Bikepacking The KING ALFREDS WAY, Part One. A 220 mile mostly off road adventure. Wiltshire Man

Рет қаралды 16,356

Жыл бұрын

The King Alfreds way is a 220 mile circular route which starts and finishes at Winchester the city where King Alfred ruled from.
The route requires a reasonable level of fitness and some sections are a bit tough.
I did have a few minor crashes and unfortunately the bike suffered a broken derailuer and a few other bits are worse for wear, but hopefully all fixable.
I used a Garmin Edge Explore 2 to navigate this journey, this device performed brilliantly. There are so many turns and some of them are quite difficult to find and you could use a paper map, but it would take you a fair bit longer.
I would avoid doing this journey after heavy rain or possibly during Winter as the conditions could be just a bit tricky...To say the least!
Music used in this video is all from the KZfaq audio library:
A year ago- Neffex
Believe- Neffex
Floating home- Brian Bolger
Love the messenger- Freedom trail studio

Пікірлер: 199

@user-fk8rb8ue5h Жыл бұрын

You are more inspirational than you realise. A man of moderate means and not perfect health who proves you don't have to be a millionaire and in perfect health to have adventures. Thank you very much for these videos.

@WiltshireMan Жыл бұрын

Very moderate means Dennis, but thankfully my health despite illness is holding up

@mattcameron9349 Жыл бұрын

I always seem to find your videos an hour or so before starting a 10-hour shift, and they always make me question what the hell am I doing with my life?

@mycolliesandme268 Жыл бұрын

Absolutely. Me too.

@dave3053 Жыл бұрын

And me

@kevinsmith-kz1kd Жыл бұрын

just finished watching this video Sandy and you never cease to amaze me. Us more "mature" adventurers still find the inner energy to do things. Great tribute to your fitness. Have an amazing journey.

@Dug_Out Жыл бұрын

Looks like a really nice but sometimes arduous ride. You are an inspiration, Sandy👍

@charlesfulcrum3170 Жыл бұрын

No better way to start a Saturday morning than watching one of your videos. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Lovely moment (on 24 minutes), as you run back to retrieve the camera, take in the beauty of the stream and reflect on life. Can’t wait for part two

@davida2808 Жыл бұрын

Another great video from our favourite KZfaq channel. Thank you SO much for continuing to make such interesting and engaging films. They’re always an absolute pleasure to watch!

@billdunham4446 Жыл бұрын

Good on you Sandy. Well named it seems to. Those lanes have more sand than our Spanish beaches. Waiting to see how you broke a drop-out. Keep smiling! Bill

@claudiopasqualetti6592 Жыл бұрын

You sir are an inspiration. Great film, with great commentary

@markmurphy3989 Жыл бұрын

I’ve never heard of this route, now I’m going to do it. Absolutely inspirational, Sandy!

@WiltshireMan Жыл бұрын

Give it a go Mark, it is quite challenging though

@MadDogsandEnglishman Жыл бұрын

Yep, great video brother Sandy, got to love Dave, what a great chap he is and a good friend to our family. Looking forward to part 2, 3 and 4 😉👏

@nosferatu8293 Ай бұрын

This is a brilliant film and the most detailed of all the KAW videos that I've watched. I'm doing this in 6 days time and I feel as though I'm in for both a treat and a mega trial! Great Video!

@WiltshireMan Ай бұрын

I aimed to do 60 miles a day to complete it in 4 days, its doable but quite hard at the same time. Sometimes it's nice to take a bit more time, travel a bit slower and just enjoy the experience:) Have a great trip.

@craigmarsh3221 Жыл бұрын

Good morning sandy very enjoyable video very enjoyable and interesting the railway platform you were stood next to is the old longmoore military railway I had visited it in the late 60s lots of info about it on Google looking forward to the next one great stuff Craig.

