The best traffic-free bike rides around Inkpen

There are 15 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Inkpen listed in this guide. These routes vary in difficulty, offering options for different experience levels.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from 54 ratings. Reviewers often praise the stunning landscapes within the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the challenging climbs of Walbury Hill, and the tranquil, traffic-free nature of the routes.

Yes, there are 5 easy routes designed for a more relaxed pace. An excellent option is the Inkpen Common – Honesty Café at Crown & Carter loop from Inkpen, which covers about 9.9 km with minimal elevation gain, making it ideal for a gentle ride. Another easy route is the Cookies Bakery loop from Inkpen, spanning 11.7 km.

Inkpen is nestled within the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so you can expect a rich tapestry of landscapes. Routes often traverse chalk grassland, open farmland, and ancient woodlands. You'll encounter rolling hills, offering rewarding panoramic views, especially from higher points like Walbury Hill and Inkpen Hill.

Absolutely! Many routes offer glimpses of historical and natural landmarks. You might pass by Combe Gibbet on Gallows Down, a historic landmark between Walbury Hill and Inkpen Hill. Other points of interest in the wider area include Devil’s Waistcoat (Kenward Stone) and Fosbury Hill Fort. Don't miss the unique Inkpen Crocus Fields, one of only two large saffron crocus fields in the UK, which offers a distinctive point of interest near the village center.

Yes, all the routes listed in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and end your journey in the same location. For example, the moderate Inkpen Common loop from Inkpen offers a 21.6 km ride through varied terrain, while the more challenging Honesty Café – View from Sandpits Down loop from Inkpen is a 46.8 km circular tour with significant climbs.

Spring, summer, and early autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Inkpen. The weather is milder, and the landscapes are vibrant. Spring brings the unique sight of the Inkpen Crocus Fields. While winter cycling is possible, be prepared for colder temperatures and potentially muddier sections, especially on unpaved paths.

Many routes in Inkpen provide stunning vistas, particularly those that ascend Walbury Hill or Inkpen Hill. The View from Combe Gibbet – View from Combe Gibbet loop from Combe is a moderate 21.9 km route that specifically highlights the panoramic views from Combe Gibbet across the Kennet Valley and beyond. You'll also find highlights like View of North Wessex Downs and View of the Wiltshire Downs along various trails.

While the routes prioritize a traffic-free experience, many are designed to pass near or through villages where you can find amenities. For instance, the Inkpen Common – Honesty Café at Crown & Carter loop from Inkpen specifically mentions the Honesty Café, indicating a refreshment stop. It's always a good idea to check opening times in advance, especially in smaller villages.

The routes around Inkpen offer a range of difficulties. There are 5 easy routes, 9 moderate routes, and 1 difficult route. The terrain includes both gentle stretches and more challenging ascents, particularly on the prominent hills like Walbury Hill, ensuring options for all fitness levels.