Dorset Winter Cycling

It’s been 50 years since almost half of Dorset received official recognition as a very special landscape. Its designation as the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1959 placed it safely in a family of nationally important protected landscapes. Winter Cycling in Dorset is a great way to explore this area, to discover its many ancient monuments and hill forts and to experience and marvel at the abundant wildlife.

On two wheels you can cover a good distance , but at a gentle enough pace to feel at one with the peace and tranquillity of this beautiful part of the world.

So why not dust of your bike, wrap up warm and spend a couple of hours exploring the beautiful Dorset countryside this winter.

To get you going, here are a couple of suggested routes to enjoy.

Abbotsbury and Bride Valley Bike Ride

Distance: Approx 11 miles

This route starts at Abbotsbury the beautiful village with its world famous Swannery, and visits Littlebredy and Litton Cheney before returning to Abbotsbury. As you leave Abbotsbury you can enjoy the views of Chesil beach and the Jurassic coastline before cycling North East on the side road signposted for Littlebredy.

On the way you will pass the Valley of Stones with its circle of haphazardly arranged stones that almost looks man made.

The Valley of Stones has been a National Nature Reserve since 1999. Take a short detour to visit Hardy’s monument and take in the superb views across the Dorset landscape, before heading North West into Littlebredy. Littlebredy lies near the head of the River Bride and is a beautiful, picturesque and serenely quiet village.

Continue along the Bride Valley to the village of Litton Cheney with its many 17th and 18th century stone and thatched cottages built alongside the road winding its way alongside the stream as it rushes through the valley.

Complete the circular route by heading south towards Abbotsbury Castle and join the B3157 to return to your starting point.

Frome Valley and Chalk Hills Bike Ride

Distance: Approx 11 miles

If you enjoy climbing hills then The Frome Valley route includes a couple of testers as you traverse the chalk downs that lie between the adjacent valleys of the river Frome and Sydling Water.

The suggested route starts at Sydling St Nicholas, a scenic village lying deep in a chalk-stream valley, and takes in Maiden Newton and Frampton before returning to your starting point as you cycle up the Sydling Water valley.

On your route a short diversion allows you to visit the Butterfly site at Lankham Bottom managed by the Butterfly Conservation group.

All approaches to Sydling St Nicholas are beautiful, whether you choose to cross the hills from Cerne Abbas or Maiden Newton, or take the gentler option along the river valley. This route is a real joy of contrasting scenery, and beautiful villages.

Winter Cycling

For those tempted by these routes, and perhaps planning to buy a new bike, do visit your local cycle shop for advice. There is a wide range of specialist terrain kit available as well as a number of good quality all-rounders to consider. With mountain bikes and their rugged tyres designed for tough off road work, you may be better advised to consider a touring or hybrid bike. These combine strength and comfort, with equipment, wheels and tyres more suitable for road use.

A visit to The Outdoor Store will provide all the choice and advice needed for a selection of waterproof jackets and warm clothing to ensure you enjoy your cycling in Dorset this winter, whatever the weather.

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