@WiltshireMan Жыл бұрын

Hi Craig, yes I now realise my mistake:)

@ChrisyC567 Жыл бұрын

Brilliant Video.. I bet Dave thinks your some kind of Superman especiallywith all your determination and efforts... 😉👍🏻

@anniejack5012 Жыл бұрын

Really enjoyed this video dad! I know it's 4:45am but your unborn grandson is keeping me awake at night lately. So struggling too get some decent sleep. But fortunately your video has kept me occupied this morning. But outstanding video. Glad you were safe and enjoyed yourself. And happy Dave kept you company for the first day! 😊

@WiltshireMan Жыл бұрын

Love you Baby Anne and my unborn Grand son:) Hope you get some good sleep. Back home now and all is good

@Gunslinger-1962-martin Жыл бұрын

I tell ya what sandy you do magnificent footage of your surroundings my good man 🙌 And for a spring chicken like yourself 🙌🙌 A lot of respect should be shown 👌 And as for sand , well its in the name , 💪wishing you safe travels my good man 🙌👍👌

@WiltshireMan Жыл бұрын

Thanks Martin, I enjoy a good challenge. The bike broke with just 20 miles to go, but ingenuity saved the day. :)!?

@alanjohnson9171 Жыл бұрын

Loved this video. I'm lucky enough to live very near the Yorkshire Wolds we have loads of chalk grassland valleys punctuated with woodland. I did some training around Wiltshire with the forces and it always brings back memories watching your videos. 🍻👍 Cheers Al.😁

@WiltshireMan Жыл бұрын

Thanks Al, Yes I guess you may have done some training on Salisbury plain, thats about 25 miles south of me

@ChrisyC567 Жыл бұрын

Your a hero Sandy....! 👏

@johnm-wv6bo Жыл бұрын

one hell of a fit bugger i did 60 mile the other week and could hardly walk the next day never mind do it again. well done cant wait for part 2

@pawelkaa334 Жыл бұрын

And another great adventure :) thank you mate !!! ride safe !!!!

@trig6712 Жыл бұрын

Excellent Sandy Great I just wish I could cycle again miss it .. dah di Dah

@jessicapayne8622 Жыл бұрын

Thankyou for another lush video!

@ellisc.foleyjr9778 Жыл бұрын

Another great adventure Sandy, and once again a reminder of our mutual connection, with you standing in front of a sign saying Berkshire County. That's where I live here in Hancock Massachusetts. in the heart of Berkshire county. sister to that one for sure. sorry to see that broken gear assembly. and it's going to be rough riding and peddling with one speed. Hope you can get to a village or town that has spare parts around. Good luck with that! and we'll see you next video. again thanks for sharing. de Ellis WA1RKS 73! fe nw.

@WiltshireMan Жыл бұрын

Yes the Berkshire sign did feature Ellis, it is a lovely county. Ingenuity wins out in the end:)!?

@flatbrokefrank6482 Жыл бұрын

All credit to you Sandy may you complete many more journeys - stay safe

@WiltshireMan Жыл бұрын

I hope so too Frank:)

@Daytona2 Жыл бұрын

What a lovely adventure through some great English countryside ! Great video, thanks for sharing. Just love the sandy Hampshire/Sussex/Surrey heathlands/downsland - my adopted home territory. You must have experienced it almost at it's driest when you can only walk about one third of the speed. When it's just a little damp, the paths are beautifully hard packed. Thursley Common was almost destroyed by fire when I was there. +29:23 You ignorant Beeching basher, you! It was Longmoor Military Railway 😉

@WiltshireMan Жыл бұрын

Yes I was incorrect about the Railway. And yes the ground was very dry too

@mycolliesandme268 Жыл бұрын

Bloody awesome man. Great mental attitude and lucky to be so physically fit for your age. Love this,very interesting very enjoyable to watch, look forward to seeing more. Best wishes to you 😊👍

