The best cycling routes around Fontmell Magna
4.5
(77)
1,432
riders
205
rides
Touring cycling around Fontmell Magna offers diverse terrain within the picturesque Blackmore Vale of North Dorset. The region features chalk downland, including Fontmell Down, providing panoramic views, alongside the rolling farmland of the Blackmore Vale. To the east, the higher chalk escarpment of Cranborne Chase presents challenging climbs and woodlands like Girdlers Coppice and Fontmell Wood offer sheltered routes. The varied geology, from Kimmeridge clay to chalk, contributes to a range of gradients and surfaces suitable for touring cyclists.
Best…
Last updated: May 4, 2026
5.0
(2)
21
riders
79.4km
05:20
750m
750m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
14
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
(2)
14
riders
48.6km
03:14
570m
570m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
12
riders
44.9km
03:04
360m
360m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
12
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
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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St Peter's Church is the oldest church in Shaftesbury, located at the top of the famous Gold Hill, right next to the ruins of Shaftesbury Abbey. It is a key historic building and a prominent part of the town's landscape. St Peter's Church was originally built in the 14th century to serve pilgrims visiting the nearby Shaftesbury Abbey. Due to economic hardships, such as the Black Death, its construction was prolonged, resulting in a mix of architectural styles, including Decorated and Perpendicular Gothic. The lower part of the tower is the oldest section of the current building. The nave and its arcades are from the 14th century, while the clerestory and the panelled oak roofs were added in the 15th and 16th centuries. The church also features a crypt under its south aisle. Decline and Restoration: By the late 19th century, St Peter's fell into disuse and disrepair. It was even used as a grain store during World War II. In 1971, it was officially declared redundant. However, a major restoration effort was launched by local groups, and in 1977, it was rededicated and became the parish church of Shaftesbury once again. It was the first church in the country to be re-established as a full-time parish church after being declared redundant.
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Holy Trinity Church in Shaftesbury is a Grade II listed building with a rich history, but it is no longer a consecrated place of worship. Today, it is known as the Trinity Centre, a vibrant community hub. The current building, designed in the Early English Gothic Revival style by the famous architect Sir George Gilbert Scott, was largely built between 1841 and 1842 on the site of an even older medieval church. The new building featured a 100-foot-tall western tower and a chancel that was added in 1908. It was the principal Anglican parish church in Shaftesbury for over a century, even as the nearby St Peter's Church fell into disuse. However, with declining congregation numbers, Holy Trinity was made redundant as a parish church in 1977. Its congregation was transferred back to the newly restored St Peter's Church, and the Holy Trinity building was sold. I find it weird how a church can be sold off to become a selection of business's, while still keeping its graveyard.
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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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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 nice route indeed. Nothing too demanding at all. Give it a whirl!!!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Fontmell Magna?
There are over 200 touring cycling routes available around Fontmell Magna, offering a wide variety of experiences for cyclists. This includes 40 easy routes, 122 moderate routes, and 45 difficult routes, ensuring options for all skill levels.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Fontmell Magna?
The terrain around Fontmell Magna is quite diverse, ranging from the open, rolling farmland of the Blackmore Vale to the chalk downland of Fontmell Down and the higher escarpment of Cranborne Chase. You'll encounter a mix of paved surfaces, quiet country lanes, field paths, and woodland tracks. The varied geology contributes to different gradients, from gentle rides to challenging ascents.
Are there challenging climbs for touring cyclists in the area?
Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the higher chalk escarpment of Cranborne Chase offers rewarding climbs. A notable example is the Zig Zag Hill Climb, which features 'Alpine switchback-ridden' sections and provides breathtaking views from Wingreen Hill. Routes like Spetisbury Old Railway Station – River Stour at Spetisbury loop from Shaftesbury also feature significant elevation gain.
Are there family-friendly touring cycling routes in Fontmell Magna?
While the region offers routes for various abilities, some routes are more suitable for families. Look for routes described as 'easy' or 'moderate' that stick to quieter lanes or paved surfaces. The area's gentle gradients through fields and woodlands can provide pleasant family outings, though specific dedicated family trails may require local inquiry.
What interesting landmarks or attractions can I see along the touring cycling routes?
The area is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. You can cycle past the impressive Hambledon Hill Iron Age hill fort, enjoy views from Fontmell Down, or visit the Shillingstone Railway Station & Museum. The iconic Gold Hill in Shaftesbury is also a popular landmark, featured on routes like St Peter's Church, Shaftesbury – Gold Hill, Shaftesbury loop from Shaftesbury.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes available?
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Fontmell Magna are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the View of Hod Hill – Durweston Mill loop from Compton Abbas is a moderate circular route offering scenic views.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about the routes in Fontmell Magna?
The touring cycling routes in Fontmell Magna are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 70 reviews. Cyclists often praise the stunning panoramic views, the diverse natural environments, and the charm of the historic English villages. The mix of challenging ascents and gentle routes also contributes to a rewarding experience.
Can I find routes that pass through woodlands or offer shaded sections?
Absolutely. The area features several beautiful woodlands such as Girdlers Coppice, Fontmell Wood, and Ashmore Wood. These provide sheltered routes, especially pleasant during warmer months, and offer seasonal beauty like bluebell carpets in spring. The route Narrow Forest Singletrack – King Alfred's Kitchen loop from Shaftesbury leads through varied forest terrain.
Are there options for a pub lunch or refreshments along the touring cycling routes?
Fontmell Magna itself is a traditional rural village with a pub and a village shop, offering convenient stops. Many routes will pass through or near other villages in the Blackmore Vale, where you can often find pubs or cafes for refreshments, making it easy to plan a stop for lunch or a break.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Fontmell Magna?
Spring and summer are generally ideal for touring cycling in Fontmell Magna, offering pleasant weather to enjoy the chalk downland flowers, butterflies, and lush green landscapes. Autumn also provides beautiful scenery with changing foliage. While winter cycling is possible, be prepared for cooler temperatures and potentially muddier sections on unpaved paths.
Are there any specific routes that offer particularly scenic views?
Many routes in the region are known for their scenic beauty. Fontmell Down offers stunning panoramic views over the Blackmore Vale, and on clear days, you might even see as far as the Isle of Wight. The climbs in Cranborne Chase, such as the Zig Zag Hill, also reward cyclists with breathtaking vistas from viewpoints like Wingreen Hill. The View of Hod Hill – Durweston Mill loop from Compton Abbas is another route known for its picturesque scenery.
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