The best gravel rides around Woking

There are over 80 gravel bike routes around Woking, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. You'll find 13 easy routes, 44 moderate routes, and 23 more challenging trails.

Woking's gravel trails offer a diverse mix of surfaces. You'll encounter extensive canal towpaths, such as the upgraded 12.9km Basingstoke Canal towpath, and riverside paths along the River Wey Navigation. The terrain also includes heathlands like Horsell Common and Chobham Common, and various woodlands. This means you can expect compacted surfaces, sandy paths, and potentially muddy sections, especially along the River Wey Navigation, which can be 'bouncy' with tree roots.

Yes, Woking offers several easy gravel routes suitable for families. For example, the Curzon Bridge — Railway View – Red Road Gravel Path loop from Bisley is an easy 14.2-mile trail that takes about 1 hour 45 minutes, providing a pleasant ride through mixed gravel paths and open views.

Many routes incorporate Woking's beautiful natural features. You can explore the picturesque Basingstoke Canal and River Wey Navigation. Highlights along the way include Walsham Lock and Weir, the confluence of the Basingstoke Canal and River Wey, and the historic Sandpit on Horsell Common, famous from H.G. Wells' 'The War of the Worlds'.

Absolutely. For those seeking a longer ride, the Ash Lock (Basingstoke Canal) – Basingstoke Canal Towpath loop from Woking is a challenging 43.2-mile route that follows the extensive Basingstoke Canal towpath, typically taking around 5 hours 48 minutes to complete.

The gravel biking routes in Woking are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 120 reviews. Many riders praise the varied terrain, the scenic canal and river paths, and the opportunity to explore diverse landscapes like heathlands and woodlands.

Yes, many of the gravel routes in Woking are designed as loops. For instance, the Riverside Path along the River Wey – Walsham Lock and Weir loop from Worplesdon is a popular moderate 22.3-mile circular path that explores the scenic River Wey Navigation.

Woking's gravel trails can be enjoyed year-round, but the best time often depends on the specific terrain. While canal towpaths are generally good, river navigation paths and woodland trails can become quite muddy and 'bouncy' with tree roots during wetter periods. Drier seasons will offer more comfortable riding on these varied surfaces, especially on heathlands like Horsell Common.

Yes, Woking offers routes for advanced riders. The View from Box Hill – Box Hill viewpoint loop from London Road (Guildford) is a difficult 30.5-mile route with significant elevation gain, providing a demanding experience for experienced gravel bikers.

Woking has good public transport links, particularly its train station, which can serve as a starting point for many routes. Several trails are accessible from towns and villages within the borough, making it feasible to reach them without a car. Always check local transport options for specific trailheads.

Yes, Woking and its surrounding areas offer several options for refreshments. Many routes pass through or near villages and towns where you can find pubs and cafes. For example, the Anchor pub on the River Wey is a notable spot that cyclists often encounter along riverside routes.

Beyond the canal and river paths, Woking is surrounded by excellent natural areas for gravel biking. Chobham Common, the largest inland National Nature Reserve in the South-East of England, offers diverse heathland, woodland, and sandy paths. Horsell Common also provides extensive unpaved tracks through heathland and woodland, ideal for exploration.