Napoleonic Broadband
2/3 DAYS | MODERATE RIDING | BESPOKE TOUR | FULLY GUIDED AND SUPPORTED
Ride from London to Portsmouth following the line of the Georgian semaphore information superhighway that in the early 19th century, linked the Admiralty in London with the fleet in Portsmouth.
Built in the pre-telegraph days this string of hilltop towers allowed messages to be transferred from London to the dockyards in under 20 minutes, something incredible 'back in the day'.
This ride follows the original route, linking quiet woodland paths with heaths and downland. It's a varied 2 or 3-day gravel ride with several challenging sections amidst the beautiful peaceful countryside.
Ride Details
Exchange your baggage for gravel bikes in central London's Covent Garden before heading off to Admiralty Arch and Trafalgar Square, heading past Buckingham Palace and escaping the capital via Hampton Court Palace.
The 115-mile route runs across the complex geology of the southeast England, which is why you'll come across such a wide variety of terrains and features. Long stretches of woodland paths make way for sandy heathlands leading on open gravelly paths across the Downs. It's just magnificent gravel riding through the peaceful countryside on almost deserted bridleways.
If you want a longer adventure the ride can be extended to the Isle of Wight, the New Forest or Brighton.
Meals: Pub Lunches and Dinners in local restaurants
Attractions: Gloriously varied gravel riding and some Semaphore Towers! Trafalgar Square, Old Admiralty Buildings, Buckingham Palace, Royal Hospital Chelsea, Hampton Court Palace
Distance: 115 miles
Accommodation: Comfortable Country Pubs
What's Included
Bed and breakfast accommodation at comfortable local pubs
Knowledgeable local guide (usually Charlie)
Luggage transfers
What's not included
Lunch, dinner, and ride snacks
Flights
Bike Hire (if required)
Travel Insurance
Gratuities for Hidden Tracks guides and support crew.
Price Guide
All our tours are individually planned to suit your requirements, as described, riding this route in 3 days I’d expect this tour to cost approx. £550/600 per rider based on a group of 6 cyclists.