Cycling is a great family friendly activity, or getting out there with friends. There are some great traffic free cycle routes in Dorset to enjoy some safe off road cycling. Dorset is home to plenty of old disused railway lines, making them perfect for cycling along away from the roads.
The National Cycle Network covers the whole of the UK wide with signed paths perfect for cycling. Many of them are in Dorset and surrounding areas. As Dorset is an area of outstanding natural beauty, what better way to see the countryside than on a bike ride?
What is a cycle pathway?
A cycle path is a special designated route that has been designed to use used without motor vehicles.
Can you walk on a cycle network route?
Yes you can walk on the paths designed to be cycle network routes. You will cover more distance on bikes however and see so much more.
Moors Valley Country Park
There are various cycle paths at Moors Valley, graded with different levels according to challenge. You are welcome to use your own bikes, or there is the option to hire bikes on site as well.
Forest road routes incorporate a central 2-mile circuit with the option to take three additional loops to extend your ride to 7 miles. These routes follow wide gravel tracks and are waymarked with round posts with the appropriate coloured bands.
The moderate routes are recommended for cyclists with some basic off-road riding skills and are not suitable for trailers or tag-a-longs.
The trail has bends and tight turns as it winds its way through the forest and open heathland. The trail is edged by rocks and is waymarked with rectangular posts with blue arrows.
Castleman Trailway
The Castleman Trailway is part of the old Southampton to Dorchester railway line stretching 16.5 mile trailway between Ringwood and Poole. The railway stopped running in 1964 when a more direct route was established.
Today it’s one of the popular disused railway cycle routes in Dorset, as well as being used by walkers and horse riders.
The majority of the route is off road and on a mainly flat level gravel surface. There is a section between Canford Bottom roundabout and The Willett Arms, one of the country pubs in Wimborne where there are road works in place to add a cycle lane to incorporate the trailway.
The Rodwell Trail
A short distance path that runs between Wyke Regis and Weymouth, the Rodwell Trail is part of the former Weymouth and Portland railway line. The nearest car park is the Swannery car park at the beginning of the trail in Abbotsbury Road.
Whilst the trail is only two miles in length, this is one of the perfect family friendly cycling routes in Dorset. You’ll be treated with views across to Portland Harbour and the Jurassic Coast.
Sandbanks To Hengistbury Head
The promenade between Sandbanks in Poole and Hengistbury Head in Bournemouth, is mainly flat and a great way to cycle near the sea in Dorset. The promenades can get busy during peak Summer season, but this is a great idea for off season cycling.
The Heritage Trail
The Heritage trail takes approximately an hour to cycle. It’s a circular cycle route between Upton Country Park and Poole Town Centre. Most of the route now forms part of the National Cycle Network.
The North Dorset Trailway
For 14 miles between Sturminster Newton to Spetisbury, the trailway is made up of the old Somerset and Dorset railway line. It’s a safe off road cycling experience allowing cyclists to get between different places without having to tackle the busy A roads in Dorset. This is one of the popular cycle routes in Dorset.
Stour Valley Way
The Stour Valley Way runs through Dorset. A 64 mile footpath that starts in Stourton in Wiltshire at Stourhead National Trust, through to Hengistbury Head in Dorset. There are some great stretches of off road paths to cycle along.
Hurn Forest Cycling
If you’re looking for a short bike ride in Dorset, Hurn Forest near Ferndown has around 2 miles of forest paths perfect for mountain biking. The trail is mainly flat beginning from a small car park along Matchams Lane. Cycling in Hurn Forest is perfect for introducing the kids to off road cycling.