Best Cycling Routes in Poole

Have you grown tired of your usual cycling routes in and around Poole? We've high-lighted below some of the best local bike rides that we've been enjoying including trails and road routes (the Studland loop is a firm favourite - especially when the sun is shining).

Take a look at our full cycling in poole guide HERE!

Prior to embarking on any of these stunning cycling routes, it's wise to have your bike inspected. Discover Bike-Fixed Dorset. They provide free quotes and a hassle-free collection & delivery service within the BH postcode area. Their proficiency extends across all bike repairs, from basic inner tube replacements to crafting top-tier, race-ready bicycles.

THE HERITAGE TRAIL

Without any stops, the Heritage trail is around a one-hour cycle. A circular route between Upton Country Park and Poole Town Centre. Most of the route now forms part of the National Cycleway.

Start: Upton House & Country Park

Finish: Poole Quay

Distance: 6 miles

Castleman Trailway

One of Dorset's softest way-marked routes, this 16-mile route takes you through some of East Dorset's most stunning landscape.

This beautiful route starts at Upton Country Park in Poole and follows much of the old Castleman Corkscrew railway line through Broadstone and on the River Stour at Wimborne. After leaving Poole, it continues to beyond Ringwood.

Start: Upton House & Country Park

Finish: Ashley Twinning

Distance: 12.8 miles

BOURNE VALLEY GREENWAY

A lovely, leafy route through the Bourne Valley Greenway, starting at Bournemouth Pier. You'll follow a route alongside Bournemouth Gardens before walking through The Square to reach the start of the Bourne Valley Greenway. From here it's a delightful ride through this tranquil green oasis to the turnaround point near Coy Pond Road, and then you retrace your route back to the pier.

Start: Bournemouth Pier

Finish: Bournemouth Pier

Distance: 3.7 miles

SANDBANKS TO BOURNEMOUTH LOOP

This beautiful cycle will take you onto the promenade through the beach onwards to Bournemouth. Cycling past the coastline whilst soaking in the late afternoon sun is a joy to behold. This is an easy bike ride and recommended with anyone no matter where their fitness is. The entire route is mostly flat, and you can also take breaks at restaurants, arcades or shops on the way.

One of our favourites is Lazy Jacks who are based in Sandbanks and provide a delicious and intricate British menu. If you're needing to refuel then this the perfect stop and is a popular hotspot for taking a pit stop no matter the time of day.

Start: Sandbanks

Finish: Sandbanks

Distance: 7.8 miles

SANDBANKS CHAIN FERRY TO SWANAGE

Taking the chain ferry from Sandbanks skips out the extra 2 hours it takes to cycle around the coast, once you are off the ferry you are onto a long and straight road, called Ferry Road. This takes you all the way to Studland beaches where you can either stop here for a break on the beach or carry on to the main beach at Swanage. There are multiple cafes and restaurants you can stop off if you are looking for a quick pit stop on your bike ride.

Start: Haven Hotel, Sandbanks

Finish: Swanage

Distance: 7.1 miles

UPTON COUNTRY PARK LOOP FROM BRANKSOME

Starting at Branksome, you can take cycle towards the Parkstone Yacht Club, then from here you can cycle around the Great Britain lake seeing the Pergins Island as you go by. From here you will reach Upton Country Park, which has a massive space if you wanted to setup a picnic or have a quick stop. Once you have left Upton Country Park, you want to loop back around the Great Britain and come down towards Poole Quay before heading back to where you started.

Start: Branksome

Finish: Branksome

Distance: 13.3 miles

If you are looking to plan your own bike ride, including distance, calories and time travelled. check out https://www.cyclestreets.net.

TOP TIP

Explore Bournemouth, Poole & Christchurch with Beryl Bikes. Beryl is the UK's leading bike and scooter share company, and you can hire one here in Poole.

Renting a bike or an e-Scooter is a cost-effective way to get around, and whether you're new to Poole or just visiting, travelling on two wheels can be just the ticket.

Get a breath of fresh sea air as you explore the local area on two wheels. With Beryl Bays positioned at attractions, transport hubs throughout the town, you'll always find a distinctive green Beryl bike or e-Scooter nearby.

How it works:

To access a bike or scooter, download the Beryl app and use it to find and unlock your closest available vehicle.* 

Once your ride is complete, park in a Beryl Bay and lock your bike or scooter to complete your ride and make the vehicle available for the next person to use. The app will also provide you with a guide on locking and unlocking the bikes and scooters and where to park them.

DOWNLOAD THE APP TODAY!

Something not feeling right on the bike? Bad back? Tight hips? Get in touch with the experience guys at Balanced Motion Clinic.