Description
A cycling route through Southern England’s history.
King Alfred’s Way, developed by Cycling UK, connects ancient routes, open landscapes, and several renowned historical areas. The circular route begins and ends in Winchester. This guide provides a cohesive framework for a multi-day tour, allowing cycling and experiences along the way to complement each other.
353 kilometers divided into seven stages.
Edward Hunton describes the route through areas including Salisbury, Avebury, Reading, and Farnham. The stage divisions offer a starting point for your trip plan, but you can adjust the time spent and daily distance. Several sections are relatively easy, while the stages through the North and South Downs present more undulation and demand greater endurance.
Plan a trip that suits you and your bike.
The book helps you assess terrain, distances, and the practical aspects of a multi-day cycling trip. Winchester, Salisbury, and other towns along the route offer various setup options. The Stonehenge area, Avebury’s stone circles, and the historical context of the route make it worthwhile to allocate time for more than just cycling.
Who is the book suitable for?
The guide is suitable for both less experienced bikepackers and established touring cyclists with good basic fitness. The total distance is a significant part of the challenge. Spring, summer, and autumn generally offer better conditions than wet winter months, when trails can be muddy. Choose daily distance and equipment based on terrain and experience.
A long tradition of tour guides.
Cicerone has published guidebooks since 1969. The publisher emerged among climbers and mountaineers who wanted to share their thorough knowledge of routes – a tradition that still characterizes these compact books for hiking, trekking, and other outdoor experiences.
About this edition.
Author: Edward Hunton. English language. 96 pages. First edition, published in 2026. ISBN 9781786312389.
