling to find the right date? Well, we can organise a private departure for this tour and tailor aspects to suit your group's specific needs. Contact our friendly team and we'll help you turn your dream into reality.

The Essentials

Travel Options

If travelling by car the arrival and departure point for this tour is Salisbury. We can suggest parking options for the week if required.

If travelling by train we ask that you arrive into and depart from Salisbury. Train station transfers are included in your holiday cost. Pick up from Salisbury station at 17.30 on Day 1 and drop off on Day 8 at 09.30.

Alternatively, the hotel is a short walk or taxi ride from the station.

If you are planning to fly, Bournemouth, Bristol and Heathrow airports all have good rail connections and are within a few hours of Salisbury station.

Please check with us before making any travel arrangements, to make sure we have reached the minimum number required to guarantee your holiday and to ensure your arrangements fit with our scheduled transfers and logistics. Please note If you make alternative travel arrangements, which fall outside of the group schedule, there may be an additional charge for individual transfers.

Accommodation

For this holiday we use good quality 3 or 4 star hotels, B&Bs and traditional country pubs that are cycle friendly, located close to the cycling route and showcase the style and hospitality of the area you are visiting.

Where possible we prioritise locally owned businesses and those offering locally sourced food, drink and speciality products. This all promotes sustainability in-line with our responsible travel policy.

All our UK trips are operated on a double/twin-share basis. Single occupancy rooms can be provided for a supplement and are subject to availability at the time of booking.

Bike Hire

If you don’t own a suitable bike or would prefer to avoid bringing your own we have bikes available to rent.

For this tour we have Giant Trance and Stance full suspension Enduro/Trail bikes. These are 29ers set up tubeless with disc brakes, dropper seatposts and quality components.

We also have hardtail bikes available to rent. These bikes are Giant Talon XC/Trail bikes with front suspension, disc brakes and quality components.

We also have a limited number of Electric Mountain Bikes available to rent. These bikes are good quality Giant Trance X E+ 2 with 625Wh batteries. The full suspension electric Enduro / Trail bikes are tubeless 29ers with disc brakes, dropper posts and quality components. All eMTB rentals are dependent on availability which will be checked for you at the time of booking and one of our team will be in touch to confirm the details.

If you do decide to rent a bike we can include a helmet (though always nicer to bring your own!) and all necessary spares for the trip. If you would like to borrow a helmet please let us know before the trip.

Our bikes come with high quality male and female MTB saddles but you are welcome to bring your own if you would prefer. If you use clip-in pedals / SPDs you will need to bring these along.

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