All posts by : James Whateley

A legendary four-day off-road cycling adventure through ancient Britain.

Ride through 10,000 years of history

From ancient stone circles and Iron Age hillforts, to sweeping chalk trails and woodland tracks, the King Alfred’s Way Cycle offers one of the UK’s most iconic off-road cycling adventures. But what happens when you take that epic route, add a passionate support crew, sprinkle in a team of like-minded cyclists, and ride for a cause that truly matters?

You get something much more than just a bikepacking route. You get Bike the UK for MS: King Alfred’s Way.

This guide breaks down everything you can expect on our 4-day supported cycling trip, whether you’re a returning Bike the UK for MS alumni, first-time off-roader, or curious adventurer searching for your next challenge.

What is the King Alfred’s Way Cycle?

King Alfred’s Way is a 220-mile (350km) circular bike route through the historic kingdom of Wessex, developed by Cycling UK. It connects four National Trails – the Ridgeway, South Downs Way, North Downs Way, and Thames Path – taking in ancient monuments like Stonehenge, Avebury Stone Circle, and Old Sarum.

It’s about 85% off-road, ranging from wide gravel paths to chalky climbs, forest singletrack, canal towpaths, and sunken bridleways. The scenery is as varied as the surface under your tyres: open downs, misty woodlands, sleepy villages, and ancient hilltop views.

The route was designed with adventure in mind. You’ll cross military training grounds, Neolithic causeways, and Roman roads. It’s a route that blends natural beauty and historical significance with physical challenges throughout.

What makes our ride different?

Most people ride King Alfred’s Way solo, carrying their gear, plotting their route, and crossing their fingers for good weather and working brakes. We do it differently.

When you join Bike the UK for MS:

• Your gear travels in the support van.
• Your route leaders keep you on track.
• Your water stops appear every 15–30 miles.
• Your team shares stories, snacks, and miles together.
• And your fundraising helps support those living with multiple sclerosis across the UK.

This is a fully supported group ride, but it’s still an adventure.

The Route: Day-by-Day Breakdown

May 16–19, 2025
Start and end point: Reading
Total distance: 220 miles
Elevation: 11,850 ft

Day 1: Reading to Liphook – 62 miles

We begin with a gentle roll out from Reading, joining the Kennet and Avon Canal and riding out along easy-going towpaths and rural lanes. As we leave the Thames Valley behind, we begin our transition into more rugged terrain, with woodland trails and bridleways weaving through Hampshire. Today features a mix of forest tracks and sandy sections as we pass through Swinley Forest and Frensham Common, offering early glimpses of the route’s varied surfaces.

Expect occasional rutted sections and narrow lanes lined with ancient oaks. The highlight of the day is reaching the Devil’s Punch Bowl, a stunning natural amphitheatre near Hindhead. We descend through rhododendron-filled trails and head towards our overnight in Liphook.

Day 2: Liphook to Stockbridge – 50 miles

Today starts with flowing singletrack through Queen Elizabeth Country Park, including stretches of the South Downs Way. Prepare for some challenging climbs and rewarding views across the Hampshire downs. We’ll ascend Butser Hill, the highest point on the South Downs, before descending chalky bridleways and entering pastoral farmland.

We ride through Old Winchester Hill, home to an Iron Age hill fort and rich in wildflowers and views. The route weaves through quiet lanes and grassy byways, following ancient tracks that feel timeless. As we approach Stockbridge, we’ll cross sections of Roman roads and pass through villages steeped in history. Be prepared for undulating terrain and short technical descents, especially if conditions are damp.

Day 3: Stockbridge to All Cannings – 49 miles

This is our most history-soaked day. We ride towards Salisbury Plain, a vast, open plateau used for military training and rich with archaeological significance. The route skirts danger zones, keeping us safely on bridleways as we head toward Old Sarum, an ancient hill fort where Romans, Normans and Saxons all left their mark.

Shortly after, riders will spot the unmistakable outline of Stonehenge in the distance. We pass close by via public byways, with the option for a short detour for a better view. After a rest stop, the terrain becomes more rolling, with grassy fields and open farmland leading us towards the Avebury Stone Circles. Less touristy than Stonehenge, but equally magical.