@ronpowell6372 7 ай бұрын

Hi Sandy just catching up on all your channel post. You are so inspirational even though I’ve got a couple of years on you. Love your very very dry humour!!! Mmmm Pipers crisps made about 20 miles away from me. So I’ve been looking at several KZfaq post on this route and your vid has definitely put it on my bucket list for 2024. It looks like such a brilliant route. I started cycling at the age of 4 too when mi dad took my stabilisers off my first bike. Yes I’ve had numerous bikes since but my first serious bike was a Dawes Galaxy bought in 1989. Ive still got it and after over 100000 miles it’s still with me and is my bike of choice. So gonna watch Pt2 now and I’ll be back with another comment. Oh…did you manage to cut those extra long tapes off from your lid. Take care Sandy…Ron

@WiltshireMan 7 ай бұрын

Hi Ron, yes the helmet straps have been cut down. The KAW is a must do route, you will love it, and the old Dawes Galaxy a great steed, I have a Revel Romany from the same era, someone told me they used the same frame. All Reynolds 531

@oscartravis5740 Жыл бұрын

A proper epic adventure with perils and trials met and overcome, you're always an inspiration, here's to many more

@M.Vardy82 Жыл бұрын

Absolutely outstanding Sandy, I have been eagerly awaiting to see this epic journey of yours, and you have captured it so well for us to enjoy. Its amazing how much and how quick the landscapes changed.

@alexmorgan3435 Жыл бұрын

A+++. Love your videos Sandy. Shame about your bike falling terminally ill at the end. Shall be watching part 2 now to find out how you got on. I should imagine a in a few weeks time as autumn sets in the colours of the leaves as they turn will be dramatic. You can add 'film maker - presenter, producer, editor and director' to your CV with pride.

@WiltshireMan Жыл бұрын

Thanks ALex, there's a lot of work involved thats for sure

@AntSurviveTheNight Жыл бұрын

And we are really glad to have you here too Sandy! What a start mate. Love Dave, he should be on more videos mate, get him out camping with you. I've noticed also the the battery life on the GoPro is terrible mate, iys nit reliable now. Glad you managed to get the link for the chair but judging by the end of this video you'll need more than just that by the end of the trip. Never knew that about the saddle eother. Looking forward to part 2 pal.

@WiltshireMan Жыл бұрын

Cheers Ant, Gopro batteries could be better. I enjoy a good challenge:)

@TheRamblingsofBry Жыл бұрын

So serene Sandy [apart from the sand haha]. So many stunning places. Your old bike is trying to give up the ghost.....take care mate

@WiltshireMan Жыл бұрын

The old bike can be resurrected Bry. It will survive. I had yet more chocolate hobnobs on this one:)

@TheRamblingsofBry Жыл бұрын

@@WiltshireMan Perfect, a welcome treat, plus great source of energy...will watch part two tomorrow, cheers Sandy

@r.davies2702 Жыл бұрын

Just when I thought you'd jumped ship on to HMS Brompton too. Excellent stuff 👍 I'll be watching with interest as I'm intending attempting this, jumping on at Swindon.

@WiltshireMan Жыл бұрын

Go for it, but I would avoid the route after prolonged wet weather of maybe during the winter because it can get muddy in places

@Herbster71 Жыл бұрын

I did the KAW last year, your vid brought back some great memories (and some tough ones, those steps. Lol). Looking forward to the rest.

@lastgameplay Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your adventures.

@Watty101 Жыл бұрын

Fabulous video + amazing challenge 😊

@mischef18 Жыл бұрын

Nice one bro it has some lovely views along the way. Safe travels.

@spikedickey5703 Жыл бұрын

That was wicked! Greetings from N.Z.

@johnalley3404 Жыл бұрын

Great video Sandy, what amazing countryside we have. Keep them coming.Looking forward to part two.

@alanarmer8069 Жыл бұрын

Brilliant video Sandy🏍🏍

@4seasonbackpacking 4 ай бұрын

Fantastic trail i enjoyed it

@franksandhamable Жыл бұрын

I did the KAW in July and I absolutely loved it! I hope you can get your drop-out fixed. You were doing so well, a bit of Murphy's law at work I recon. If anyone can get it fixed, I bet you will. Good luck!

