The Old Chalk Way

27 Feb

The Old Chalk Way, Similar to the Greater Ridgway route but a much more gravel friendly version, noticeably in the first section of the route through Dorset. It’s starts and finishes in the same place, starting at Lyme Regis and finishes in Holme-next-sea with a solid 360 miles of fun to be had, and I must say I had I really fun time on this adventure, it is a great gravel bike adventure for sure, it’s not always easy with some tiring steep climbs. Most of these are towards the start if you start in Lyme, so you should have fresh legs to get up these, and as you progress through the route it gets easier as you head towards the flat lands of Norfolk.

Unlike the Greater Ridgeway, you do get to concur the iconic Hovis Hill with the famous steep cobble road and a picturesque backdrop. Especially on a sunny day, you can see for miles. You will also make your way through the wide open gravel roads though the Salisbury plain area, well if the red flags are not flying you can (don’t get shot). Hopefully it won’t be raining, and the trails won’t be wet because as you head onto the Ridgway you will not want to experience the slippery claggy chalk. But if it’s dry, it’s a blast. A solid 30 miles of Ridgway riding before you get to drop into goring, where you will probably want to have a little resupply. Just like the Greater Ridgway, this route uses the Ickneilds way and the pedders way towards the end but finding the nicer to ride gravel trails along the way.

If you want to read some more about the route, head over to the official old chalk way page

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