If you’re looking for gravel paths, forest trails, and bridleways, Dorset and Wiltshire have some amazing off-road cycling routes. Whether you’re riding a gravel bike, mountain bike, or hybrid, these traffic-free trails offer stunning countryside, technical challenges, and peaceful rides away from busy roads.
Here are some of the best off-road cycling trails, complete with Google Maps links to help you find the starting points!
1️⃣ The North Dorset Trailway – Family-Friendly & Scenic 🚴♂️🌿
📍 Start: Sturminster Newton (North Dorset Trailway Car Park)
✅ Distance: 23 km (14 miles) one-way
✅ Difficulty: Easy
✅ Terrain: Hard-packed gravel, old railway line, smooth trails
🚴♂️ Why Ride It?
• Follows the old Somerset & Dorset Railway line, offering a flat and scenic ride.
• Traffic-free, perfect for families, beginners, and gravel riders.
• Passes through riverside paths, woodlands, and open countryside.
📌 Best for: Beginner-friendly off-road cycling with beautiful countryside views.
2️⃣ Wareham Forest & The Sika Trail – Woodland Adventure 🌲🚵♂️
📍 Start: Wareham Forest (Sika Trail Car Park)
✅ Distance: 16 km (10 miles) loop
✅ Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
✅ Terrain: Gravel, forest tracks, sandy sections
🚴♂️ Why Ride It?
• A well-marked, scenic forest trail with fun, flowing singletrack sections.
• Ideal for gravel bikes & mountain bikes.
• Great for wildlife spotting, with chances to see deer & rare birds.
📌 Best for: A fun, flowing forest ride suitable for all skill levels.
3️⃣ Cranborne Chase Gravel Trails – Hidden Gem 🏔️🌿
📍 Start: Sixpenny Handley (Village Car Park)
✅ Distance: 40-60 km (25-37 miles)
✅ Difficulty: Moderate
✅ Terrain: Gravel roads, bridleways, woodland paths
🚴♂️ Why Ride It?
• A network of gravel-friendly trails through Cranborne Chase AONB.
• Chalk downs, rolling hills, and quiet bridleways make this an adventure ride.
• Minimal road sections, with plenty of route variations.
📌 Best for: Gravel riders looking for a remote, scenic challenge.
4️⃣ The Ridgeway – Britain’s Oldest Off-Road Trail 🏛️🚴♀️
📍 Start: Avebury (Near the Stone Circle)
✅ Distance: 139 km (87 miles)
✅ Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
✅ Terrain: Ancient tracks, grassy trails, gravel, rocky sections
🚴♂️ Why Ride It?
• One of Britain’s most famous off-road cycling routes, dating back 5,000 years!
• Passes through Wiltshire Downs, Chiltern Hills, and historic landmarks.
• Epic views, rolling countryside, and wild camping options.
📌 Best for: Bikepackers, gravel riders, and history lovers looking for an epic off-road adventure.
5️⃣ Moors Valley Country Park – Fun & Flowing Trails 🚵♂️🌲
📍 Start: Moors Valley Visitor Centre
✅ Distance: 10-20 km (6-12 miles)
✅ Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
✅ Terrain: Smooth gravel, forest singletrack
🚴♂️ Why Ride It?
• Purpose-built cycling trails with options for all abilities.
• Traffic-free, family-friendly, and great for beginners or experienced riders.
• Fast, flowing sections through woodland with technical challenges for MTB riders.
📌 Best for: Beginners, families, and anyone looking for an enjoyable, scenic off-road ride.
6️⃣ Gillingham to Stourhead – Gravel & Woodland Ride 🚲🏡
📍 Start: Gillingham Town Centre
✅ Distance: 30 km (19 miles)
✅ Difficulty: Moderate
✅ Terrain: Gravel tracks, forest trails, quiet lanes
🚴♂️ Why Ride It?
• Peaceful countryside ride passing through forests and along the River Stour.
• Ends at Stourhead Gardens, a beautiful National Trust estate.
• Mix of gravel tracks, bridleways, and quiet lanes, making it ideal for gravel bikes.
📌 Best for: A scenic countryside adventure with a historic destination.
7️⃣ Longleat Forest – Ride Through the Safari Park! 🦁🚴♀️
📍 Start: Warminster (Longleat Forest Entrance)
✅ Distance: 25 km (15 miles)
✅ Difficulty: Moderate
✅ Terrain: Gravel roads, woodland paths, steep climbs
🚴♂️ Why Ride It?
• A one-of-a-kind ride through Longleat Forest with the chance to spot safari animals!
• Challenging hills & fun descents make it great for MTB and gravel bikes.
• Stunning views of Longleat House & surrounding countryside.
📌 Best for: Adventurous riders looking for a unique cycling experience.
🔧 Essential Tips for Off-Road Cycling in Dorset & Wiltshire
✔️ Best Bike Type: Gravel or mountain bikes are ideal—many routes are too rough for road bikes.
✔️ Pack Essentials: Always carry a spare tube, pump, multi-tool, and snacks.
✔️ Check Weather: Some trails can get muddy in winter—plan accordingly.
✔️ Use GPS & Maps: Download routes to Komoot, Ride with GPS, or Google Maps for navigation.
✔️ Respect the Trails: Stick to designated paths & bridleways to avoid damaging nature.
🔥 Final Thoughts: Where Will You Ride Next?
Whether you’re tackling The Ridgeway, exploring Cranborne Chase, or riding through Longleat Forest, there are plenty of incredible off-road trails waiting to be explored in Dorset & Wiltshire.
🚴♂️ Have you ridden any of these trails? Drop your experiences & route recommendations in the comments below! 💬🔥
