A practical and inspiring guidebook to bikepacking King Alfred’s Way, a 353km circular route through southern England that weaves together ancient trackways, rolling chalk downs and quiet rural lanes. Riding through landscapes shaped by thousands of years of history, the route links some of the most iconic off-road trails in the country, including the Ridgeway, North Downs Way and South Downs Way, with long stretches of traffic-free riding and big open views.

Designed by Cycling UK and presented here in a clear, rider-focused format, this guidebook helps you plan and ride the loop with confidence. Divided into seven manageable stages of between 40 and 60km, it suits both beginner and experienced MTB and gravel riders, whether you are looking for a relaxed multi-day adventure or a more ambitious challenge. Clear mapping, detailed stage descriptions and flexible itinerary options make it easy to tailor the ride to your time, fitness and preferred style of overnight stop, from wild camping to campsites and comfortable accommodation.

• Seven stages graded for difficulty, from easy to moderate
• GPX files available to download for easy navigation
• 1:150,000 maps included for each stage
• Alternative schedules breaking the route into between 3 and 7 days
• Route summary tables, accommodation listings and suggested wild camping spots to help plan your itinerary
• Easily accessible by train from London and from the north and west of the UK

Ed Hunton grew up in North Devon, on the edge of Dartmoor, and cycling was his main mode of transport. From his early teens, he was off around the south-west, Super-C panniers loaded and an OS Landranger® stuffed into the front of his jacket. The feeling of freedom that bikes provide has never left him. Inspired by a friend and local bike-shop owner, John Spurr, he has undertaken tours in Italy, Spain, Benelux, France and Cuba, with a mixture of campsites, wild camping and pensions being his preferred accommodation. A keen member of Audax, Ed has also completed the Trans Alba (originally an 800-mile circuit of Scotland), taken part in Bear Bones events, completed a DIY tour of the Badlands in southern Spain and ridden countless sportives. His previous guidebooks for Cicerone explore bikepacking the fells of the Lake District and gravel trails of South-East England.