The Old Chalk Way

Looking like a good option for the southerners amongst us

https://bikepacking.com/routes/old-chalk-way/

Looks great, might give that's go in the Spring.

That does look good!

Reminded me of this, slightly older but similar-ish (less gravel) SW portion of the route

https://www.pannier.cc/journal/andy-waterman-max-leonard-in-pursuit-of-spring/

Isn't that one of @platypus routes?

Also very similar to King Alfred’s Way. Looks to follow the Ridgeway for the same bit between Marlborough and Goring. Lovely bit of path when it’s not muddy!

Yeah this is definitely on my list, been following the IG account for it for ages.

Strongly recommended. Easily accessible from London, nicely remote in certain places. We started in Pewsey and rode north over 3 days this summer, which was a lovely way to escape the city. A few highlights from here on my Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CeXCUIhsjYw/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

I did the Old Chalk Way this week just been so figured it wouldn't hurt to share experience. Had a lovely time of it

120-170 kilometre days typically starting early and riding through till around 7 accomplished over 4 1/2 days
Public transport links to start and finish points aren't great. I chose to cycle from BITW which meant I was pretty tired before I even set off (as you'll know Dorset ain't flat). Solution at the end point was cycling along Rebellion Way route to Norwich.
Due to the training of the Ukrainian forces on the Salisbury Plains currently, it's more than likely that you'll have to take the diversionary route around. I'd strongly recommend having that loaded up before you go. When the route first hit army base head on after Stonehenge I had to take a right turn . The diversion is still army land and you'll still get plenty of off road, it's just you won't have to deal with Military Police or anything of the sort
First half had lots of ups and downs particularly in and out of Lyme Regis which given the climbing might be the hardest section of the whole ride (for me at least)
Route has lots of corrugations at times (almost like mini BMX pump track) and does a pretty good job of finding bridleways and gravel roads. There's also some sandy stretches in Norfolk which mean you're best to not go too narrow with the tyres. That being said, there's definitely a fair share of tarmac so you don't want to go too gnarly
The route bolts together elements of The Wessex Ridgeway, The Ridgeway, The Icknield Way and The Peddars Way which some of you may recognise from other rides
You're never too far from civilisation / water / food supplies although does help if you're not scared of asking the local publican to fill up your bottle. Would also recommend marking out some of the sights and stops along the way on the Komoot map on bikepacking.com as this was useful in making me aware of where next refueling stop might be
No problems wild camping along the route
Biggest challenge was probably keeping my mobile charged (using that for navigation) but plugging it in at food stops seemed to do the trick particularly with a fast charger and having battery packs on hand
Was definitely helped by the weather (largely sunny but not too hot), lack of mechanicals and travelling solo which allowed me to set a steady pace that worked for me

Sounds great! Plan to ride this soon. Some questions. Appreciate a tricky question but how hard would it be to do in 3 days do you think?
Not sure what BITW means here? But I was thinking train down to Axeminster ride from there? I was assuming I’d head to Kings Lynn to train back to London, how come you didn’t take this option?

I would be struggling to do it in three days with my current set up but then I'm in my late forties (albeit with reasonable fitness).

Starting from Axminster would leave you fresher but you'd still need to get over the hill to Lyme Regis.

I was riding loaded (tent, food, stove) so there's obviously opportunity to ride a bit lighter and rode with someone who did just that (sleeping bag and no cooking gear) for the final leg but he was only half a day quicker. Saving weight meant that his sleep wasn't as good as mine I guess. There's also the option of staying in BnBs but that inevitably means choosing where to stop beforehand which means you can't push on if you're feeling fresher

BITW = Brother in the Wild

I chose to ride to Norwich as I've got an old friend and family living there and Rebellion Way has been on the cards for a while. The Rebellion Way is relatively straightforward compared to OCW (relatively flat and surfaces all rideable). Will share some photos of the route when I'm back in London. Happy to answer any more questions

Yeah think I’d go light and B&B, train down the evening before, ride to Lynas stay and start from there. My initial thoughts were Avebury and Royston.
Shorter final day to catch the train back.
I’m in reasonable shape again and I’m from Dorset so know how hilly the start is likely to be. How much of a downer is having to take the diversion?

Diversion isn't really a downer...I'm imagining much of the diversionary route is similar to what you'd face with the original but presumably slightly longer. I guess the trick would be to find accommodation spots at the right break points along the journey

I’m trying to work out roughly how long 200km days are going to take on this.
I’m kinda thinking a 16kmph true average…?

We did 3 days with moving speed averages of 21-23kph. Dry, sunny, conditions & loaded bikes (no camping equipment). 1.5-2 hours stopping time each day for lunch/snacks/faff

Ok great thanks!

Locked and loaded for next weekend! Looks like I can do the OG route.
42s on 🤞giving the bike a little shake down.
Plan is 3 days, in reasonable shape from exploits last weekend and hill climbing efforts of late although will be the longest days I’ve done on the new bike!

How did it go?

Still need to buy a bike for it but had the OP link bookmarked for ages and can't wait to start a bikepacking adventure

So I did two days totalling a bit over 400km, first day was pretty intense, heat and hills. Second day was flatter. Some very technical/ narrow bits that really slow you down. It’s a lovely route from what I covered. I’d definitely do it again or go back to do last leg!!

did you get a south western railway train to axminster? How was it bike wise?
Got 5 of us doing it in a few weeks, having to go cross country train to exeter and then south western to axminster to the start

where did you sleep? lots of 200k days in here - that's impressive

Yep I went went from Waterloo on SW Bike spaces are limited.

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the ziptied rear wheel is a good idea

Kicking off tomorrow. 5 of us doing it

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Send a post ride summary 👍