King Alfred Way

about 8 hours. Got a 7am train out of Clapham Junction and was home by 6. Very dull down to the SDW, hard work on the SDW then can't remember the way back but I think it was beautiful.

Quite a lot of walkers (it was a sunny sunday) so my one piece of advice would be to take a bell.

Utterly agreed with @leggy_blonde on the SDW. But it does have some good cafes

This was much better if you're after a long day out (but on road) http://www.marcusjb.com/cogidubnus-200

Thanks. Looking for a longer one-day off-road ride so this sounds good.

Just got back from a 3 day loop. It's excellent. Pannier have the best write up https://www.pannier.cc/journal/wessex-wa­nderings-bikepacking-king-alfreds-way/

John from Taunton - are you on here? Your single speed riding was incredible.

Definitely don't let 33s put you off, I did it last year with a group on a pair of gravelking sk 32s and rode a day and a half in the wet - one guy rode 28s but was severely limited by clearance and didn't have access to another bike. Yes, some sections were difficult and a few unpassable for all of us due to rain but a lot of it was extremely enjoyable. As others have mentioned, SDW was tough on the flint-laden descents, as were the overgrown rutted tractor paths on hillsides (mostly in Wiltshire). We took three days and that included an 'easy' day plus a number of mechanicals...have a great time!

overgrown rutted tractor paths on hillsides

These are death