The day ends with a gentle cruise into All Cannings, a peaceful village beside the Kennet and Avon Canal, perfect for a quiet, relaxing evening.

Day 4: All Cannings to Reading – 58 miles

Our final day follows the iconic Ridgeway, Britain’s oldest road. This ancient route delivers long, undulating tracks across open chalk downs. The wide trails allow riders to soak in sweeping views of the Wiltshire and Oxfordshire countryside.

Expect fast, flowing descents and some exposed sections. The wind can be a factor here. We pass the Uffington White Horse, a prehistoric chalk figure carved into the hillside, and ride near Barbury Castle, another impressive Iron Age fort.

As we descend from the Ridgeway and re-enter the Thames Valley, the terrain softens again. A mix of canal paths and rural lanes leads us back into Reading, tired but triumphant.

What kind of bike do I need?

We recommend a gravel bike, hardtail mountain bike, or cyclocross bike if your skills are up to the challenge. Tyres of 40mm+ are ideal, with good tread for loose terrain.

eBikes are welcome! Just be sure to manage your battery range (a spare battery is ideal). We’ll have charging options via our Jackery units at rest stops and camp.

What gear should I bring?

We carry your kit for you, so no panniers needed! You’ll have:

• An 80L box for your main gear (camping kit, clothes, etc.)
• A 16L day box for essentials like snacks, layers, or spares, accessible at rest stops

The basics you’ll need to bring:

• Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad
• Your chosen bike
• Optional cooking gear (if not eating out)
• Riding kit, tools, and personal gear (we send a full checklist)

What’s the vibe like?

Think team spirit, not competition. Around 10 riders, riding at their own pace, supporting each other. There’s no set speed or cutoff times. You ride how you want, slow and steady, photo-heavy, or charging between cafes.

This is about experiencing something unforgettable together, and raising funds for a great cause while doing it.

Is it tough?

Yes… but not too tough.

The route includes some decent climbs, some rutted descents, and lots of varied surfaces. But it’s designed to be doable with training, and we provide training plans to help you get there.

If you can ride 40–50 miles in a day, you’re on track. You’ll also learn from alumni and get advice from our team before you even start pedalling.

What does it cost?

• £25 to register
• £440 fundraising target (just £2 per mile!)

This covers your support, accommodation, jersey, logistics, and rider resources. Food is your choice and cost: camp meals, pub dinners, or café stops are all fair game.

How do I sign up?

Just head to our King Alfred’s Way event page and click Register.

You’ll get:

• A welcome pack
• Training advice
• Gear prep support
• A chance to be part of a purpose-led cycling community

Final Thoughts

What makes King Alfred’s Way so special isn’t just the history – though there’s plenty of that. It’s the sheer variety packed into four unforgettable days of riding. One moment you’re winding through a cathedral of trees in the South Downs, the next you’re cresting a ridge with 360-degree views across timeless countryside.

Each day brings something new: a sweeping descent through a nature reserve, a hidden Roman road, the unexpected sight of Stonehenge rising from the mist. It’s a route that keeps you on your toes and rewards your effort with a constant stream of memorable moments.

Riding it as part of a supported team, without the stress of logistics or navigation, means you get to focus on what really matters: soaking up the ride, the scenery, and the company.

Ready to ride? We’ll see you at the start line in May.

Meet Hilary Jackson: Fitness Instructor, Solo Cyclist, and MS Fundraiser

Hilary Jackson is no stranger to long days and physical endurance. As a fitness instructor based in the South of England, she’s built her career around helping others stay active and healthy. But with unsociable hours and split shifts being the norm, Hilary has always found herself riding solo. Cycling, for her, was a trial-and-error journey – learning on the go, fitting in rides around work, and taking on challenges like the inaugural RideLondon 100 and multi-day charity rides.

When she discovered Bike the UK for MS, everything clicked: the support, the cause, the team. It was the perfect bridge between solo adventures and shared impact.

