Cycling & Mountain Biking

Poole has over 50 miles of cycle network and 28 miles of path are away from traffic, including leisure routes in pleasant green areas and cycle paths by the sea.

The various routes cater for all abilities of cyclist.  It is possible to cycle between Poole Town Centre and Upton Country Park, Wimborne and Bournemouth Town Centre using National Cycle Network Route 25.  Route 2 will take you along the seafront promenade to Bournemouth - please note cycling restrictions apply at certain times of the year. These routes are designed for novice cyclists offering a safe and enjoyable way to discover the area by bicycle.

Need a ride?

Why not use one of Poole’s great cycle hire services? Beryl bikes are available all over the Bournemouth and Poole area and can be dropped off at multiple locations across the destination.
Alternatively, you could book Dorset Guided E-Bike Day Trips, these e-bikes are as easy to ride as a conventional bike, your electric bike will take you to all the best sites in and around Poole, Bournemouth & Christchurch, sweat-free, relaxed and at an easy pace.                                                                                                              

E-bike hire is available from Rockley Park by Shore Thing. Their bikes have a pillion seat on the back to take young passengers with you with ease and offer a choice of self-guided sat nav tour too.

Cycle hire is available in Sandbanks via The Watersports Academy.  Front Bike Hire and Kool Cycle Hire are located near Bournemouth Pier. All perfect for a scenic beach front ride.  

Short Scenic Rides

The Heritage Cycle Route
The Heritage Cycle Route is 7.5 miles long, and visits places of historical interest in Poole Town Centre, Poole Quay and Upton Country Park.
The route between the town centre and Upton Country Park runs along the waters edge with beautiful views of the harbour.

The  Bourne Valley Greenway
The Greenway follows a green corridor from Canford Heath to the seafront in Bournemouth.   Most of the route is traffic-free with some being on unsealed surfaces.   The return trip is approximately 8 miles.

‍

Longer Rides

Castleman Trailway
The trailway starts at Upton Country Park and follows much of the old 'Castleman Corkscrew' railway line through Broadstone, Delph Woods and on to the River Stour at Wimborne.  The return trip to Wimborne is approximately 9 miles.

Petit Tour de Manche
Allez on your bike!  Anglo-French cycling routes around South West England and France. Discover local cycling routes linking Dorset and Devon with Normandy, Brittany and Jersey and take an epic journey through beautiful scenery and attractions.

The Tour de Manche is the last and longest of three new, family-friendly routes to be completed as part of the Cycle West project, of which Poole is a partner.  The route can be ridden in ‘bite-sized’ pieces or for more serious cyclists as a complete tour.

Pick up a Poole Cycle Route Map showing cycle lanes and paths from Poole Tourist Information Centre or download a copy here.

Cycle Routes in the Surrounding Areas:

The areas surrounding Poole have some great cycle rides.  See the countryside from a different perspective with rides in the Purbecks and further afield. Corfe Castle is a fantastic place to explore with easily accessible cycle routes.

Head to Visit Dorset for details of cycling routes further afield.

‍