These Tours are ideal for individuals and families. Great also for corporate team building or simply a ride out with friends.
Unlike some companies we don't just give you a map and leave you to it. We personally lead the tours, we do the planning, the map reading, and provide the background information to ensure you get the most out of your trip to Dorset.
The tour options below are based on a half day but If you want a full day, along the Jurrasic Coast or Isle of Portland for example, or a tour tailored to your requirements we can do that too.
Half Day Tours
Mostly combination of tarmac backroads and light off-road requiring a hybrid or mountain type bike
Meeting/Start/Finish point Dorchester South Railway Station unless otherwise stated.
All tours will have rest stops where refreshments can be purchased.
Tour A: Dorchester/ Maiden Newton/Dorchester riding part of Frome Trail
Distance 18 miles approx. mix of quiet roads/traffic free trail/ bridleways. Fairly level, couple of short climbs.
Conservation meadow, great views across the Frome valley from Poundbury fort, outline of historic Roman aquaduct will also be seen enroute.
Tour B: Dorchester/Maiden Castle/South West Path/Hardy Monument/Dorchester
Distance 12 miles approx. mostly off-road ridge trails, main climb to Ridgeway then fairly level. Superb views from Hardy monument. Nice long descent on return
http://www.historic-uk.com/DestinationsUK/MaidenCastle.htm
http://www.weymouth-pictures.co.uk/dor/sth/bla/pic_hardysmonument.htm
Tour C: Dorchester/ Puddletown ForestTrails/Dorchester
Distance 12 miles approx. traffic free paths, quiet back roads, attractive villages, including Thomas Hardy's Birth place (admission cost not included), off road forest trail (fairly firm tracks)
http://www.weymouth-pictures.co.uk/dor/cen/boc/pic_hardyscottage.htm
Tour D: Dorchester/Maiden Castle/SW Coastal Path/
Downland/Dorchester
Distance 10 miles approx. Main climb to Ridgeway then fairly level until Downland where it becomes mix of short ascents and descents. Great views over Weymouth and Portland.
Tour E: Dorchester and surrounding villages
West Stafford/Woodsford/Tincleton/Bockhampton/ Kingston Maurward/Stinsford/Dorchester
Distance 15 miles approx.
Mostly on-road, faily level, some short and moderate hills on return. Level off-road ride along river Frome on final section.
Whatever you choose you are guaranteed fantastic countryside and great views. The routes have been selected to give both novice and experienced cyclist the opportunity to ride and explore Dorsets hidden trails and backroads that your guide has spent many hours discovering for your enjoyment.
The cost for a half day tour is:
£14.50 per adults
£7.50 per child under 16's(minimum age 11)
Riding groups are based on a minimum of 2 adults up to a maximum of 5
(One to one guided tours are available separate tariff applies)
Wessex Cycle Training does not currently provide bikes for hire, but we can put you in touch with cycle shops that do.
Please note: Wessex Cycle Training has endeavoured to create tours for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. However clients should be as realistic as possible about the ability of their group when selecting, particularly in regard to younger cyclists. We reserve the right to alter the route and/or discontinue the tour if local conditions or ability of the group is not suitable.
