The best traffic-free bike rides around Blandford Forum
4.9
(27)
407
riders
30
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes around Blandford Forum are set amidst the gently rolling hills of Dorset, offering diverse landscapes for exploration. The region is characterized by the meandering River Stour and its water meadows, providing scenic riverside paths. Cyclists can also explore the edges of the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, featuring woodlands and ancient landmarks. The terrain includes both flat, accessible paths and more challenging ascents to hills like Hambledon Hill, offering panoramic views.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes around Blandford Forum
- The most popular no traffic touring cycling route is Bullbarrow Hill loop from Blandford Forum, a 23.2 miles (37.4 km) trail that takes 2 hours 40 minutes to complete. This route features significant elevation gain, leading to expansive views from Bullbarrow Hill.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Canford Bridge – Wimborne Minster loop from Blandford Forum, a moderate 28.1 miles (45.3 km) path. This route offers a mix of terrain, connecting Blandford Forum with other towns and showcasing varied Dorset scenery.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Spetisbury Station loop from Blandford Forum, a 10.6 miles (17.1 km) trail leading through the Stour Valley, often completed in about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Blandford Forum is defined by riverside paths along the River Stour, routes through rolling hills, and access to the North Dorset Trailway. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy, traffic-free paths to more challenging routes with notable climbs.
- The routes in Blandford Forum are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.9 stars from more than 20 reviews. More than 400 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Blandford Forum's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
4.7
(6)
16
riders
37.4km
02:40
520m
510m
This difficult touring bicycle loop from Blandford Forum takes you on a challenging 23.2 miles (37.4 km) ride, featuring 1690 feet (515 metres) of elevation gain over approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes. You will traverse the rolling chalk hills of the Dorset Downs, enjoying expansive views and passing through picturesque villages. The route offers diverse scenery, from open fields and accessible bridleways to charming spots like Milton Abbas. A highlight is the panoramic vista from Bulbarrow Hill, one of Dorset's highest points, where on a clear day you can see four counties. Expect a mix of quiet country lanes and challenging uphill sections, rewarding your effort with spectacular sights.
Prepare for a demanding ride on this difficult route, which requires very good fitness due to its significant elevation changes and long climbs, especially the ascent to Bulbarrow Hill. While much of the route is on mostly paved surfaces, be aware that some segments may be unpaved and difficult to ride, potentially requiring you to push your touring bicycle. This makes the loop particularly suitable if you are training for events like the Great Dorset Bike Ride.
The Bullbarrow Hill loop is notable for its challenging climbs, which are richly rewarded with spectacular panoramic views from the summit. You will journey through quintessential Dorset countryside, encompassing natural beauty and charming historical villages. The varied terrain, from quiet country lanes to challenging uphill sections and fast descents, provides a diverse cycling experience for those with a good level of fitness.
5.0
(10)
142
riders
45.1km
02:44
310m
310m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
26
riders
17.1km
01:14
140m
140m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
16
riders
38.3km
02:30
490m
490m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
13
riders
23.0km
01:55
320m
330m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Blandford Forum
Tips from the Community
If you’re looking for a town that feels like a giant, historical treasure chest, Wimborne MinsterClick to open side panel for more information is the place to be. It’s a quirky mix of ancient legends, beautiful architecture, and a slightly obsession with things being very, very small. The Heart of the Town The town is dominated by the Wimborne Minster Parish OfficeClick to open side panel for more information and the stunning church itself, which has been standing for over 1,300 years. It’s famous for its unique "twinned" towers and some seriously cool interior features. The Chained Library: It’s home to one of the few surviving chained libraries in the world, where the books are literally locked to the shelves to stop medieval students from "borrowing" them forever. The Quarter Jack: Keep an eye on the exterior clock; a colorful figure known as the Quarter Jack strikes the bells every fifteen minutes. He’s been on duty since 1612! The Man in the Wall: Look for the tomb of Anthony Ettrick, who was convinced he’d die in a specific year and had his coffin built into the wall of the church so he wouldn't be buried "in" or "outside" the consecrated ground.
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The North Dorset Trailway Connection Today, Spetisbury Station is a popular access point for the North Dorset Trailway. Trailhead: The section of the Trailway running from Spetisbury north to Sturminster Newton, largely following the old railway bed, is a well-maintained, traffic-free path for walking, cycling, and riding. Visitor Stop: The former station site makes a perfect place to stop, rest, and picnic while exploring the Trailway, offering fine views over the Stour Valley. It's a wonderful example of local history being preserved and repurposed for community and recreation!
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The Spetisbury Station Project Unlike the bridge at Blandford, which remains a preserved structure, the Spetisbury station site is being actively restored by volunteers. The Project: The Spetisbury Station Project Group was formed in 2012 by dedicated volunteers to clear and preserve the abandoned site. What You Can See: While the original station buildings were demolished shortly after the 1956 closure, the project has cleared the site to reveal the foundations of the station buildings, the booking office, and the signal box. Ambience: The site is now a peaceful, landscaped green space featuring picnic areas, benches, and information boards. Volunteers have added replica signage and restored the platforms to recreate the atmosphere of the former country station. Wildlife Haven: The site is also managed to be a haven for local wildlife, with features like a wildlife pond, bat boxes, and specific flower borders.
