Three riders. Three Route Leaders. Four days of sunshine (mostly). This May, a small but mighty group of cyclists took on the legendary King Alfred’s Way with Bike the UK for MS. The challenge brought together a team of cyclists and volunteers for a 220-mile off-road loop through ancient Britain.
Here’s how it all unfolded.
Gearing Up to Ride
Day 0 – Reading
The adventure began at long-time alumni and board member Richard Kessell’s garage in West Byfleet, where he kindly stores all our event gear in his garage. Paul (Mechanic Route Leader and van-supplier-extraordinaire), Charlotte, and Olivia took on a solid hour of van-Tetris to get everything packed and headed west to Reading.
Arriving at Wycliffe Baptist Church in Reading, our generous hosts for the night, the group was warmly welcomed by Keziah and quickly settled in. Riders Tony, Matt, and Martin rolled in by evening, setting up camp before heading to a nearby pub for a relaxed team dinner. It was the perfect pre-ride atmosphere. Good food, good company, and just enough nerves (and snoring!) to remind everyone the adventure was about to begin.
Sandy Sections and a Beer Festival Surprise
Day 1 – Reading to Beacon Hill (62 miles)
The team was up early, energized and out the door by 8am. As the riders weaved their way out of Reading, the terrain quickly shifted from canal towpaths to tree-lined bridleways and winding backroads. The opening stretch of King Alfred’s Way is notorious for its “sneaky tough” status. Gentle on paper but surprisingly technical in places.
While the riders tackled their first off-road miles, the support crew indulged in a “tactical breakfast” after arriving far too early at the first rest stop. The morning brought glorious sunshine and smooth progress until a few sections of deep sand near Frensham Common. Martin took a tumble in the soft stuff, but bounced back with a smile and a few laughs.
Lunch was taken in the centre of a chaotic roundabout – literally – at the Shepherd and Flock pub situated on the largest inhabited roundabout in the UK. The spot that came with a side of honking horns and road rage entertainment. Paul rode out for a few miles with the team, while Charlotte and Olivia managed support stops and restocking.
The team arrived at Beacon Hill Scout Hut by 4pm for an early finish and a welcome surprise. The local British Legion was hosting a beer festival, which provided the perfect way to toast the end of day one. Pints, food, and early bedtimes all round.
Coffee Missions and Wildflower Trails
Day 2 – Beacon Hill to Stockbridge (66 miles)
Another early start and another dry, dusty day ahead. Martin was on a mission: coffee. Fortunately, he found it in Liss, followed by a scenic breakfast at Durleigh Farm Tea Barn. This stretch of the route brings riders into South Downs territory: chalky climbs, punchy descents, and scenic singletrack.
Paul again joined the team on two wheels, meeting them en route to Billy’s Bistro after someone in the group flagged they hadn’t eaten since 8am. Quick pit stop, then on to Exton for water refills.
The terrain began to challenge them. More off-road sections meant slower progress. By the time they reached Winchester, the afternoon was fading fast. They missed the cafe closing but found refreshment via the ever-reliable support van.
Stockbridge View Campsite awaited and what a welcome. David, the owner, offered the team a free night’s stay, moved by the memory of his late brother, once president of the MS Society. It was an act of kindness that lifted everyone’s spirits after a long, leg-burning day.
Stones, Soldiers, and a Soundtrack We Didn’t Ask For
Day 3 – Stockbridge to Near Redhorn Hill (50+ miles)
With a slightly later start after the previous night’s late arrival, the riders began their journey into the most historic day of the route. Rolling bridleways turned into military tracks as they neared Salisbury Plain, riding past Old Sarum and close enough to Stonehenge to feel the ancient energy in the air.
Stops at Amesbury and a nearby tea room provided much-needed refreshment. Meanwhile, skydivers from a nearby airfield performed aerial entertainment. Paul rode out to meet the team on the climb to Redhorn Hill, proving once again that support sometimes arrives on two wheels.
Late in the day, the team faced a logistical curveball. Their planned campsite was hosting a folk festival and wasn’t ideal for a quiet night. Cue some quick Googling, a backup plan, and Paul coming in clutch returning with a Chinese takeaway feast. Crisis averted, with crispy duck. Music still echoed in the distance, but the new site offered peace, full bellies, and sleep.
Finishing Strong (Despite Tractor Tracks)
Day 4 – The Final Push to Reading (58 miles)
The last day dawned overcast, with tired legs and dusty kit. But spirits remained high. The team faced one of the most exposed and hilly stretches of the route: the ancient Ridgeway. Deep tractor ruts and dry ground made for technical riding. Both Matt and Martin took tumbles, with Matt nursing a sore shoulder but powering on regardless.
With limited cafe options, the support team staged a deluxe Lidl spread of pastries, fruit, and sandwiches. Court Hill Centre provided the last major rest stop.
Generous passersby donated on the trail, a welcome boost to morale as the end approached. A final water top-up 15 miles out, and then, just like that, the team rolled triumphantly into King’s Meadow, Reading.
There were cheers, hugs, and a few swigs of ‘nosecco’. Dusty bikes were wrapped in bin bags to protect car interiors, and just like that, King Alfred’s Way 2025 was in the books.
A Huge Thank You
King Alfred’s Way 2025 served up adventure in all the right ways: sun, sweat, scenic trails, and support that never wavered. Huge thanks to our incredible riders—Matt, Tony, and Martin—and to our unstoppable route leader crew: Paul (and his heroic campervan), Charlotte, and Olivia.
To our riders – Matt, Tony, and Martin – you were an incredible inaugural team. To our Route Leaders – Paul (and his heroic campervan), Charlotte, and Olivia – thank you for every mile driven and every snack distributed. To our wonderful overnight hosts, your generosity made this trip possible.
Want to Ride It Yourself?
Get in touch to tell us you want to bring it back in 2026! If you’re interested in tackling King Alfred’s Way, or any of our other rides across the UK like the Coast to Coast or Lon Las Cymru, check our events page.
