Cycling
in Swanage and the Isle of Purbeck
Explore the stunning Isle of Purbeck on two wheels and experience a cyclist's paradise. This beautiful region along the Dorset coastline offers a diverse array of on-road and off-road cycling routes suitable for all skill levels. The Isle of Purbeck is a haven for cyclists seeking unforgettable adventures, from rolling hills and charming villages to breathtaking coastal views.
Whether you're looking for family-friendly trails or challenging off-road excursions, we have a wide range of planned routes that cater to your preferences and abilities. Each route is accompanied by detailed maps, route descriptions, and points of interest, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the region's history, culture, and natural wonders.
Not only is cycling a fun and enjoyable way to explore the outdoors, but it also offers numerous health benefits. Regular cycling can help improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen muscles and bones, and reduce stress. It's also a great way to save money on transportation and reduce your carbon footprint.
The best way to explore the area is to buy an ordinance survey map of the area, Outdoor Leisure 15, which you can obtain from most good outdoor shops. If you have a handheld GPS device, we have included a selection of routes in GPX format, which you can download onto your GPS. Each route can be printed so you can take it on your ride around the Isle of Purbeck.
So, grab your helmet and set off on an invigorating journey through the Isle of Purbeck. With its picturesque landscapes and hidden gems, this captivating corner of the UK awaits your exploration.
Off Road Routes
A flat ride through Rempstone Forest between Studland and Corfe Castle along smooth tracks. Some sections can be muddy in winter.
A ride from Swanage across Studland Heath past Agglestone Rock and back via heathland tracks. Can be muddy in winter with some steep hills on and off road.
A ride along the Purbeck Hills past Old Harry Rocks and back via Studland Heath with stunning views of the Isle of Purbeck and across Poole Harbour and the Isle of Wight from the top of the Purbeck hills.
A mixed ride around Corfe Castle which includes flat forest tracks, open fields, challenging climbs and fast and flowing single-track.
A challenging ride around Rempstone Forest starting with a two mile climb on loose tracks followed by a two mile decent on twisting and technical single-track with by smooth forest tracks in Rempstone Forest and finishing the ride around the edge of Poole Harbour.
Nine Barrow Down and Rempstone Forest
A hilly ride over the Purbeck Hills, around Rempstone Forest and back via Studland Heath.
A challenging loop with some hard climbs and fast downhill sections.
A challenging ride around the Isle of Purbeck with some long off road climbs and downhill sections with views over Poole Harbour and across Purbeck from the top of the Purbeck Hills.
A ride along the Purbeck Hills to Corfe Castle, across the valley on open fields and bridleways, then following a twisting technical single-track down to Chapmans Pool, returning to Swanage via Worth Matravers and the Priests Way.
Rempstone Forest and Purbeck Hills
A hilly ride around the Isle of Purbeck going across Studland Heath, Rempstone Forest and returning via the Purbeck Hills with some long off road climbs and downhill sections with views over Poole Harbour, Studland Bay and across Purbeck from the top of the Purbeck Hills.
Swanage, Priests Way, Worth Matravers, Kingston, Corfe Castle and Harmans Cross. Some steep climbs on and off road and fast off road tracks.
Old Harry and Nine Barrow Down
A hilly ride around the Isle of Purbeck with some long off road climbs and downhill sections with views over Poole Harbour, Studland Bay and across Purbeck from the top of the Purbeck Hills.
A 15.5 mile ride along the Purbeck Hills past Old Harry Rocks and back via a loop around Studland Heath and the edge of Rempstone Forest.
Purbeck Hills and Woodland Ride
A 16 mile ride along the Purbeck Hills past Old Harry Rocks and back via Studland Heath, over the Purbeck Hills and a short single-track woodland section near Harmans Cross.
Rempstone Forest to Corfe Castle
Swanage, Studland Heath , Rempstone Forest, Corfe Castle, back via Kingston , Langton or the Priests Way. Some steep climbs on and off road and open off road tracks.
A fun and challenging loop with some hard climbs, fast downhill sections and technical single-track.
A varied loop with climbs, downhill sections, heathland trails and technical single-track.
On Road Routes
A ride around the Isle of Purbeck from Swanage via Langton Matravers, Kingston, Corfe Castle and back via the B3351 between Corfe Castle and Studland.
A ride around the Isle of Purbeck from Corfe Castle to Creech, Stoborough, Arne and Hartland Moor. Some steep hills with stunning views over the Isle of Purbeck and across Poole Harbour.
A figure of 8 very hilly ride around the Purbeck hills following the sides of the hills.
A ride around the Isle of Purbeck from Swanage to Corfe Castle, over the army ranges and returning via Wool, Wareham and Corfe Castle.
A 50 mile ride around the Isle of Purbeck from Swanage over the army ranges to Moreton returning via Wool, Wareham, Corfe Castle, Kingstone, and Langton Matravers. The ride uses country roads as much as possible and avoids the main busy roads.
Bike Hire
Purbeck Cycle Hire
Located in Purbeck Park near, Corfe Castle, approx 5 miles from Swanage offer a wide selection of hire bikes.
Cyclexperience
Purbeck Park
Corfe Castle
BH20 5DW
Tel: 01929 481606
Email: info@purbeckcyclehire.co.uk
Website: www.cyclex.co.uk/hire-dorset
The Bike Shop. Swanage Ltd
Located in Queens Road, Swanage offering bike repairs, sales and MTB hire
5 Queens Road
Swanage
BH19 2EQ
Tel: 01929 423215
Email: thebikeshopswanage@outlook.com
Website: www.thebikeshopswanage.com
Bike Shops
There are many bike shops in the south of Dorset. We recommend the following shops who have always given us excellent service in the past.
The Bike Shop. Swanage Ltd
Located in Queens Road, Swanage offering bike repairs, sales and MTB hire
5 Queens Road
Swanage
BH19 2EQ
Tel: 01929 423215
Email: thebikeshopswanage@outlook.com
Website: www.thebikeshopswanage.com
Wareham Cycleworks
Located in Wareham, approx 10 miles from Swanage offer a wide selection of hire bikes, bike sales and servicing, spares, clothing and accessories.
Wareham Cycleworks, Wareham Station, Northport, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4AS
Tel: 01929 556601
Email: info@warehamcycleworks.com
Website: www.warehamcycleworks.com/
Opening Times
Mon - Sat 9.00am - 5.30pm
Mud Sweat n Gears
Located in Weymouth and Dorchester, approx 25 miles from Swanage offer a wide selection of bike sales and servicing, spares, clothing and accessories.
Unit C1, Link Park, Chickerell Link Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT3 4FL
Tel: weymouth 01305 784849 or dorchester 01305 260202
Email: mudsweatandgears@tiscali.co.uk
Website: www.mudsweatngears.co.uk/
Opening Times
Mon - Fri 9.00am - 5.30pm, Sat 9.00am - 4.30pm
Cycle Clubs
Swanage Cycling Club
Swanage Cycling Club is a friendly and sociable club for all abilities and organises rides for both road and and off road.
Swanage CC was set up by a group of local cyclists for somewhere for all local people interested in cycling to get together and ride. The club is an open to all club and is mainly focused on leisure rides for all abilities and organises both on and off road rides. We are members of British Cycling and the CTC.
Please feel free to get in touch if you want to come out for a ride sometime.
Email: info@swanagecyclingclub.co.uk
Web: Facebook Page