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The Railway and Closure Original Line: Spetisbury Station was located on the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway (S&DJR), which connected Bath to Bournemouth. Opening: It originally opened on November 1, 1860, as part of the Dorset Central Railway's line from Wimborne to Blandford. It initially had a single platform. Double Track: Around 1901, the line was doubled through the station, and a second platform and a signal box were added to handle the increased traffic. Downgrade: Like many rural stations seeking to cut costs, it was downgraded to an unstaffed "halt" in 1934. Passenger Closure: The station closed completely to passengers on September 17, 1956, one of the early closures on the S&D line. Line Closure: Although the station itself was closed, the main S&DJR line through the site continued to operate passenger services until the whole route closed in March 1966. Goods traffic ceased in 1969, and the track was lifted in 1970.
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Historic Significance: It is a Grade I Listed Building (the highest level of protection), noted for its special architectural and historic interest. Age: The first record of the bridge dates back to 1334, suggesting its medieval origins, with parts of the current structure likely dating to the 15th century. Construction: It is built of coursed rubble and ashlar stone and features nine semi-circular arches. Widening: The bridge was widened in 1819. The upstream side is the original, medieval part and features triangular cut-waters which extend up to form pedestrian refuges. The downstream side is the later, plainer widening. Inscriptions: There is a reset stone on the east side of the bridge inscribed with the year 1719. Name Origin: The bridge is named Crawford Bridge because it carries the road from Spetisbury to Tarrant Crawford. The nearby area of Spetisbury was historically one of three manors, including Great Crawford.
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Single lane beware of on coming vehicles
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Really lovely main street. This can comfort you while you climb - if you are going left at the top you will face more climbing. Milton Abbas is one of the earliest examples of a community being moved for aesthetic reasons: it was created in the 1770s when Joseph Damer, the then owner of Milton Abbey, relocated the village of Middleton to a new site (now known as Milton Abbas) to improve the view from his estate. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milton_Abbas
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no traffic touring cycling routes are available around Blandford Forum?
There are over 30 dedicated no traffic touring cycling routes around Blandford Forum. These routes cater to various fitness levels, with 4 easy, 20 moderate, and 6 difficult options.
What is the best time of year for no traffic touring cycling in Blandford Forum?
The spring and summer months generally offer the most pleasant weather for touring cycling, with warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours. However, the well-maintained paths like the North Dorset Trailway can be enjoyed year-round, offering different scenic beauty in autumn and winter.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about the no traffic routes in Blandford Forum?
The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience around Blandford Forum, with an average score of 4.9 stars. Cyclists frequently praise the tranquil, traffic-free nature of the routes, the diverse landscapes from riverside meadows to rolling hills, and the historical points of interest along the way.
Are there easy no traffic touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Blandford Forum offers several easy no traffic touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. A great example is the Spetisbury Station loop from Blandford Forum, which covers 17 km with minimal elevation gain, largely following the former railway line of the North Dorset Trailway.
Are there circular no traffic touring cycling routes around Blandford Forum?
Many of the no traffic touring cycling routes around Blandford Forum are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. The Canford Bridge – Wimborne Minster loop from Blandford Forum is a moderate 45 km option, offering a scenic circular journey.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see on these routes?
The routes traverse diverse natural landscapes. You can expect to see the tranquil River Stour and its water meadows, offering opportunities for wildlife spotting like otters and kingfishers. Many routes also skirt the edge of the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, providing views of rolling hills and woodlands. The Durweston Mill – View of Hod Hill loop from Blandford Forum offers views of the River Stour and the impressive Hod Hill.
Are there any viewpoints on the car-free cycling routes?
While many routes offer scenic vistas, some of the more challenging routes provide spectacular panoramic views. For instance, the View from Bulbarrow Hill – Milton Abbas Village loop from Blandford Forum offers breathtaking views from Bulbarrow Hill. You can also find stunning viewpoints at Hambledon Hill Iron Age hill fort and Badbury Rings Iron Age hillfort, both accessible from nearby routes.
What landmarks or attractions can I visit along the no traffic touring cycling routes?
Many routes offer access to historical and natural landmarks. You can visit Shillingstone Railway Station & Museum along the North Dorset Trailway, or explore the ancient earthworks of Hod Hill. The Bullbarrow Hill loop from Blandford Forum takes you through picturesque countryside with distant views of significant historical sites.
Where can I park my car to access these no traffic touring cycling routes?
Blandford Forum has several public car parks, such as those in the town centre, which provide convenient access to the start of many routes. For routes utilizing the North Dorset Trailway, parking is often available at access points like Shillingstone Railway Station.
Is public transport available to reach the no traffic cycling routes?
Blandford Forum is served by local bus routes, which can connect you to various points in the region. While direct public transport to every specific trailhead might be limited, the town itself is a hub, and many routes start directly from or near the town centre, making them accessible by public transport.
Are the no traffic touring cycling routes dog-friendly?
Many of the no traffic routes, particularly those on public bridleways and the North Dorset Trailway, are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under control, especially around livestock. Always check local signage and be mindful of other users and wildlife. The Milldown Local Nature Reserve, with its paved perimeter path, is also a popular spot for dog walkers.
Are there places to eat or drink along the no traffic routes?
Yes, Blandford Forum itself offers numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants. For routes extending further afield, you'll find charming village pubs and cafes in settlements along the North Dorset Trailway or in villages like Milton Abbas, offering opportunities for refreshments and breaks during your ride.
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