Dorset\u2019s countryside is a cycling paradise, offering rolling hills, quiet country lanes, historic villages, and scenic climbs. Whether you\u2019re looking for gentle rides, long-distance loops, or challenging climbs, the areas around Sherborne, Shaftesbury, and Gillingham provide some of the best cycling routes in the South of England.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some of the top cycling routes near each town, including Google Maps links to help you find the starting points!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udeb4\u200d\u2642\ufe0f Best Cycling Routes Near Sherborne<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1\ufe0f\u20e3 Sherborne & Blackmore Vale Loop \u2013 Classic Countryside Ride \ud83c\udf3f\ud83c\udfe1<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udccd Start: Sherborne Abbey, Sherborne<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udccc Google Maps Link<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Distance: 55 km (34 miles)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Difficulty: Moderate<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Terrain: Rolling country roads, farmland, small villages<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udeb4\u200d\u2642\ufe0f Why Ride It?<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 A gentle loop through Blackmore Vale, one of Dorset\u2019s most beautiful rural areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Passes through Yetminster, Bradford Abbas, and Stalbridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Stunning views of Dorset\u2019s rolling hills without too many steep climbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udccc Best for: Riders looking for a scenic countryside ride with a mix of easy and rolling terrain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2\ufe0f\u20e3 Sherborne to Cerne Abbas \u2013 The Abbey & Giant Ride \u26f0\ufe0f\ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udccd Start: Sherborne Castle, Sherborne<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udccc Google Maps Link<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Distance: 50 km (31 miles)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Terrain: Hills, valleys, and quiet rural lanes<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udeb4\u200d\u2642\ufe0f Why Ride It?<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Scenic ride through Dorset\u2019s hidden valleys, with some rolling climbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Stops at Cerne Abbas, famous for the Cerne Abbas Giant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 A mix of fast sections and slow, steady climbs with rewarding descents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udccc Best for: Intermediate riders looking for a varied and interesting route with historical landmarks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udeb5\u200d\u2642\ufe0f Best Cycling Routes Near Shaftesbury<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3\ufe0f\u20e3 Shaftesbury & Gold Hill Climb \u2013 The Ultimate Challenge \ud83c\udfd4\ufe0f\u26ea<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udccd Start: Gold Hill, Shaftesbury<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udccc Google Maps Link<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Distance: 45 km (28 miles)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Difficulty: Challenging<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Terrain: Hills, steep climbs, scenic countryside<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udeb4\u200d\u2642\ufe0f Why Ride It?<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Takes on Gold Hill, one of England\u2019s most famous (and toughest!) cycling climbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Stunning views across the Dorset Downs and Cranborne Chase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Mix of fast descents, rolling roads, and steep climbs for a challenging ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udccc Best for: Experienced cyclists looking for a serious hill climb challenge in a beautiful setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4\ufe0f\u20e3 Shaftesbury to Cranborne Chase \u2013 AONB Adventure \ud83c\udf32\ud83c\udfde\ufe0f<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udccd Start: Castle Hill Viewpoint, Shaftesbury<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udccc Google Maps Link<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Distance: 65 km (40 miles)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Difficulty: Moderate<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Terrain: Open countryside, quiet backroads, rolling hills<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udeb4\u200d\u2642\ufe0f Why Ride It?<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 A beautiful ride through Cranborne Chase, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Mostly quiet roads with occasional traffic-free sections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Features rolling terrain and short but challenging climbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udccc Best for: Gravel or road cyclists looking for a long-distance adventure through quiet, scenic countryside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udeb2 Best Cycling Routes Near Gillingham<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5\ufe0f\u20e3 Gillingham & Stour Valley Loop \u2013 Riverside Cycling \ud83c\udf0a\ud83d\udeb5\u200d\u2642\ufe0f<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udccd Start: Gillingham Train Station<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udccc Google Maps Link<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Distance: 50 km (31 miles)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Difficulty: Easy to Moderate<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Terrain: Quiet lanes, river paths, open countryside<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udeb4\u200d\u2642\ufe0f Why Ride It?