The best traffic-free bike rides around Blandford St. Mary
4.5
(111)
1,569
riders
9
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes around Blandford St. Mary are set within a landscape characterized by rolling hills, lush green fields, and the meandering River Stour. The area features chalk geology, with alluvial clay present along the River Stour floodplain, contributing to varied terrain. The North Dorset Trailway provides a largely flat, traffic-free path, while other routes incorporate the region's gentle ascents and descents. This combination offers diverse options for touring cyclists.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes around Blandford…
Last updated: May 20, 2026
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.
Sign up for free
5.0
(1)
19
riders
12.8km
01:08
110m
110m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
14
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
29.5km
02:16
390m
390m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Blandford St. Mary
Other adventures around Blandford St. Mary
Tips from the Community
Okeford Hill Bike ParkClick to open side panel for more information is a premier downhill mountain biking destination located on the steep northern escarpment of the Dorset Downs, offering some of the most challenging terrain in the region. Diverse Trail Network: The park features a variety of downhill-specific trails that cater primarily to intermediate and advanced riders, including technical "rooty" sections and fast, flowing jumps. Uplift Service: To maximize ride time, the venue provides a dedicated uplift service (usually a tractor and trailer) that shuttles riders from the bottom of the hill back to the summit. Operating Hours: The park is typically open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, though it is often closed during the weekdays. Spectacular Setting: Riders can enjoy the same famous views of the Blackmore Vale described from nearby Bell Hill between runs.
0
0
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.
0
0
Single lane beware of on coming vehicles
0
0
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
0
0
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.
0
0
A very nice route indeed. Nothing too demanding at all. Give it a whirl!!!
1
0
In addition to the main rail bridge spanning the river, smaller bridges were built to allow traffic and pedestrians to cross the cuttings and track as it travelled north-west. Three bridges were built for this purpose and all of them remain integral to the navigation of the town today. Arguably the most distinctive of them is the Alexandra Street pedestrian footbridge, above the site of the dismantled station. Constructed from iron and now partially supported by four narrow legs, the bridge stands at what was once the northern end of the station, where the single-line section to Templecombe began. Blandford station remained open until 7 March 1966, when the entire line from Bath to Bournemouth closed to passengers. Goods traffic continued for a further three years, but the station was finally closed and the track lifted in 1969. Following the closure, the Damory railway bridges, on the southern approach to the station, were eventually demolished in 1978.
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many no traffic touring cycling routes are available in Blandford St. Mary?
There are 9 dedicated no traffic touring cycling routes around Blandford St. Mary, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels for a peaceful ride through the Dorset countryside.
Are there any easy, traffic-free cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Blandford St. Mary offers an easy, traffic-free route perfect for beginners and families. The Stour Meadows Park loop from Blandford Forum is a gentle 12.7 km ride, ideal for a relaxed outing. Additionally, the North Dorset Trailway, which passes through the area, provides a largely flat and well-surfaced path, suitable for all levels. For more information on the Trailway, you can visit the Dorset Council website.
What kind of terrain can I expect on these no traffic cycling routes?
The terrain around Blandford St. Mary for no traffic cycling routes is varied. You'll find relatively flat sections along the River Stour valley, particularly on parts of the North Dorset Trailway. However, the wider area is characterized by rolling hills and green fields, meaning many routes will include moderate ascents and descents. For example, the Kingston Lacy Kitchen Garden – Pamphill Dairy loop is a moderate route with some elevation.
What are some points of interest or natural features I can see along these routes?
Many routes offer scenic views and access to historical sites. You can enjoy views of Hambledon Hill, a prominent natural and historical landmark. The North Dorset Trailway itself is a highlight, following an old railway line. Other notable points include the Shillingstone Railway Station & Museum, the ancient Hambledon Hill Iron Age hill fort, and the picturesque White Mill Bridge.
Are there any longer, more challenging no traffic touring routes for experienced cyclists?
Yes, for experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, there are difficult routes with significant elevation. The View from Bulbarrow Hill – Okeford Hill Bike Park loop is a demanding 55 km route with substantial climbing, offering rewarding views from Bulbarrow Hill.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about the no traffic routes in Blandford St. Mary?
The no traffic touring cycling routes in Blandford St. Mary are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from 108 ratings. Reviewers often praise the peaceful countryside, the variety of terrain from riverside paths to rolling hills, and the opportunity to explore charming villages and historical sites away from busy roads.
Can I find circular no traffic cycling routes in the area?
Yes, many of the no traffic touring routes around Blandford St. Mary are circular, allowing you to start and end your ride in the same location. Examples include the Poole Harbour – Holes Bay Cycle Path loop, a moderate 59.9 km ride, and the Durweston Mill – View from Bulbarrow Hill loop, a moderate 29.5 km option.
Is it possible to cycle near the River Stour on these routes?
Absolutely. The River Stour flows through Blandford St. Mary, and its valley provides scenic, relatively flat sections often incorporated into cycling routes. The Stour Meadows Park loop is a great example of a route that offers riverside views and a tranquil cycling experience.
What is the best time of year to enjoy no traffic touring cycling in Blandford St. Mary?
The best time to enjoy no traffic touring cycling in Blandford St. Mary is generally from spring through early autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is typically milder, the countryside is lush, and daylight hours are longer. While winter cycling is possible, be prepared for cooler temperatures and potentially muddier sections on unpaved paths.
Are there any routes that offer views of significant landmarks like Hambledon Hill?
Yes, several routes in the vicinity provide excellent views of Hambledon Hill. While cycling, you might catch glimpses of this prominent Iron Age hill fort. The View from Bulbarrow Hill – Okeford Hill Bike Park loop, for instance, offers panoramic vistas that often include distant landmarks like Hambledon Hill.
Where can I find parking for these quiet cycling routes in Blandford St. Mary?
Blandford St. Mary and its surrounding villages offer various parking options. For routes starting directly from Blandford Forum, there are public car parks available. For routes that incorporate sections like the North Dorset Trailway, specific trailheads often have designated parking areas. It's advisable to check local parking information for your chosen starting point.
Most popular routes around Blandford St. Mary
Most popular attractions around Blandford St. Mary
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Cycling routes in other regions.
