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King Alfred'S Way 2025
5 Days - 355km
21 July - 25 July 2025
5 STAGES
355KM
The ‘Must Do’ Gravel Adventure…
Despite only being launched in 2020, the King Alfred’s Way cycle tour has quickly become the go to challenge for riders looking for a new adventure. Taking in a huge variety of terrain, the testing 355km route is designed for mountain bike and gravel bike riders.
Refined over the last 3 years, our 5-day trip breaks the route into manageable stages that provide plenty of challenge whilst allowing time to take in the surroundings and enjoy the adventure. We’ve tweaked the stages so you will spend a similar time in the saddle each day, with a slightly shorter final stage. We’ve also found some of the best accommodation on route, to ensure a comfortable bed and good food at the end of each day.
We arrange all the logistics, meet up at regular points each day for food, drink and moral support, plus transport luggage and provide mechanical backup where necessary.
What Our Guests Have to Say…
"My first Riva Cycling trip and wow, what a high bar they set! An unforgettable week cycling the King Alfred's Way with all of the planning and logistics perfectly managed. So much fun and would thoroughly recommend."
"Thanks Riva for a great trip around KAW. Great organisation and support were the foundation of a really enjoyable trip. Pretty cool cycling past Stonehenge, views to die for, chocolate box cottages, steep hills providing challenging climbs and descents, rolling bridle/gravel paths and a bit of history thrown in. What's not to like! I enjoyed every minute, thanks again! "
Monday 21 July
Stage 1: 87km / 700m
Goring to Frensham
The first stage is also the longest. Starting from Goring the route stays close to the Thames and before you know it you’ll find yourself in the centre of Reading. The kilometres will pass quickly on the trails, lanes and tow paths that follow, with nothing too technical to slow you down. After lunch comes the first significant climb of the route and a wider variety of terrain including the sandy climbs through the military training area at Hankley Common, before reaching the Frensham Country Park.
Tuesday 22 July
Stage 2: 55km / 1000m
Frensham to East Meon
Bookended by the Devil’s Punchbowl and Butser Hill Nature Reserve, the shortest of the stages is unlikely to feel like the easiest. The route is always changing and includes a bit of everything. Tough climbs, fun descents, roads, single-track and some nice coffee shop opportunities. The long 13% off-road climb of Butser Hill reduces many KAW’ers to a walk and even those strong enough to stay on the bike won’t be going much above walking pace. The good news is from the top it’s downhill to the overnight stop.
Wednesday 23 July
Stage 3: 78km / 1200m
East Meon to Amesbury
Most of the climbing on Stage 3 comes in the morning as you cross the Meon Valley and tackle the hills of the South Downs Way. You will be glad to finally see King Alfred as you arrive in Winchester in time for lunch. After the steady climb out of Winchester you’ll cross the Test Valley and chalk lands of the North Wessex Downs. The long straight trail that follows gives away its origins as an old Roman road. You are now in the area of many Iron Age settlements and will pass Finsbury Ring and Old Sarum on route to Amesbury.
Thursday 24 July
Stage 4: 78km / 1050m
Amesbury to Marlborough
From here the route becomes a bit more straight forward, with longer stretches and less navigation than previous days. After a quick detour to Stonehenge you’ll cross the Salisbury Plain and reach the most westerly part of the route. From here the route heads to the Avebury Stones and the start of the Ridgeway. Leaving Avebury a tough climb will take you onto the Ridgeway where you’ll spend the rest of the stage until dropping down onto the old railway line into Marlborough for the night.
Friday 25 July
Stage 5: 57km / 500m
Marlborough to Goring
Only 57km stand between you and the finish, however 90% of the route will be off-road. After climbing back onto the Ridgeway you’ll stay there for the rest of the stage. The trail can be tiring but the wind and any recent rain will dictate if this is a victory lap or slog to the finish. A fast rocky off-road descent is a fun way to end the King Alfred’s Way, and with only two hills to climb, this is the easiest stage of the week.
What is Included?
Our King Alfred’s Way Tour takes the hassle out of your adventure meaning all you need to do is turn the pedals and enjoy the ride. Logistics, routes, food stops, mechanicals… we’ve got you covered!
The package includes:
- 5-days’ support
- Small group size
- 4-nights’ bed & breakfast accommodation
- High quality accommodation
- GPX routes for each stage
- Route ‘light’ options
- Pocket cue cards
- Multiple meeting points each stage with snacks, drinks and support
- Luggage transfer
- Mechanical assistance
- Vehicle backup and emergency pick-up
Excludes:
- Evening meals
- Lunches
- Alcoholic drinks
- Travel to start/finish
- Travel insurance
- Other items not explicitly stated
Price
£600 based on 2 people sharing. Single occupancy £800. Deposit £150 payable at the time of booking. Final payment due 60-days before the trip commences. Full details including terms and conditions will be sent when you Register Interest via the link below. Places will be sold on a first-come first-served basis and you can register interest now with no obligation to proceed.
What Bike should i use and do i need a gravel bike?
Search King Alfred’s Way online and you will find plenty of discussion on the best bike for the job. What most people agree on is the route is more technically challenging than anticipated and perhaps what is suggested in the Cycle UK guidance.
As with any multi-terrain adventure, there are always compromises and pros and cons with any equipment choices. In our experience a modern mountain bike is easier to handle and makes lighter work of the technical sections. Having said that, plenty of people successfully cover the route on gravel bikes.
Personally we would recommend using an MTB if you are less experienced off-road and if you have the luxury of choosing, but if you only have a gravel bike then with the right tyres it is achievable.
