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Dorset
Free maps are listed at the bottom of this page.
Open Routes
National Route 2
National Route 2 of the National Cycle Network is open in Dorset through Bournemouth and Poole, and between Dorchester and Raymond's Hill with a link to Charmouth near Lyme Regis. The route will eventually run all the way between St. Austell in Cornwall with Dover in Kent.
National Route 25
National Route 25 is a proposed route between Poole and Longleat. Poole to Wimborne is open as part of the traffic-free Castleman Trail. The route is open as far as Blandford Forum and then between Child Okeford and Gillingham.
National Route 26
National Route 26 is open between Dorchester and Castle Cary. The proposed route continues from Dorchester to Weymouth.
North Dorset Cycle Way
The North Dorset Cycle Way (Regional Route 41) is a circular on road route linking Gillingham, Shaftesbury, Farnham, Blandford Forum and Sturminster Newton. The free leaflet covering this route is now out of print, however the route is mapped on the OS Tour 9 Dorset, Somerset East, Bath & Bristol map.
Route Development
Bournemouth and Poole Promenade
After a number of years when Bournemouth and Poole have run different seasonal restrictions along each promenade, this year will see the introduction of a consistent approach. The prom will be closed to cyclists between 10am and 6pm from the beginning of July to the end of August. This is obviously an improvement on the previous regime, although Sustrans would like to see all eligible users being allowed to use the prom all year round and at all times. After all, with appropriate measures being put in place pedestrians and cyclists should be able to get along in perfect harmony!
Free cycling maps for Dorset
Cycling in West Dorset (National Route 2) - West Dorset DC, tel: 01305 267992
Cycling in West Dorset (National Route 26) - West Dorset DC, tel: 01305 267992
The West Dorset Pedal - download from West Dorset DC or tel: 01305 267992
Castleman Trail - Sustrans, tel: 0845 113 0065
Poole, Bournemouth & Christchurch - Borough of Poole, tel: 01202 262066
Poole Cycle Route Map - download from Borough of Poole or tel: 01202 262066
Poole Heritage Cycle Route - Borough of Poole, tel: 01202 262066
The Bourne Valley Greenway - download from Bourne Stream Partnership or tel: 01202 261325
The Northport Greenway & Sika Trail - download from Purbeck DC or tel: 01929 552740
Dorchester Recommended Cycle Routes - Sustrans, tel: 0845 113 0065
or download from AtoB Magazine website
Purbeck Cycle Route map and 6 Purbeck Rides maps (8 to 47 miles)
These maps can be downloaded from Purbeck DC website or are available for a small charge, tel: 01929 552740
Cycling in Weymouth and Portland (6 rides of 13 to 23 miles)
These maps can be downloaded from Weymouth & Portland BC website.