@peteboardman5370 Жыл бұрын

thoroughly enjoyable and inspirational - heading over to part 2 now.

@WiltshireMan Жыл бұрын

Cheers Pete, it's an epic ride:)

@billcotton1551 Жыл бұрын

Sandy ,I am in awe of you! 220 miles! As a cyclist ,I know it is harder to peddle off road.

@allenperdue7723 Жыл бұрын

Lovely video Sandy! Sorry to see your bike gave out though.

@deanie557 Жыл бұрын

Very impressive! 😁👍

@pault1289 Жыл бұрын

What a lovely ride, very inspiring and thanks for sharing with us.

@wayneberry8703 Жыл бұрын

What a great journey 😊

@patrickevans8940 Жыл бұрын

Respect to you Sandy, fantastic what you are doing, love the never give up attitude you have Hope you managed to get the bike sorted as good as possible

@davelunaskitchen8355 Жыл бұрын

Cool voyage and beautiful scenery; very well done!! Thanks for sharing!

@richardsicard8890 Жыл бұрын

Another most excellent film, thank you for sharing with us all.

@jimrowland6089 Жыл бұрын

That was a great ride today Sandy. Lots of nice scenery and big challenges. Looking forward to seeing part two.

@no_excuses Жыл бұрын

Loving your cycling adventure, it looks like you enjoyed the journey👍💯

@jeremybabbage7855 Жыл бұрын

Inspirational video sandy.thank you for your efforts in taking the time to video the journey and share

@JackKlumpass Жыл бұрын

Like a breath of fresh air this was. I’m feeling under the weather and couldn’t sleep. I’d read about KA’s Way and will be getting out on my bike this winter. Anyway, great viewing Sandy and glad your surgery went well and many belated happy returns. I watch all your vids but don’t always comment, but wanted to thank you. ATB - Chris G.👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

@martyjames6204 Жыл бұрын

you left us hanging!! wonderful video Sandy cant wait for part 2

@alanwetherelt7155 Жыл бұрын

Yet another great watch, great positive attitude, good on ya Sandy

@simonwiltshire Жыл бұрын

What a ride sandy, an alround demanding one. Well done mate!

@hendrikarqitekt6286 Жыл бұрын

very well done Sandy 😊 beautiful trip

@garethbkw Жыл бұрын

Fantastic effort mate well done you and as always thank you for the fab upload

@paulmagus2133 Жыл бұрын

epic journey, respect

@Andyb2379 Жыл бұрын

Looks like one heck of an adventure Sandy, so lovely parts of the south to be seen isn’t there. Tragic about the poor old bike chucking in the towel. I wait for part 2 anxiously. Cheers 🍻 Andy

@davidbaker8483 Жыл бұрын

Been meaning to do this with my son. Looks good.

@DavidHarris2022 Жыл бұрын

Brilliant Sandy another great video looking forward to pt 2👍

@stevebettany8778 Жыл бұрын

Great to see you enjoying life to the full.

@henryporter5466 Жыл бұрын

Sandy, I have thumbed you up. I will comment further when you have finished the ride. As ever, Henry.

@WiltshireMan Жыл бұрын

Thanks Henry, part tow ready around midweek

@Buzzardgirl13 Жыл бұрын

I really enjoyed watching this video Sandy. Another fantastic adventure with great weather!! Wishing you happy birthday for your forthcoming 60th. Looking forward to part 2.

@normajean7332 Жыл бұрын

Cheers!!

@WiltshireMan Жыл бұрын

Thanks Paula

@campfire52 Жыл бұрын

Another outstanding biking adventure Sandy, it's just too bad that your bike is deciding to give up on you at such an inopportune time my friend. You definitely posses the desire, determination, and ability to complete this but your bike has shortchanged you on the journey. I am looking forward to seeing what you come up with to solve this daunting challenge. Always an adventure, that's a guarantee. Wishing you the best sir, see you soon on the next one.

