Royal Chilterns Way : Is This the Best Bikepacking Route in the UK?

Summer 2025 is already a distant memory. It’s October, the nights are closing in, and with the clocks about to change, it feels like the perfect time to squeeze in one more bikepacking trip before winter takes hold.

I chose the new Royal Chilterns Way — a route I’d never ridden before — and wow. What struck me most were the woodlands. Endless, towering, peaceful forests… and plenty of quiet trails where you feel miles away from everything. Lots of spots for a discreet wild camp and plenty of solitude.

It’s not the hardest route, but definitely not easy either — a good, honest middle ground with a decent amount of climbing.

The “official” route starts in Reading, but I kicked things off from the northern point in Dunstable after work on a Friday. The first evening was short on miles but big on atmosphere — rolling into pitch-black woods and settling in for the night.

Saturday was a big day on the pedals; somehow the miles didn’t add up as quickly as expected — classic Chilterns lumpy terrain. By Sunday the temperature dropped, layers came out, and eventually I rolled back toward Dunstable where I began.

A quiet, challenging, rewarding loop. Autumn colours, cold mornings, crunchy leaves, and deep woods — exactly what a late-season overnighter should be. 🌲🚴‍♂️🍂

🧾 Route

Royal Chilterns Way — ~280 km (I started & finished in Dunstable)

🎒 Gear / Bike

Ultralight setup, autumn layers, simple and fast — minimalist without overthinking it.

🎥 If you enjoyed this

Hit subscribe for more UK bikepacking routes, light-and-simple kit setups, and real-world adventure films.

Join this channel and watch upcoming videos before anybody else!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7Sn5BSyeebQdMJtQ4jVqsw/join

If you enjoy the channel and would like to show your support you can find me on: https://buymeacoffee.com/mraudax – Thank you!

– Cycling gear –
Coros Dura Bike Computer
Tailfin Top Bag
Tailfin Aeropack + Carbon Rack
RedShift Quick Release Aero Bars
Redshift Suspension seat post and Stem
Charge Spoon (saddle)

– Bivvy / Camping gear –
Naturehike Mongar 2 Person Tent – https://amzn.to/3ColHBZ
Hunka XL Bivvy Bag – https://alpkit.com/products/hunka-xl?variant=41470529667177
UL80 Trekology Sleeping Pad – https://amzn.to/3ZGQLtT
Traveller 50 Lightweight Sleeping Bag – https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/traveller-50-lightweight-summer-sleeping-bag-p13098.aspx/yellow/
Sea to Summit Reactor Plus Compact Themolite Mummy Liner – https://amzn.to/3SUMUDk
Down Cargo Pants – https://amzn.to/4ibpRBr
Down Boots – https://amzn.to/41c7zd1

– Video / Audio gear –
DJI Action 4 – https://amzn.to/3QpekT7
HoverAir X1 – Self Flying Drone – https://uk.thehover.com/
Camera Windshield Housing : https://amzn.to/2KBy6vb

// Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/8627950
// Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bikepacking_adventures/
// BuyMeACoffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/mraudax

#bikepacking #royalchilternsway #gravelbike

Contact me: richardlake45@gmail.com