The best cycling routes around Blandford St. Mary
4.6
(110)
1,567
riders
161
rides
Touring cycling around Blandford St. Mary offers diverse landscapes, including the meandering River Stour, rolling chalk hills, and sections of the North Dorset Trailway. The region features a mix of flat, traffic-free paths and more challenging routes with ascents into the hills. Woodlands and open meadows also characterize the terrain, providing varied scenery for cyclists.
Best touring cycling routes around Blandford St. Mary
- The most popular touring cycling route is Bullbarrow Hill loop from Blandford Forum, a 23.2 miles…
Last updated: May 14, 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…
4.6
(14)
157
riders
42.1km
03:03
250m
250m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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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.
4.8
(8)
82
riders
32.3km
01:53
150m
150m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(16)
45
riders
60.0km
03:52
330m
330m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Other adventures around Blandford St. Mary
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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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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Using the power of moving water to drive a mill wheel is an ancient invention of the human spirit of discovery, the origins of which can be traced back to times long past. Thanks to such a construction, a watercourse - natural or artificial - could simply replace human or animal muscle power with the power of the natural elements, for example to grind grain into corn or to press oil from fruit. There are essentially two different ways of driving watermills: * Either the flowing water simply hits the blades of the water wheel from below to set it in motion; or * the water is guided - usually through a so-called "mill channel" - above the wheel and falls onto the blades; this type of construction is more efficient due to natural gravity.
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I imagine it to be a nice little cafe selling cakes, teas and coffees. unfortunately it only opens from 10am on a saturday
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Was nice to see the Hod from a distance. On a hike route I'd done Hambledon and Hod on same day, in really bad conditions. worth a go up there
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A very welcome stop to let your legs recover for a bit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Blandford St. Mary?
There are over 160 touring cycling routes available around Blandford St. Mary, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes near Blandford St. Mary?
You can expect a diverse landscape, including flat, traffic-free paths along the North Dorset Trailway and scenic riverside paths along the River Stour. The area also features rolling chalk hills and woodlands, offering more challenging routes with ascents and varied scenery.
Are there touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families in Blandford St. Mary?
Yes, Blandford St. Mary offers 28 easy touring cycling routes, many of which incorporate sections of the North Dorset Trailway. This trail provides a largely traffic-free and generally flat surface, making it ideal for families and those seeking a more relaxed ride. The Stour Meadows also offer pleasant, tree-lined routes.
Are there challenging touring cycling routes for experienced riders?
Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, there are 46 difficult touring cycling routes. An example is the Bullbarrow Hill loop from Blandford Forum, which features significant elevation gain and offers expansive views across the landscape.
What interesting sights or landmarks can I see while cycling around Blandford St. Mary?
Many routes pass by historical and natural landmarks. You could visit the Shillingstone Railway Station & Museum along the North Dorset Trailway, or explore the Iron Age hillforts like Hambledon Hill and Badbury Rings. Some routes also pass through the Kingston Lacy estate, featuring the historic White Mill Bridge.
Are there opportunities for wildlife spotting on touring cycling routes?
Yes, the area is rich in wildlife. The Stour Meadows, bordering the River Stour, are known for kingfishers, little egrets, and otters. The Milldown Local Nature Reserve, near Blandford Forum, is also a haven for over 60 species of birds and 200 types of wildflowers, providing excellent opportunities for nature observation.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in the area?
Yes, many routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. An example is the Kingston Lacy Kitchen Garden – Pamphill Dairy loop from Blandford Forum, which offers a moderate ride through picturesque scenery.
Are there places to stop for refreshments or food along the touring cycling routes?
Cycling routes frequently pass through unspoilt villages where you can find local charm and refreshment stops. The Shillingstone Railway Station & Museum, located on the North Dorset Trailway, also has a cafe, providing a convenient break point for cyclists.
What do other touring cyclists appreciate most about cycling in Blandford St. Mary?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 100 reviews. Reviewers often praise the varied terrain, from the peaceful North Dorset Trailway to the scenic rolling hills, and the integration of natural beauty with historical points of interest.
Which routes incorporate the North Dorset Trailway?
Several routes utilize sections of the North Dorset Trailway. A popular option is the Durweston Mill – North Dorset Trailway loop from Charlton Marshall, which provides a generally flat surface through picturesque countryside.
Are there any long-distance touring cycling routes from Blandford St. Mary?
Yes, there are routes that cover longer distances. For example, the Poole Harbour – Holes Bay Cycle Path loop from Blandford Forum is a moderate 37.3-mile (59.9 km) route, offering a more extensive touring experience.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Blandford St. Mary?
Blandford St. Mary offers pleasant cycling conditions throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn provide mild temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer is ideal for longer days. Even in winter, many of the well-maintained paths, like the North Dorset Trailway, remain accessible.
Most popular routes around Blandford St. Mary
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