Cycling Dorset

Table of contents

This guide contains a lot of useful information. To help make it more digestible, we’ve broken it down into several parts:

• Part 1: Why visit
• Part 2: What to expect
• Part 3: Cycling bases and must-try routes
• Part 4: Practicalities and tips

Part 1: Why should cyclists visit Dorset?

Dorset is a brilliant destination for cyclists looking for quieter roads, off-road riding and plenty of route options in a relatively compact area.

From punchy climbs and chalk hills to old railway paths and coastal riding, the county offers a mix of road, gravel and mountain biking that suits everything from relaxed café rides to longer days out.

One of Dorset’s biggest strengths is how easy it is to link different types of riding together. You can move from quiet country lanes to gravel tracks and woodland trails without needing to travel far, making it a rewarding place to explore on two wheels.

Chocolate box villages

Why should you come and try cycling in Dorset? Well, the scenery is the first reason. Rolling countryside, a rugged coastline and the Jurassic Coast, which feels wild and full of history. Then there are the details: chocolate box villages, quiet lanes where you will hear birds more than traffic, and a network of gravel tracks that seem to link everything together.

One of the things I love most is how connected it all is. You can ride through farmland, pick up an old railway line, and end up at the sea without really thinking about it.

Climbing

There is some good climbing in Dorset too. Bullbarrow Hill is probably the climb people talk about most. It is the second highest point in the county, and it is a tough one, especially from the Woolland side which is steeper than you expect. The views are worth it though. On a clear day you can see all the way to the Severn Bridge.

Disused railways

Dorset’s old railway network has left something really special behind for cyclists. The North Dorset Trailway (the “Trailway”) is a great example, with around 14 miles of traffic free gravel between Sturminster Newton and Spetisbury. It is peaceful, scenic and ideal for families or anyone wanting something more relaxed away from the roads.

Part 2: What can you expect from Dorset (a cyclist’s perspective)?

Where is Dorset located?

Dorset sits on the south coast of England, just west of the New Forest and stretching along the Jurassic Coast. It is easily accessible from London and the South East, but once you are out on the lanes it feels rural.

What is Dorset’s terrain like?

Dorset is not flat, but it is also not relentlessly hilly. It is more varied than people expect, which is what makes it such a good place to ride.

• If you are looking for hills, North Dorset is where you will find them. Bullbarrow, Okeford Hill, Hambledon Hill and Hod Hill all give you some decent climbs. If you head out towards Win Green and up towards Salisbury, via places like Milton Abbas, you can build some challenging routes on both road and gravel.
• For something more rolling, the Dorset Trailway is ideal. It is flat, fast and covered in that lovely pea gravel. The riding around Pimperne and across the Ox Drove, whilst a bit punchier has a more open and flowing feel.
• If you want something easier, there are plenty of quieter back lane routes. Riding out towards Wimborne from Blandford gives you gentler terrain and a more relaxed pace.

One thing to watch for is the surprise climb. Dorset has quite a few of them. The climb from Woolland up to Bullbarrow is a good example. It kicks up more than you expect and can catch you out if you are not ready for it.

Cycling on a gravel route through the Dorset countryside (photo credit: Amelia Johnson UK)

What are the roads like?

One of Dorset’s biggest strengths is its road network. There is almost always a quieter alternative if you are willing to look for it.

In general, the roads are peaceful, especially once you get away from the main routes. I would avoid the A31 and the bigger roads around towns and ring roads where possible, but the beauty of Dorset is that you can usually cut through villages on smaller lanes instead.

Drivers are generally used to cyclists, particularly in rural areas. Summer is the one time to be more mindful, especially around the coast. The seafront stretch from Sandbanks to Hengistbury Head can get busy during the day, so it is best ridden early morning or later in the evening. When you hit it at the right time, it is a really special ride with around nine miles of promenade alongside the sea.

Riding out towards Wareham Forest with the Girls That Ride Bikes (photo credit: Amelia Johnson UK)

What kind of cyclist is Dorset for?

If you are into gravel, it is one of the best areas in the UK. The mix of trailways, bridleways, chalk tracks and quiet lanes means you can link together routes really easily.

Road riders will also get a lot out of it, especially if you enjoy rolling terrain and the occasional punchy climb.

You do not need to be super fit to enjoy Dorset, but you do need to be prepared for hills if you are venturing away from the flatter routes. There are plenty of options for easier rides, especially on the Trailway and quieter lanes, so it can work well for families and more relaxed cycling too.

