The Stone Circle

There’s more than a touch of mischief to The Jester Route. Delve into the past with this ride inspired by the crucial court jesters of Old Sarum Fort. Famous for bringing a lighthearted touch to serious proceedings, this is a challenging course with a playful twist, mirroring the rollercoaster of a jester’s life. It’s perfect for those who love a bit of adventure and a lot of fun.
Just like the other two routes, you can expect a special day out with stunning scenery, riding next to Stonehenge and taking in some of the iconic US style gravel, before heading back to Old Sarum and making the most of the festival fort.

For the daring and the defiant, The Rebel Route beckons. Once a prison for the formidable Eleanor of Aquitaine, this ancient fort hold secrets waiting to be uncovered. Set out on your quest shortly after sunrise and embark on a journey of epic proportions. Just make sure you return before nightfall.
This new 130km route follows the same route as The Bastard, then heads due east up onto a series of ancient drivers roads and Roman ridgeways before dropping you back into Old Sarum. You may be riding fewer kilometres but with 2000m of climbing, this is a tough day out.

Old Sarum, 1086. The illegitimate son of a duke, William the Conqueror, seized his moment. On the very same ground as the Festival Fort, he demanded oaths of fealty, forging an iron grip on England. A testament to the power of ambition. But, can you embody the spirit of William and conquer ‘The Bastard’?
Leaving the Festival Fort as the sun rises, you’ll be riding in the tracks of the ancients as you head towards Salisbury Plain and Stonehenge, where you can expect to see Druids during the solstice week.
You’ll then be on tracks specially licensed by the Ministry of Defence, before hitting the iconic fast rolling gravel of the Imber Range perimeter path. Here if you can get into a good group, you can get your head down and tick off some significant early kilometres to the first feed zone.
The feel of the ride then changes after Warminster as you leave the wide open plains and enter the ancient woodland of Longleat Forest. Expect some singletrack, punchy climbs and beautiful forestry. This section takes you to King Alfred’s Tower at 100km where you’ll find the second feed zone.
At around 110km you’ve then got some respite from the gravel with 25km of quiet country lanes that take you deep into Dorset and the Blackmore Vale. A disused railway line gets you back off the tarmac but will give your legs a break from the continuous undulations.
Make the most of these easy kilometres as, heading into the final 50km, you’ve got some significant climbing to do as it’s up onto the chalk of the West Wiltshire Downs with panoramic views where you can feel the history of the area.
You’ll descend off the Downs and make your way back to Old Sarum as dusk draws near for a well earned beer and a slice of pizza … or ten.