King Alfred's Way

At Penwood, you'll find yourself surrounded by beautiful mixed woodland, offering a refreshing change of scenery and wonderfully varied terrain beneath your tyres, from firm gravel paths to more natural, earthy tracks. It's a place where you can truly connect with the outdoors, pushing pedals through quiet stretches of trees and soaking up the peace of the English countryside.

This particular section of the route passes through the North Wessex Downs, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with its own distinct character. The King Alfred's Way itself traces the ancient boundaries of the kingdom of Wessex, named after the legendary monarch, so you're cycling through a landscape steeped in early English history. While not in the main Cotswolds AONB, this area shares a similar feel of rolling hills and traditional landscapes. After your ride, you're conveniently close to the village of Highclere, famous for its grand castle, and the larger market town of Newbury, where you can grab refreshments and find all the amenities you need.