Bournemouth Circular via East Melbury and Verwood Cycle Route


Cycle Route Details
Route NameBournemouth Circular via East Melbury and Verwood
Distance(miles)60.2
Duration(hh:mm)06:00
Difficulty9/10
Cycle Route Location
CountryEngland
Town/CityBournemouth
County/RegionDorset
Start LocationRedhill roundabout
End LocationRedhill roundabout
Cycle Steps
1. First of all, this is a long ride and I would only recommend it to experienced cyclists. I did it fine on a mountain bike but if you have a road bike then I would advise avoiding the first part of the route and divert towards parley and travel round the airport. Well, starting at the Redhill roudabout, the route goes east, turning left at Muscliffe lane and then down into Throop, turning off down the footpath round the back of the mill and over two bridges. Turn right at the end of the second bridge and follow this path through a couple of gates. Part of this path is frequently flooded, if it is then stay on the left side of it and it is not too deep. After a third bridge, there is a road. Go along here then take the first right and follow this road to the main road. Head right towards the roundabout here and take the first exit, quickly followed by the first left up Matchams lane. Follow this road over the bridge until you reach an underpass under the A31. Here, follow the B3081 through Verwood and and all the way to Sixpenny Handley, where this is the last chance to buy any food or drink for a while. Continue along the B3081 through Tollard Royal and up the hill. Expect some fantastic views for a while now. Stick on the B3081 and take care going down Zig-Zag hill. After going through Cann Common, leave the B3081 at the T junction and go left down the hill to Melbury Abbas, savor the downhill since the opposite awaits. Expect some more great views here before taking a left turn that is signposted for Tarrant Gunville. The route then follows the Tarrant valley for the river's entire course. Turn left at the t junction at the end of the road after Tarrant Keynston. Follow signs to and carry on through Shapwick. Then look out for a left signpost to Cowgrove and carry along this road until you reach Wimborne. Turn right here and follow the one way route through the town centre then exit the town towards Merley. Continue through Merley to the A341 (magna road)and follow this road through Bear Cross, Kinson, Northbourne and back to the Redhill roundabout!
Landmarks/Sites to see?
Very nice bacon baguette at the post office store in Sixpenny Handley!

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