Authors Way - Coming Soon
A cycling loop through stunning English countryside celebrating authors who drew inspiration from these locations.
What You’ll See
The Authors Way is a cycling trail designed for literature enthusiasts, offering a circular loop between Canterbury and Winchester. Along the route, you will pass by charming country pubs, medieval churches, and rolling hills.
Spend time in the landscapes and stories of renowned authors such as Beckett, Chaucer, Austen, Kipling, Dahl, Tolkien, and many more. This trail allows you to experience the places where these notable British authors lived, walked, and found inspiration.
You can either tackle it as a challenge or a more leisurely experience, depending on your preference.
Canterbury Cathedral
GCHQ Stop-line
Hastings
King Alfred Way
Portsmouth Royal Naval Dockyard
Surrey Hills
The North Downs Way
The South Downs Way
Winchester Cathedral
Where do I start?
The choice is yours! With convenient travel connections to Winchester or Canterbury, you can start The Authors Way from either location. As it is a loop, you can join the trail at any accessible checkpoint along the route.
Accommodation
Accommodation on this trail varies from 5* to 2* but are mostly good, comfortable hotels. All are bookable on the Waytrails app.
Difficulty and terrain
Cyclists can enjoy a variety of terrains and difficulty levels on this route. It consists of gravel tracks, bridleways, and quiet country roads. The undulating nature of the landscape, especially in the western section, presents challenging ascents and descents.
Overall, the trail offers a manageable cycling experience with well-maintained surfaces.
This route is suitable for intermediate-level cyclists who are comfortable with occasional hills and off-road sections.
When to visit
We recommend enjoying the trails during the spring, summer, or early autumn.
