4.3
(18)
84
riders
24
rides
Mountain biking around Puncknowle offers diverse terrain, from the rolling countryside of the Bride Valley to the dramatic coastal paths near the Jurassic Coast. The area features a mix of quiet country lanes, unpaved tracks, and bridleways, providing varied surfaces for mountain bikers. Hills such as the Knoll and the wider region's elevated points offer challenging climbs and rewarding vistas over the coastline and inland landscapes.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
2.0
(1)
5
riders
44.2km
03:31
620m
620m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
3.0
(1)
3
riders
43.6km
03:46
590m
590m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

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4.8
(4)
17
riders
32.6km
02:57
730m
730m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
5
riders
25.3km
01:40
390m
390m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(1)
5
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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Located near the village pub in Martinstown, this historic, stone-lined sheep wash pool dates back to the 19th century. Once a vital hub for local farmers to dip and clean their livestock, it now serves a much lighter purpose, most famously hosting the village's annual charity duck race.
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Dating from 1848, this traditional, family-run village pub initially served as a girls' school before transforming into an inn. Today, the freehouse serves gravity-fed real ales straight from the cask, boasts a cozy open fire, and is highly regarded for its locally sourced menu and popular Sunday roasts.
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Part of the 17 mile Spine ( The Dead City ).
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Hardy’s Monument: climb 120 steps to look like a sweaty mess, just so you can stare at Dorset, the sea, and sheep that look like popcorn. On a clear day, you can see your house!
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The coast path between West Bay and Burton Bradstock is currently closed due to a landslip. A diversion is in place using the public footpath across Bridport and West Dorset Golf Club. Please see the South West Coast Path website for further info and a map of the diversion.
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So much history in one building, I've created a highlight which includes all the amazing history,plus about 60 pictures. It's well worth a visit
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* Historical Significance: A church was first founded on the site in the 9th century by Alfred the Great. The current building incorporates various architectural styles, including Norman, Early English, and Perpendicular, reflecting centuries of reconstruction and expansion. * Connection to Sir George Somers: The grave of Sir George Somers, who founded the colony of Bermuda and whose adventures are said to have inspired Shakespeare's "The Tempest," is located under the vestry. * Dorset County Symbol: St. Wite is the patron saint of Dorset, and her cross was adopted as the new county symbol in a public vote in 2008. The church continues to be an active Church of England parish church and is lovingly cared for by a local group, the Friends of St Candida.
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Undisturbed Relics of St. Wite (St. Candida): It is one of only two churches in England (the other being Westminster Abbey) that still contains the undisturbed relics of the saint to whom it is dedicated, St. Wite (also known by her Latin name, St. Candida). This has created an unbroken line of pilgrimage to her shrine for over 1,000 years. "Cathedral of the Vale": It is known locally as "The Cathedral of the Vale" due to its historical significance and prominence in the Marshwood Vale. * Ancient Pilgrimage Site: The church has been a significant pilgrimage site for over a millennium, with pilgrims historically drawn by the reputation of St. Wite and the belief in the healing powers of her shrine. The shrine has three holes in its base where the sick could place body parts or offerings in hopes of miraculous healing. * Survival of the Reformation: Remarkably, the shrine and its relics survived the English Reformation, during which many such sacred sites were destroyed.
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There are over 25 mountain bike trails around Puncknowle, offering a variety of experiences. These include 7 easy routes, 17 moderate routes, and 2 more challenging options for experienced riders.
Mountain biking around Puncknowle features diverse terrain, from the rolling countryside of the Bride Valley to coastal paths near the Jurassic Coast. You'll encounter a mix of quiet country lanes, unpaved tracks, and bridleways. The area's topography includes hills like the Knoll, providing varied elevation and rewarding vistas.
Yes, Puncknowle offers several easier mountain bike routes suitable for families. With 7 easy trails available, you can find options that provide a pleasant ride without excessive difficulty, allowing families to enjoy the scenic Bride Valley together.
Many of the bridleways and public rights of way in the Puncknowle area are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy your ride with your canine companion. However, always ensure your dog is under control, especially around livestock, and check specific route details for any restrictions.
You can encounter several interesting landmarks and natural features. Routes often pass by the dramatic Chesil Beach & The Fleet, offer views of the Fleet Lagoon, or climb towards the Hardy Monument. Other highlights include West Bay Harbour and the impressive West Bay Cliffs.
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes in the area are circular, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the moderate South Dorset Ridgeway and Chaldon Herring Loop is a popular circular option traversing the scenic ridgeway.
While specific parking details vary by trailhead, many routes around Puncknowle start from villages or designated parking areas. It's advisable to check the starting point of your chosen route on komoot for information on nearby parking facilities.
The spring and autumn months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for mountain biking in Puncknowle, with milder temperatures and less crowded trails. Summer can be enjoyable, but be prepared for warmer weather and potentially busier coastal areas. Winter rides are possible, but some unpaved sections may become muddy.
The mountain bike trails around Puncknowle are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 10 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, the rewarding views from elevated points like the Hardy Monument, and the mix of challenging climbs and scenic descents.
Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, there are 2 difficult routes available. One such route is The Anchor Inn, Seatown – Seatown Beach loop from Burton Bradstock, which covers 22.4 km with significant elevation changes, offering a demanding ride.
While Puncknowle itself is a smaller village, some routes in the wider Dorset area may be accessible via public transport connections to larger towns. It's recommended to plan your route in advance and check local bus services or train connections to nearby hubs like Dorchester or Weymouth, from where you might cycle to a trailhead.
Absolutely. Many trails in the Puncknowle area provide stunning views of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast. Routes like the Chesil Beach & The Fleet – Hardy Monument loop from Winterbourne Steepleton will take you through coastal landscapes, offering impressive sea vistas and glimpses of the iconic coastline.


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