The newest long distance bikepacking route in the UK (summer 2020), created by charity Cycling UK, the King Alfred’s Way is a 217 mile (350 km) loop around the south east of England, taking in not only some incredibly diverse landscapes, but also millennia of history.

Named after the King that united England and reigned the Kingdom of Wessex from the start and finish point in Winchester, this route meanders through Hampshire, Wiltshire, Berkshire and Surrey on some of the finest off-road trails in the area. It links the South Downs Way, the Ridgeway and the Thames Path National Trails, and also meets the start point of the North Downs Way in Farnham.

The King Alfred’s Way is the latest product of Cycling UK’s ambition to create a network of cycleable off-road trails across the UK, which also includes the Great North Trail (komoot.com/collection/904449/).

From chalk grassland on the South Downs Way to leafy Surrey Forests, vast arable fields on the Salisbury Plain to quaint villages on the Thames, the King Alfred’s Way has it all. For the history buffs, there’s countless sites to explore including Old Sarum, the Avebury stone circles, Stonehenge, Farnham Castle, Salisbury and Winchester Cathedrals and countless hill forts.

As the route never strays too far from villages and towns, it is a great choice for beginner and experienced bikepackers alike. You can enjoy the route with full gear and camp locally, or pack light and stay in quaint B&Bs along the route, the choice is yours. Although the official start and finish is in Winchester, you can start the route wherever you like. It is really well served by train stations, including in Reading, Farnham, Goring and Salisbury.

Prepare to be surprised and amazed on the King Alfred’s Way; no two tracks are the same. Whether you want to pace around in just three days or take a relaxed approach in a week, there’s plenty to admire in the gorgeous South East.