Group photo from the Girls That Ride Bikes ride (photo credit: Amelia Johnson UK)

Do you need an organised tour?

You do not need to do an organised tour in Dorset. It is a really easy place to explore independently, especially with a GPS route.

That said, group rides and events can be a great way to discover new routes, especially off-road where it is easy to miss some of the best linking sections.

Gathering at the Trailbloom tent at The Girls That Ride Bikes Festival (photo credit: Amelia Johnson UK)

What are the key cycling events in Dorset?

One of the standout events locally for Women is the Women’s Wild Weekend. It is a multi-activity weekend combining cycling, paddleboarding, river swimming and time outdoors. It includes road, gravel and mountain bike rides, as well as coaching sessions at Okeford Hill.

SUP activities at the Girls That Ride Bikes Festival in Dorset (photo credit: Amelia Johnson UK)

Part 3: What are the best bases for cyclists and must-do cycling routes in Dorset?

One of the best things about cycling in Dorset is the range of riding within a relatively small area. Your base can shape whether your days are spent riding traffic-free trailways and country lanes or heading towards coastal climbs and forest tracks.

North Dorset including Blandford, Shillingstone and Sturminster Newton

This is my go-to ride. It gives you access to everything, gravel, hills, quiet lanes and the Trailway running through it all.

It is a great base if you want variety and slightly quieter riding away from the busier coastal areas.

The Inside Park near Blandford Forum is a good place to stay if you are riding in this area. It caters for camping, vans and motorhomes, and has cycle tracks within the park. I have stayed there myself and would highly suggest it, as it is on the Blandford Forum route.

If you prefer a hotel, the Crown Hotel in Blandford Forum is also well located for riding in this area.

Suggested Route: North Dorset gravel loop (30 kilometres)

Terms of use reminder

• Start and finish: Shillingstone Railway Project
• Distance: Around 30 kilometres
• Type of bike: Best for hardtail or mountain bike

This route shows off what Dorset does best. You start along the Trailway towards Stourpaine, passing old railway carriages and the platform. From there you head off road towards Durweston, climbing through woodland and across fields.

You move through singletrack towards Blandford Forest before reaching Okeford Hill. One of the best descents drops you down into Okeford Fitzpaine.

From there you link trails past the old mushroom farm, climb towards Broad Oak, then descend into Sturminster Newton and pick up the Trailway back to Shillingstone.

Suggested Route: Pimperne to Win Green gravel loop (55 kilometres)

Terms of use reminder

• Start and finish: Pimperne at Lou Café
• Distance: Around 50 kilometres
• Type of bike: Best for gravel or hardtail

You head out onto gravel tracks almost immediately. Early on you pass Home Farm, which is worth stopping for as it has some of the best cakes around.

The route takes you through woodland and into Chettle, a beautiful village with a great farm shop. You gradually climb towards Win Green where the landscape opens out into wide chalk tracks and big views.

From there you follow the ridge and loop back through more small villages and trails before heading back towards Pimperne.

Suggested Route: The Big Dorset Loop (80 kilometres)

Terms of use reminder

• Start and finish: Blandford
• Distance: Around 80 kilometres
• Type of bike: Best for gravel

This is a longer route that shows just how much Dorset has to offer in a single ride.

You head out along the Trailway to Spetisbury, then across farmland and over the A31 near the World’s End pub. From there you ride into Wareham Forest and on to Wareham, where The Salt Pig is a good stop.

You continue to Arne and take the chain ferry across to Sandbanks. From there you follow cycle paths along Poole Quay, through Upton Country Park and onto the Castleman Trailway towards Wimborne.

From Wimborne you take quieter back lanes through villages all the way back to Blandford.

If you wanted to extend the ride further, you could combine this route with the North Dorset gravel loop to create a 100 kilometre route.

Gravel riding in matching jerseys (photo credit: Amelia Johnson UK)

Wareham and the Isle of Purbeck

If you want coastal riding, this is where to be.

You have access to Wareham Forest, Studland, the Purbeck Ridge and places like Corfe Castle and Lulworth. The riding is more varied and a bit more challenging in places, but the views are hard to beat.

For this area, I have stayed at both Burnbake and Knoll House and would highly suggest them. Both are very close to the Purbecks and coast route, making them excellent bases for exploring this part of Dorset.

