King Alfred’s way another Cycling UK bikepacking route and what seems to be their most popular route, for me this is actually my least favourite route from Cycling UK it’s often overgrown in the summer and boggy in the winter. It’s not all bad though, it does ride on some nice trails here and there it’s just that often I know there are better ways to go, trails that are more suited to gravel bikes and are ridable all year. It misses a lot of actually hard packed gravel surfaces and seems to ride along grass fields more often than not. The boggy fields with my nemesis… The COWS.

I am not entirely sure why this route is so popular, but I guess it pretty accessible with the location. It’s not that the trails are overly technical, but it’s also not for a complete beginner either. Some parts would be fine, some not. I have done this route a few times now, the first time I broke my bike with the claggy chalk. If it rains around the Ridgway area then starts to dry, it will clog up your bike no matter how much clearance you have, so careful now. I have also ridden this in one go. Ultimately it’s always really muddy and tedious to ride or lots of narrow overgrown thorn bushes. Maybe I’m just unlucky.

Its alright on a gravel bike, and a MTB is probably overkill for most people, but bear in mind its actually a lot of grassy trails and some sand. And the south downs can be a bit tough on the gravel bike.

Anyway don’t let me put you off riding the route if you want, I’m sure its a blast to go ride with your mates, actually that’s how I would recommend riding this route, I think it would be more fun with a couple of people to chat to.