Bournemouth

Support

As part of British Cycling’s partnership with Bournemouth Borough council, we are working with Wessex Accessibility club to promote bike rides which are easy for anyone to join in. Ride leaders Terry, a hand cyclist, and his partner Charlie led thirty riders on different bikes on a great route enjoying views of the dunes, and a seaside café stop. British Cycling’s recreational cycling officer was on hand to promote all our local led-rides and informal cycling opportunities including Breeze (our women’s network) and social cycling groups. 

Want to get involved? Find a ride.

Where to ride

There are a number of amazing routes and venues in the Bournemouth area – there really is something for everyone.

Seafront

Bournemouth beach has a great promenade for cycling, stretching from Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve in the east, to Sandbanks beach in the west. For the majority of the year, the promenade is open for cyclists to enjoy, however restrictions apply between 10am and 6pm in July and August due to the high amount of people. Alternatively, cyclists can still get around our wonderful coastline throughout the year by riding between the piers on the roads.

Bourne Valley Greenway

The Bourne Valley Greenway goes continuously for 6.5km between Bournemouth Town Centre and Canford Heath and runs through Bournemouth Gardens, Talbot Heath and Bourne Bottom. The route takes around 30 minutes on bicycle, from Ringwood Road near the Mountbatten Arms Roundabout to Bournemouth Town Centre, making this a viable means of commuting.
 
Castleman Trailway

One of Dorset's gentlest way-marked routes, this 16 mile trail-way follows much of the old Dorchester to Southampton railway line, taking you through some of East Dorset's stunning landscape.
Find out more.

Mudeford to Christchurch

You can cycle from Bournemouth Pier to Boscombe Pier, and choose to go on to Hengistbury Head, Mudeford or Christchurch. If you cycle to the end of Hengistbury Head through the woods, you can hop on the little ferry* and find yourself on Mudeford Quay - great for watching the boats, kite-surfers and buying fresh seafood.

*There is an extra charge for bikes

New Forest

If you want to venture a little further afield, take your bikes on the train from Bournemouth to Brockenhurst for a great day out. There are over one hundred miles of way-marked cycle paths where you can look out for the New Forest ponies and deer. After all that cycling, take a welcome break at one of the many pubs and restaurants in Brockenhurst to keep your energy levels up.

Purbecks

You can’t beat a relaxing cycle from Bournemouth to Sandbanks. Hop on the Sandbanks-Shell Bay chain ferry and enjoy the 15 minute crossing across to Studland and into the beautiful Purbecks. There’s Old Harry Rocks, the countryside and Wareham, or you can really challenge yourself and cycle to Corfe Castle and back. Nothing beats the Purbeck Ridgeway - get yourself to the top of this challenging hill and then breeze down the paths for a really thrilling ride. If you have vehicle transport for your bikes, then travel to Lulworth and beyond to the west, or around North Dorset both of which offer challenging rides for those who are fit enough.

Bournemouth Cycling Centre
This fantastic new facility was completed in 2011. With a 250 metre outdoor track it's perfect for having a go at track cycling.
Find out more or contact info@bournemouth.cc.