@WiltshireMan Жыл бұрын

I don't give up easily Terry, there is always a way to solve every problem I believe:)

@BrianthatiscalledBrian Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Sandy. I really appreciate the views and history lessons. Cheers. 🙂👍🚴‍♀️

@trucker9462 Жыл бұрын

Another cracking video sandy. Your looking very fit and toned all the cycling training you are doing must be working.

@newforestexplorer Жыл бұрын

Hope you got the bike going again - looking forward to part two! You would love cycling in the New Forest

@jamesgreig4805 Жыл бұрын

Looked hard going at times lovely scenery

@limchoonteck1 Жыл бұрын

Holy good fitness for your age! What an adventure!

@MadDogsandEnglishman Жыл бұрын

Hello from Turkey, hope all is well bruv, just tuned in.

@anaXaImages Жыл бұрын

Inspiring, especially for us over 60, Sandy

@rialobran Жыл бұрын

Good effort WW, my arse is blistered just watching.

@TheCoopsvids Жыл бұрын

Great trip Sandy working on my fitness at the mo deffo wanna do something like this next summer 👍🏻🚴 Atb Coops

@WiltshireMan Жыл бұрын

I trained for about 10 weeks to get my fitness up so I could do this, now I'm determined to stay fit so doing a lot of cycling now. Don't want to lose the gains!

@davidlawrence1523 Жыл бұрын

With you all the way. Stay well Sandy.rgds

@joeschenk8400 Жыл бұрын

Great looking trip but the future does not look good with your bike! The scenery is beautiful and I am amazed by the Neolithic sites in the UK. Can't wait for part two.

@davecooper9721 5 ай бұрын

new to your channel loving the vids mate some great work

@WiltshireMan 5 ай бұрын

Thanks Dave, I hope you find many enjoyable videos:)

@TrainDriverRob Жыл бұрын

Nice one Sandy, must have passed you at some stage in the past as I’m in Cheltenham and often ride your way. Goes without a saying, a spare drop out and multiple links are a must 😊

@WiltshireMan Жыл бұрын

Thats the first time I've broken a drop out Rob...I've found a replacement online for a tenner

@zedcharlie Жыл бұрын

That was the longmoor military railway. As seen in the great St trinians train robbery!

@WiltshireMan Жыл бұрын

Your right

@RobertsBulgaria Жыл бұрын

Inspirational as always young Man. I'm sure you'll adapt and overcome that trifling broken bike frame problem. 😉😁

@WiltshireMan Жыл бұрын

It's good to stay young even if the body grows old Robert:)

@the-kk4ww Жыл бұрын

Great video as always, bu..er about the bike dying on you though.

@williamreeder3660 Жыл бұрын

Great video Sandy thank you for taking us along and please give your wife a thanks from us for allowing you out and about …. We can testify for you that you were not off drinking and chasing wild women.

@DanOpdal Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your adventure! I love your channel. Cheers!

@WiltshireMan Жыл бұрын

Thanks Dan

@DanOpdal Жыл бұрын

@@WiltshireMan You're very welcome, Sandy!

@BorderRambler Жыл бұрын

Excellent viewing Sandy , I don’t know what’s worse mud or sand for cycling lol . Certainly is some tough sections and I know the weight of the bike when pushing 😅😅 a well earned pint I say . Glad you managed the running repairs to keep the trip alive 👍 atb Dave

@marksadventures3889 Жыл бұрын

Very nice.

@kennethkuhl1188 Жыл бұрын

You did a great job with your bicycle, bicycling, filming, and sharing a great trip with all of us. Wish I could help you buy a better bicycle! Thank you.

