King Alfred's Way

[DRM]

View: https://youtu.be/hKWuRIcP3J0

For any one who wants a peek at the route.

 

[itboffin]

they missed out the Wessex section up from Salisbury to Marlborough

 

[matticus]

I'be been following this venture since the pre-publicity (it IS on my doorstep!), and had a while to think about the concept, I think the general message here is that calling it a "Gravel" route is optimistic, except in good weather/conditions. The word "bandwagon" is lurking in the wings.
It's certainly not an easy route for the less physically able, or if you don't have the right bike.
Still, it will be interesting for many, as this thread demonstrates.

HOWEVER, speaking selfishly, I'd rather have a route that is much more rideable, even if that means a fair few miles of quiet lanes and back-roads. That would be more accesible/inclusive. But maybe I'm in the minority, maybe most are desperate to avoid cars at all costs?

 

[cougie uk]

I like the idea of quiet lanes rather than mud plugging. Especially if you're doing the whole thing. I can cope with mud if I know I can clean the bike and myself that night.

After seeing half of the GCN video I don't think it's one for the wetter months. 😁

 

[Brendan Parker]

Stumbled across this thread as doing this in June on a gravel bike.
curious to know if anyone done this in the winter and how you got on?

 

[figbat]

I have ridden the Ridgeway part of it in all seasons - in the winter it is near-on impassable when wet and muddy; I stay away until it’s been dry for a while. I’ll probably be going along there tomorrow as it’s riding really well at the moment.

 

[johnblack]

I've ridden the South Downs way, which is the KAW part from Winchester to South Harting, it was in the summer and dry. Got to say wouldn't fancy it in the winter unless it had been dry for a bit, there will be parts that would be almost impossible on a MTB, but as for a gravel bike....

 

[Cathryn]

Stumbled across this thread as doing this in June on a gravel bike.
curious to know if anyone done this in the winter and how you got on?

We cycle the ridgeway in winter quite regularly and it’s pretty horrible!

 

[figbat]

I actually bailed out of it this morning and took a different route - with the overnight rain the rutted and chalky sections would have been lethal.

 

[Brendan Parker]

Hopefully me putting off until June is a good move then. Although I feel it will be especially busy this year

 

[matticus]

Hopefully me putting off until June is a good move then. Although I feel it will be especially busy this year

The Qs will be like Hillarys Step!

 

[uphillstruggler]

I believe this route uses lots of the Ridgeway. With all the online coverage, I'm glad I rode the ridgeway last year as i fear @matticus is likely to be correct.

i just hope it stays in good nick with no refuse issues

 

[johnblack]

Hopefully me putting off until June is a good move then. Although I feel it will be especially busy this year

When I did the SDW after the lockdown ended last summer, it was mostly deserted and it was a lovely sunny Friday. Only certain touristy way points along the way were busy, I can't see why this would be any different

 

[Yellow Fang]

I've been thinking of doing this with a friend. It's annoying that the cycling guide has run out, because I don't think the route is sign posted and the guide had a list of accommodation.

 

[Blue Hills]

I've been thinking of doing this with a friend. It's annoying that the cycling guide has run out, because I don't think the route is sign posted and the guide had a list of accommodation.

For the route, the gpx is freely available.