Verwood Breeze Ride - East Dorset Lanes

East Dorset Lanes Ride. Hello and welcome to the ‘East Dorset Lanes Ride’ starting and ending in Verwood, Dorset. The ride is approx. 35 miles in distance though quiet beautiful lanes with gorgeous views of East and mid Dorset. Along the way we will be stopping for a well-earned and obligatory tea and cake in Wimborne Minster square. Meeting at the Heritage Car Park in Verwood (next to Costa) we will proceed to Woodlands along the B3081 past the Golf course and campsite turning off into Woodlands riding through quiet lanes entering Kings Lane. With stunning views of mid Dorset from the top of the hill we then drop down to join the Cranborne road turning into Knowlton with its romantic ruined church built on the site of Neolithic and Bronze age ceremonial site, which has also featured on rock album covers. We will continue on to, but bypass, Gussage All Saints via Amen Corner riding up to the crossroad and then cruise down through tree lined roads in Moor Crichel with its quaint buildings and impressive farm and stabling. From Moor Crichel we head for the hamlet of Manswood then swooping down onto the Wichampton to Tarrant Rushton road. At Tarrant Rushton Airfield, famous for its wartime history, especially its D-Day achievements, we will regroup and have a quick drink. Then it’s onwards with more stunning views into Tarrant Keynston where we will cross the road by the True Lovers Knot and ride through to Tarrant Crawford passing sleepy churches and meandering rivers before reaching Shapwick, home to the legend of the ‘Shapwick Monster’ and a Roman fort. Cycling on and into Wimborne where we will have a well-earned cup of tea followed by cake and a damn good natter having covered approx. 21 miles! Having checked are bikes we will depart Wimborne via Burt’s Hill into Dean Grove then via Smugglers lane to Furze Hill through to Holt then Higher Row and up onto Holt Heath, where while you catch your breath, you can see the Isle of Wight on a clear day. Did you know there are six types of British reptiles living on the heath and many rare birds such as the Dartford Warbler? However, for us it’s down the hill and into Mannington and onto Three Legged Cross where we turn left and ride back into Verwood having covered 35 glorious miles. For those who wish to there are several tea / coffee shops in and around the heritage car park for a post ride cuppa if you wish. This ride is not suitable for novices. The majority of roads are quiet country lanes but there are link roads (B roads) we will need to use albeit only for a short distance. There are hills but not too many and think of the fun you have coming down them! This is a social ride not a race or sportive and the emphasis is on enjoyment and helping each other ride respectfully ride through our beautiful landscape… Oh and did I mention the tea and cakes! As always wear a helmet and bright clothing and ensure your bike is road worthy with tyres pumped up correctly. Please ensure you have a spare inner tube and tools with you as this will save you being left behind in the case of a puncture.