Beginners to bikepacking rejoice! After launching two tough, calf-crunching long-distance routes in 2023 and 2024, two-wheeled charity Cycling UK have today released the more accessible Royal Chilterns Way for 2025.
The 175-mile/282km route begins in Reading (the Berkshire town that also featured in the charity’s huge Covid-era hit, the 350km King Alfred’s Way) before weaving its way north through the Chilterns on off-road tracks and quiet country lanes.
Although less than 2023’s mountain bike-themed Traws Eryri and the hilly Shropshire-based Marcher Castles Way from 2024, the total elevation gain of 3,383m isn’t to be sniffed at and experienced bikepackers should find plenty to enjoy on its multi-terrain tracks.
This new route returns to terrain more similar to Cycling UK’s Cantii Way and Rebellion Way, and is designed so riders can tackle it in segments – cyclists can also complete the whole route over three, four or five days (some hardcore riders will no doubt attempt it in one or two days). Gravel, hybrid or mountain bikes are suitable for the route.
Part of the King Alfred Way’s success was down to its route being easily accessible by public transport, and the Royal Chilterns Way continues this theme, being served by two London Underground lines and multiple overland stations. Although it runs through countryside, the three intersecting loops ensures it remains close to major towns and road networks.
Similar to Cycling UK’s other long-distance creations, the aptly-named Royal Chilterns Way is heritage-stuffed, including the Royal Abbey in Reading, the semi-fortified Chennies Manor House and the remains of the 11th century Berkhamsted Castle.
Depending on the season, wildlife enthusiasts can expect to see lizards, deer and red kites and even wallabies, which have thrived locally after escaping from local zoos and private collections.
The Royal Chilterns Way will form part of the cycling charity’s new ‘Adventure Route Series’, which links its network of cycling routes across Britain, including the Rebellion Way in Norfolk, the Cantii Way in Kent, Cornwall’s West Kernow Way and the hugely popular 350km King Alfred’s Way.
The latter begins in Winchester and loops through Stonehenge, Salisbury Plain, Avebury, the Ridgeway and more before returning to Winchester, and captured the public imagination after its launch in 2020.
Cycling UK’s routes are free to download from the Cycling UK website as a GPX file, ready to use with a cycling computer or smartphone. Alongside the file, riders will also receive essential safety tips about how to ride responsibly and respect the countryside.
The charity also has a great collection of guidebooks to take out on the trails, boasting detailed descriptions, Ordnance Survey mapping and historical information on what cyclists will encounter on the way.
We’ll be riding the route soon for an upcoming feature in BBC Countryfile Magazine.
