The best gravel rides around Allington

There are over 20 gravel bike trails around Allington, offering a variety of experiences. These include 3 easy routes, 15 moderate routes, and 6 difficult routes, catering to different skill levels.

The terrain around Allington is quite diverse. You'll find flat, traffic-free sections along the River Medway towpath, which are great for leisurely rides. Further afield, the North Downs offer more challenging, undulating chalk downland with woodlands, climbs, and descents. The region, known as the 'Garden of England,' provides scenic routes through ancient bluebell woodlands and chalk grasslands.

Yes, the flat, traffic-free Medway towpath along the River Medway is ideal for families and leisurely rides. It offers accessible gravel sections with pleasant views, making it suitable for all abilities.

While Allington itself is known for Allington Castle, many of the gravel routes in the wider area pass by significant historical and natural sites. For instance, the route Gravel Track Near Stonehenge – Stonehenge loop from Old Sarum leads through historical landscapes, offering views of Stonehenge. Other nearby attractions include Woodhenge and the Old Sarum Ruins.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience in Allington, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 20 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, from riverside paths to challenging downland, and the scenic beauty of the 'Garden of England' landscape.

Yes, for those seeking longer rides, there are several options. One of the most extensive is the Imber Perimeter Path – Imber Range Path loop from Grateley, which is a difficult 126.8 km trail. Another significant route is the Redhorn Hill Byway – Salisbury Plain Perimeter Path loop from Grateley, covering 81.1 km with varied scenery.

Many of the gravel routes around Allington are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Gravel Track Near Stonehenge – Stonehenge loop from Old Sarum and the Tank Crossing – Old Chalk Way Detour loop from Durrington.

Allington offers good gravel biking opportunities throughout the year. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, especially with the ancient bluebell woodlands. Summer is great for longer days, while winter rides can be invigorating, though some paths might be muddier. Always check local conditions before heading out.

Yes, the majority of routes around Allington are rated as moderate. For example, the Tank Crossing – Old Chalk Way Detour loop from Durrington is a moderate 30.9 km route, and the Gravel Track Near Stonehenge – Lower Woodford Tree-Lined Road loop from Larkhill is a moderate 36.9 km trail.

Parking availability varies by trailhead. Many routes start from villages or towns that offer public parking. For routes further afield, such as those starting from Grateley or Old Sarum, specific parking areas are often indicated on the komoot tour pages or can be found through local signage.

While Allington Castle is a private residence, its presence adds historical charm to the local landscape. The River Medway towpath, which runs by Allington, offers views of the castle from certain vantage points, providing a picturesque backdrop to your ride.

Maidstone, near Allington, is well-connected by public transport, including train services. From Maidstone, you can often access the River Medway towpath directly or connect to local bus services that can take you closer to various trailheads. Checking local bus routes and train schedules to specific starting points is recommended.