A Personal Connection: Riding for Mick and Margaret

Hilary’s motivation to ride goes deeper than the love of cycling. Through her work, she came to know two clients, Mick and Margaret, who lived with multiple sclerosis (MS). Their experiences were very different—Mick dealt with nerve pain and muscle spasms that limited his day-to-day life, while Margaret, once an avid athlete, found creative ways to push forward despite her symptoms.

Their stories stayed with Hilary. They gave MS a face, a voice, and an urgency she couldn’t ignore.

Scotland Calling: The Ride That Started It All

One day in early 2023, while scrolling Facebook, a post caught Hilary’s eye: the North Coast 500 ride. In that instant, everything aligned. A chance to return to Scotland, a place that had left a lasting impression during a childhood holiday, and a way to give back to people like Mick and Margaret.

“It was the perfect chance to do ‘bike-packing’ without the packing,” she says. “I signed up pretty much straight away.”

Why I Keep Coming Back: Bucket List Routes and Bigger Purpose

Since that first ride, Hilary hasn’t looked back. From the North Coast 500 to the Sea to Sea, each route has been a bucket-list cycling experience, made even better by the thoughtful planning and support.

“The best part is you can focus on riding, not logistics,” she explains. “And meeting MS groups along the way adds real meaning. I learned so much about the condition—things I never knew before. And it made my fundraising feel more direct and personal.”

From Nervous to Natural: Finding Her Place in the Peloton

As someone used to riding solo, Hilary admits she was nervous about joining a group ride. But those nerves quickly melted away.

“The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. Everyone finds their rhythm, and there’s no pressure to ride in a pack,” she recalls. “The faster you go, the more time for coffee at the next rest stop!”

Mint Magnums and Starry Skies: Unforgettable Moments on the Road

Ask Hilary about her most memorable moments, and the stories come pouring out:

Waiting patiently to take a celebratory selfie at the Northumberland border—only to be delayed by another cyclist taking the longest wee in history beneath the welcome sign.

Sitting in the sun with a mint Magnum outside the last shop before Gairloch, waiting for fellow riders.

Stargazing at John O’Groats after a bracing dip in the North Sea.

Mastering the sleeping bag roll after three days of failed attempts.

These are the kinds of memories that make Bike the UK for MS rides more than just challenges—they become shared stories of laughter, struggle, and joy.

The Hardest Bit? Not the Weather!

Despite the usual reputation for UK weather, Hilary’s been lucky. “I’ve had almost wall-to-wall sunshine,” she admits. But that doesn’t mean it’s been easy.

Climbing Hartside Summit into a headwind stands out as a real test. “But if you’ve trained, you just push on. It’s only one more pedal stroke, after all.”

What I’ve Learned: MS, Community, and the Power of Showing Up

Hilary’s rides have been as educational as they have been physical.

She learned that MS may begin much earlier than most people realise, sometimes manifesting as clumsiness or misdiagnosed as dyspraxia. And she heard how, since the pandemic, MS support groups have been struggling to keep their members engaged and connected.

“It made me realise how important our support is,” she says. “We don’t just raise money; we give MS groups a reason to gather and connect again.”

Lessons in Simplicity: From Bikepacking to Camp Life

Hilary expected to enjoy the rides, but she didn’t expect to fall in love with camping.

“Climbing out of your tent and onto your bike is tougher on Day 1 than it is mid-week,” she laughs. “But I’ve been lucky with the weather, and the experience has been magic.”

Still Part of the Family: Staying Connected as an Alumnus

While Hilary hasn’t made it to as many alumni events as she’d like, she still feels part of the Bike the UK for MS family. She follows updates, celebrates others’ rides, and plans to be back on the road again soon.

Hilary’s Advice: Book the Trip, Pack Light, Train Hard

To anyone thinking about joining a future ride, Hilary offers this:

1. Just book it
2. Don’t overpack—you need less than you think
3. Train—it really will make the ride more enjoyable

Hilary’s story reminds us that you don’t have to be an expert cyclist or a seasoned adventurer to make a difference. Sometimes, all it takes is a bike, a cause, and a little sunshine.

Want to join the ride? Bike the UK for MS is waiting for you. And if you see someone rolling their sleeping bag in one perfect swoop, it might just be Hilary.