Weymouth to Dorchester

This is the most direct route to Dorchester using quieter roads. Some cyclists will prefer to take the main road to Chalbury Corner before joining the route at Coombe Valley Road.

It is suitable for all types of rider including confident child cyclists. It is also suitable for most types of bike though there is an unmade section which would be uncomfortable on a lightweight road bike. Those on trikes, trailers and heavily laden tandems will need to take a short diversion (see below) but otherwise should also be able to enjoy this route.

Roman town house Dorchester

Start from the Swannery car park and go north on the cycle track on the wide pavement beside Radipole Park Drive. You soon turn right to cross the railway via the excellent Alexander cycle bridge.

You soon cross the busy Dorchester Road and you can use the pelican crossing near Tesco if you find this road intimidating. After another short stretch on minor roads, passing Weymouth College, you travel on a cycle track through Lodmoor Country Park.

After some further quiet residential roads you will reach a footpath near Chalbury Corner. It is about 150 yards long with barriers and you will need to walk here. If your bike will not fit continue on Wyke Oliver Road, turn left at the end onto the busy Preston Road and left at Chalbury Corner before rejoining the route at Coombe Valley Road.

Coombe Valley Road is very pleasant though it is uphill over the downs. Some extra care is required because it is narrow in places and is used as a rat run by some motor vehicles.

From the top of the downs it is a pleasant descent into Dorchester. The route ends at Top o’Town where there is a café frequented by local cyclists.

The A354, the alternative and the direct route to Dorchester, is very busy and most cyclists will find it unsafe and unpleasant.

Downloads for this route

The following files are in .zip format. They need to be unzipped and saved to a directory of your choice. You can then load them into the appropriate application.

This route in Google Earth format to open in the Google Earth application
This is the the route in .kml format

This route in Garmin format version 2 for uploading to your GPS
This is the the route in .gdb format

This route in Memory-Map format, waypoints only, for uploading to computer's software
This is the the route in .mxf format

This route in universal format for uploading to many applications
This is the the route in .gpx format