<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Follows the River Stour, offering a mix of fast roads and scenic countryside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Passes through Mere, Bourton, and Stour Provost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Minimal traffic, making it perfect for peaceful, scenic riding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udccc Best for: Beginner to intermediate cyclists looking for a gentle but rewarding ride through Dorset\u2019s beautiful countryside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6\ufe0f\u20e3 Gillingham to Longleat \u2013 Ride Through the Safari Park! \ud83e\udd81\ud83c\udf33<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udccd Start: Gillingham Town Centre<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udccc Google Maps Link<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Distance: 70 km (43 miles)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Terrain: Country lanes, forest roads, rolling hills<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udeb4\u200d\u2642\ufe0f Why Ride It?<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 A unique cycling experience that takes you near Longleat Safari Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Fantastic views of the Wiltshire and Somerset countryside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Includes some challenging climbs and fast descents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udccc Best for: Riders who want a long ride with an interesting destination and fun wildlife spotting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf1f Bonus: Multi-Town Cycling Challenge<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd39 Sherborne \u279d Shaftesbury \u279d Gillingham Loop \u2013 85 km (53 miles)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udccc Google Maps Link<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Difficulty: Challenging<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Terrain: Hills, valleys, fast descents<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udeb4\u200d\u2642\ufe0f Why Ride It?<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 A full-day ride connecting all three towns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Includes scenic valleys, historic towns, and tough hill climbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 A great training ride for those preparing for long-distance sportives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udccc Best for: Advanced cyclists who want a full-day adventure with varied terrain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udeb4\u200d\u2642\ufe0f Tips for Cycling Near Sherborne, Shaftesbury & Gillingham<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2714\ufe0f Road or Gravel? \u2013 Most routes are road-friendly, but some have gravel sections (check in advance).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2714\ufe0f Watch for Traffic \u2013 These areas have quiet roads, but be careful near villages and on faster lanes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2714\ufe0f Refuel Smart \u2013 The best caf\u00e9 stops are in Sherborne, Shaftesbury, and Gillingham town centres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2714\ufe0f Prepare for Hills \u2013 Dorset and Wiltshire have some steep but rewarding climbs!<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2714\ufe0f Weather Ready \u2013 The countryside can be exposed\u2014bring waterproofs & layers in unpredictable weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd25 Final Thoughts: Where Will You Ride First?<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Sherborne, Shaftesbury, and Gillingham areas offer some of the best cycling routes in Dorset and Wiltshire. Whether you\u2019re looking for gentle countryside loops, historic routes, or steep climbs, there\u2019s a ride for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udeb4\u200d\u2642\ufe0f Have you cycled these routes? Share your experiences & tips in the comments below! \ud83d\udd25\ud83d\udcac<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Dorset\u2019s countryside is a cycling paradise, offering rolling hills, quiet country lanes, historic villages, and scenic climbs. Whether you\u2019re looking for gentle rides, long-distance loops, or challenging climbs, the areas around Sherborne, Shaftesbury, and Gillingham provide some of the best cycling routes in the South of England. Here are some of the top cycling routes… Continue reading \ud83d\udeb4\u200d\u2642\ufe0f Best Cycling Routes Near Sherborne, Shaftesbury & Gillingham \ud83c\udf33\ud83d\udeb2<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17,20,18],"tags":[21],"class_list":["post-148","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-cycling-in-dorset","category-destinations","category-guides","tag-cycling","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/cycle.shaftesburycarers.org\/bikes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/148","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/cycle.shaftesburycarers.org\/bikes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/cycle.shaftesburycarers.org\/bikes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/cycle.shaftesburycarers.org\/bikes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/cycle.shaftesburycarers.org\/bikes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=148"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/cycle.shaftesburycarers.org\/bikes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/148\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":149,"href":"http:\/\/cycle.shaftesburycarers.org\/bikes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/148\/revisions\/149"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/cycle.shaftesburycarers.org\/bikes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=148"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/cycle.shaftesburycarers.org\/bikes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=148"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/cycle.shaftesburycarers.org\/bikes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=148"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}