About the Isle of Purbeck

Shortly after the Norman Conquest, William the Conqueror used his position to pinch tracts of lands and create royal hunting forests. As with his ‘New Forest’ nearby (just a bike ride away apparently) he also did this in the Purbeck area and built Corfe Castle around the same time. It was a royalist stronghold for many years but finally besieged in the 17th Century and never rebuilt, the current iconic ruins are now one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area.

The Purbeck area truly is Dorset’s best-kept cycling secret. A favourite for many due to it’s continuous coastal views. But what about the hills, you say? Well, that’s the secret...if you want a decent workout then there are plenty of hills but the Rempstone Estate bordering the water’s edge is very flat and our hire centre connects directly with these trails by cycling 10 mins down a quiet flat lane. You can also continue along this lane all the way to the RSPB reserve at Arne where there is a lovely cafe and a secluded beach, overlooking Brownsea Island.

We have included 3 great cycle routes on our cycling app which you can download for free and the maximum elevation notes will show you that our Bike to the Beach route actually has a lower elevation than any of our rides in the ‘flat’ New Forest! Another Purbeck cycling secret!

You can follow heathland trails all the way to Studland bay with lots of refreshment options or catch the steam train from outside our cycle centre to Swanage and cycle back along the Ridgeway hill with jaw-dropping views of the surrounding area.

If you want to be even more adventurous, rent an Electric Bike and head south over 2 sets of hills to the coast at Kimmeridge and visit the Etches fossil museum or the Marine Wildlife Reserve.