@hartley383 Жыл бұрын

What an absolutely brilliant video Sandy. Really enjoying this and looking forward to part two. You even found some steps named after me. Slightly concerned that I maybe starting to see the appeal of cycling, you’re costing me a small fortune. 😉

@WiltshireMan Жыл бұрын

Cycling does work wonders Hartley:)

@mooseyrambling5838 Жыл бұрын

Brilliant opening shot of Old Winchester Hill, I have spent many nights up there wild camping. Really enjoying the adventure mate. Inspirational by any ones standards. You have been traveling in my neck of the woods, Longmore I have known since a boy in the cadet's, and as a young man while I was in the Army, brought back sum really fond memoires, and some that I wish I could leave where they belong, far behind me. But all life experience is to be learnt from and makes us stronger. Keep up the excellent work Sandy and power to your peddle my friend, look forward to the next video. Respects to one and all in the house of the Wiltshire Man. Big Thumbs Up Bud.

@WiltshireMan Жыл бұрын

Thanks Moosey:)

@billhambelton7698 Жыл бұрын

Looks amazing Sandy. Sorry to hear youve had problems with the Garmin at the end of the video, ive got the edge explore too and thankfully its been ok so far for me. Brought back happy memories, that part of the South Downs Way in the Meon Valley were spectacular. Cant wait for pt2. Ive started to carry a quick link, mech hangar and chain breaker just in case for a while now.

@WiltshireMan Жыл бұрын

The Garmin edge is a great bit of kit Bill, I am learning how to use it a bit better now:)

@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204 Жыл бұрын

good vid thanks lee

@richardfrancis5683 Жыл бұрын

A lovely film to watch while I have my breakfast and think about the ride I'll be doing today!

@WiltshireMan Жыл бұрын

What ride do you have planned today Richard?

@richardfrancis5683 Жыл бұрын

@@WiltshireMan I live in East Sussex so tend to ride down to the Southdowns and have a food break at Alfriston before gradually heading back home to Crowborough. Problem is it's the highest inland town in East Sussex so it's always a slog up hill!

@neilwilkinson5415 Жыл бұрын

Great video Sandy. Sorry to see you’ve had a couple of mechanical setbacks. Looks like that route is really testing the old bike. I hope you manage to overcome that last problem and there is a part two.

@WiltshireMan Жыл бұрын

It is a very tough route in places Neil

@TheSkskitey Жыл бұрын

That was tough going and sandy in places Sandy , sorry but i couldn't resist it . I had a derailleur hanger break on me once out on ride , had to push bike and roll down hills to get home , they are designed to break easy so not to damage the frame or the spokes , pain in the a*** . Great ride but a long one , Dave had the right idea to have a shorty :-)

@davebarney3369 Жыл бұрын

I’ve been looking forward to this video. It hasn’t disappointed! What an adventure. As someone else commented, what am I doing with my life? I can’t wait to retire and replicate your adventures…well try to!! Well done, WM Dave, Swindon.

@WiltshireMan Жыл бұрын

Thanks Dave

@DDan61 Жыл бұрын

Wow, what you are doing is very impressive!! Glad you told us what the arm rest was for (I mean the seat) - I have always wondered. Stay safe and healthy my friend!!!

@WiltshireMan Жыл бұрын

Haaaa:)

@heavyd9154 Жыл бұрын

thx 4 sharing

@jeetts59 Жыл бұрын

That is a very ambitious journey, an amazing trip. A friend from Australia, shipped his bike over to England, a circumnavigated th whole of England, I think it took him 12 weeks, camping each night anywhere he could find. But he kept to sealed roads, your ride looks much more adventurous and interesting being off road.

@WiltshireMan Жыл бұрын

12 weeks to cycle the UK is good going Harold

@SteveSeadog Жыл бұрын

Not a journey for the faint hearted, Sandy, but great progress over two days. I've watched all of your recent cycling vlogs and you've inspired me to park the KTM and start using my bicycle. The old steel-framed MTB was a bit heavy so I've bought a second-hand alloy-framed hybrid bike, so no excuses now. Looking forward to the next instalment.

@WiltshireMan Жыл бұрын

Welldone Steve, it's good to do some cycling to keep fit but I shall also be doing some motorcycling too:)