Suggested Route: Wareham Forest to Purbeck Ridge and the coast

Terms of use reminder

• Start and finish in Wareham Forest (50 kilometres)
• Distance: Around 50 kilometres
• Type of bike: Best for gravel or mountain bike

You begin in Wareham Forest on gravel and sandy trails heading towards Studland. Passing through Wareham, The Salt Pig is worth stopping for.

You continue through farmland and past Arne before reaching the coast. From Studland you climb up onto the Purbeck Ridge and follow it towards Corfe Castle.

From Corfe you climb again towards Swyre Head where you get one of the best coastal views, looking down over Dancing Ledge. From there a fast descent takes you towards Lulworth.

Forest cycling in Dorset (photo credit: Amelia Johnson UK)

Part 4: What do you need to know before cycling in Dorset?

Practicalities of Dorset cycling holidays

What accommodation is available for cyclists in Dorset?

I find that accommodation in Dorset is generally very welcoming to cyclists.

There is a wide mix of accommodation, from campsites and glamping through to hotels and cottages. Many places are used to hosting cyclists and offer secure bike storage and flexibility around early starts.

Camping is a particularly good option in the warmer months, especially if you are planning multi-day rides.

As mentioned above:

• For the Purbecks and coast, Burnbake is a good option for camping, vans and motorhomes, while The Inside Park near Blandford Forum is another useful base. It also has cycle tracks within the park, and I have done some XC racing there.
• For hotel stays, Knoll House in the Purbecks and the Crown Hotel in Blandford Forum are both well located for cyclists and close to the routes suggested in this guide.
• I have stayed at Knoll House, Burnbake and The Inside Park, and would highly suggest all three.

Girls That Ride Bikes Festival in Dorset (photo credit: Amelia Johnson UK)

Where can cyclists find bike hire and shops in Dorset?

Off Camber Cycles in Blandford is a great local bike shop. They are always friendly, helpful and do a good coffee as well.

Bike hire is available in Wareham through cyclexperience, they offer a great range of bikes at affordable prices.

Getting ready to ride (photo credit: Amelia Johnson UK)

When to visit Dorset for cycling?

Spring is my favourite time to ride in Dorset. The roads are quieter, everything is starting to come to life and it offers a really good balance before the summer crowds arrive.

Summer is still a great time to ride, especially early morning or later in the day, although the coast can be busy.

November is probably the month I would avoid if I had the choice. It can be wet and muddy, although if you catch a clear winter day it can still be beautiful.

Summer cycling in the Dorset (photo credit: Amelia Johnson UK)

How do you get to Dorset?

Dorset is accessible by train with main stations including Bournemouth, Poole and Dorchester.

The nearest airports are Bournemouth, Southampton and Bristol.

Tips for cycling in Dorset

A little planning goes a long way when cycling in Dorset. The county is easy to explore independently, but these tips will help you make the most of the quieter lanes, coastal routes and gravel options:

• Avoid main roads like the A31 where possible as there are usually quieter alternatives
• Expect hills even on shorter rides
• Plan café stops as Dorset does them well
• Ride the coast early or later in the day in summer
• A gravel or all-road bike gives you the most flexibility

What’s next?

A huge thank you to Roanna for sharing these local insights into cycling in Dorset.

Have you ridden any of the Dorset cycling routes featured in this guide? We’d love to hear from you! Leave us a comment below.

Looking for more UK cycling inspiration? Don’t miss:

• Cycling UK, our central hub for cycling across the country.
• Cycling Isle of Wight, for an iconic destination not far from Dorset.
• Cycling Isle of Man, for some of the richest cycling heritage in the British Isles.
• Cycling Surrey Hills, for punchy climbs, woodland lanes and cycling close to London.
• Cycling Lake District, for iconic climbs, scenic roads and one of the UK’s best-known cycling regions.
• Cycling Peak District, for practical tips on routes, climbs and what to expect from riding in the Peaks.
• Cycling Falkirk, for traffic-free trails, canal paths and family-friendly riding in Scotland.

Roanna is the founder of Girls That Ride Bikes, a female cycling community created to inspire, connect and encourage more women to get out on two wheels.

Based in Dorset, she rides road, gravel and mountain bike throughout the year and organises events including the Women’s Wild Weekend, bringing together cycling and the outdoors in a relaxed and welcoming way.

(Photo credit: Amelia Johnson UK)