LOCATION DETAILS

The Isle of Purbeck isn’t actually an island but a peninsula. It does have sea on three of its four sides, and the land to the west is low-lying, so would have been a boggy swamp hundreds of years ago (and every subsequent winter). This picturesque peninsula is riddled with bridleways, which provide lots of great XC riding and stunning views.

GETTING THERE

A fun way to get to the Isle of Purbeck is to drive through Sandbanks and catch the ferry to Studland Heath, although the easiest way is to take the A351 via Wareham.

MAPS & BOOKS

Ordnance Survey Explorer 15: Purbeck & South Dorset. Mountain Bike Rides in & around Wiltshire & Dorset by Max Darkins (Rough Ride Guide).

ACCOMMODATION/FACILITIES

Burnbake in Rempstone has camping and lodges (01929 480570, www.burn bake.com). For other options, contact Swanage Tourist Information (01929 422885) or see www. visit-dorset.com. In Corfe, there are shops, pubs, cafes and the very good Corfe Castle Village Bakery. On the ride, The Square & Compass pub in Worth Matravers is excellent (01929 439229). Later on, in Studland, are the Bankes Arms (01929 450225, www.bankesarms.com), Studland Stores and Joe’s Cafe on the beach, which are all good too. For spares, head to Charlie the Bikemonger in Swanage (01929 475833, www.charliethebikemonger.com).