Cycling

The Dorset AONB offers many cycle routes exploring the diverse collection of landscapes we have here. Pedal power is a great way to explore the wildlife rich heathland, windswept chalk downland, fertile valleys and the ever changing coast. There are several routes you can download from this page to give you some routes of varying distances and difficulties.

West Dorset Pedal

Cycle in style with the West Dorset Pedal, a collection of beautiful routes with artists' studios and local eateries where you can stop for food and inspiration! There are 5 routes varying from 11 to 17 miles, each with the routes clearly marked on maps. Choose from a leisurely tour round the Marshwood Vale, two routes taking in West Dorset's finest hillforts, a pedal along the Frome Valley and a tour of the top of the lesser known Bride Valley. Contact the Dorset AONB team for a paper copy or download the individual routes here.

Bridports Market Garden (cover): A 15 mile loop, around Bridport  & Netherbury (map)

Eggardon Hillfort (cover): A choice of a 11 or 14 mile loop around Loders & Powerstock (map)

Hillforts & The Vale (cover): A 12 mile loop + a 2mile detour, around Charmouth & Marshwood (map)

The Frome Valley (cover): A 17 mile route around Dorchester & Maiden Newton, with a detour up to Cerne Abbas as an option (map)

Valley of the Stones (cover): Either a 11 or 16 mile loop around the area of Abbotsbury and the The Bride Valley (map)

You can also use the National Cycle Network Routes to explore West Dorset, a selection of routes mainly on quiet country lanes which take you into the heart of West Dorset - definitely off the beaten track!

Explore Purbeck

Purbeck also provides good on and off road cycling through woodland, heathland  and downs. Purbeck District Council have some good information for cyclists on the Dorset for you website. Interesting cycle routes include the Rempstone Ride, the Castle Ride and the East Lulworth Ride but there are lots more to choose from.

Explore North Dorset

To the north of the Dorset AONB, you will find the North Dorset Trailway, which takes you through picturesque village so of the Blackmore Vale.  A leaflet is availabel to download. North Dorset Trailway 460.88 Kb . You can also explore the high ground of North Dorset on the newly renovated Wessex Ridgeway which has large sections of its route open to cyclists. More information can be found in the Guide to the Wessex Ridgeway