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Cycling · Wessex (Hampshire, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Surrey)King Alfred's Way Bikepacking Route
Cycling UK's off-road loop through the heart of ancient Wessex, starting and finishing at King Alfred's statue in Winchester — Salisbury Plain, Stonehenge, Avebury, the Ridgeway, the Thames, Surrey heathland and the South Downs Way. Roughly 80–85% is on bridleways and byways, making it one of England's classic gravel and bikepacking routes.
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Start, parking & getting there
The loop starts at the King Alfred statue in Winchester, which has regular trains from London and connections from the Midlands and the West; the route also passes near stations at Salisbury, Reading and Farnham, useful for joining part-way or bailing out. Train cycle policies vary and bike spaces may need reserving — peak-time restrictions can apply on some services around London. Winchester parking for multi-day trips is limited; Cycling UK suggests contacting the local council office for advice.
What's in the full guide
- The ride
- Supplies: food, water, bike shops & repairs
- Where to camp or stay
- Bike, kit & safety
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Recommended kit for this route
Topeak BackLoader 10L Seat Pack
A well-reviewed rackless seat pack with a waterproof inner dry bag — a common first bikepacking bag for carrying a sleeping bag or spare layers.
Dynaplug Ultralite Tubeless Repair Kit
A lightweight plug tool for sealing punctures that sealant cannot, without removing the tyre — popular with gravel riders and bikepackers on flinty tracks.
Topeak MidLoader Frame Bag
A compact, water-resistant frame bag that straps into the main triangle — popular with bikepackers for keeping tools, snacks and a phone within reach.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
A compact, widely trusted hollow-fibre filter — one of the most popular trail water options for its size, weight and price.
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Complete first-trip bundle: 50-item gear checklist · 3-day trail meal plan · overnight trip planner · emergency card. Instant access after checkout.More routes
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