Start off with seaside and fossils at Charmouth, explore the heights of the ancient hillforts of Coney’s and Lambert’s Castles with 360 degree panoramic views over the Marshwood Vale to Lyme Bay (down to Start Point in Devon and up to Portland on a clear day) and to the north, Pilsdon Pen and Somerset.

An optional route will take you to Pilsdon Pen for even more far reaching views northwards to the Blackdown Hills, Quantocks and Mendips.

Descend to the mysterious Marshwood Vale full of mystery and hidden beauty in miniature. A landscape of narrow lanes, high hedge banks bright with wild flowers in spring and summer, brooks and streams where damsel and dragonflies dart about, tangled copses, old cider orchards and small fields, which has been farmed since the Iron Age.

Let it enchant and take you away from modern life’s hurly burly.

This route follows mainly minor roads but is not signposted – you will need an OS map to follow the route.

You can hire a bike at Bridport Cycles in Symondsbury near Bridport.

Start your ride in Charmouth, which can be reached on the A35 from Dorchester or Axminster direction.

For further public transport information, including route planner, visit dorsetforyou.gov.uk

Before you set off, it is worth checking location and opening times of the Dorset Food & Drink businesses we have listed in the route guides and maps – visit the Dorset Food & Drink website map for details.