FAQs
Whether you're wondering what to pack, how booking works, or what happens if the weather turns, this page covers everything you need to know before (and during) your ride. If you can’t find what you're looking for, feel free to get in touch.
-
Each rental includes:
A fully serviced e-bike (charged and ready to go)
Helmet (optional but strongly recommended)
Lightweight lock
Basic repair kit (spare tube, pump, tyre levers)
Suggested routes and local tips
Delivery and pickup (within our local area)
Optional extras like damage waiver cover and guided rides are available too.
-
Wear whatever you’re comfortable cycling in! We recommend:
Trainers or sturdy shoes
Layers (weather can change quickly)
Light waterproof jacket
Padded shorts (for longer rides)
Avoid wearing baggy trousers or long scarves, as these can get caught in the chain.
Some bridleways and byways may be a little overgrown, especially in spring and summer, so it’s worth being prepared for the occasional stinging nettle or scratchy hedge.
Helmets are available and strongly recommended — especially if you’re planning to pick up speed on downhill sections (always with care and consideration, of course!).
-
Helmets are not legally required for adults in the UK, but we strongly recommend wearing one. Helmets are provided free of charge with every booking.
-
Yes! We deliver directly to your accommodation or chosen start point within the Chalke Valley, Nadder Valley, and surrounding parts of the Cranborne Chase AONB.
Planning a multi-day ride? We can also pick the bikes up from a different location. Just let us know what you need when booking.
-
Yes — we offer:
Free cancellation up to 72 hours in advance
50% refund for cancellations 24–72 hours before
One-time reschedule (with at least 24 hours’ notice)
Full details in our Terms & Conditions
-
At the moment, we offer full-day and multi-day rentals. If you’re after something shorter, get in touch — we may be able to tailor something for you.
-
A standard rental day runs from 9am to 5pm. If you need an earlier start or later return, just let us know - we’ll do our best to accommodate you and we understand that the summer evening’s are long and lovely!
-
Yes! Our bikes are built for a mix of quiet lanes, bridleways, and gravel tracks. We’ll guide you to the best legal and safe routes. Please do not ride on footpaths or private land.
-
Yes - we work with a selection of lovely local pubs, cottages, and glamping spots. Tell us what you’re after and we’ll help match you to the right place.
-
Absolutely. Whether it’s a family outing, birthday ride, or team away day, we’re happy to help. Let us know your group size and what you’re after.
-
We ride in most conditions (this is Britain, after all), but if there’s severe weather, we’ll get in touch to discuss rescheduling or cancelling - safety first, always.
-
Yes — if you’re planning a multi-day ride, we can arrange luggage transfers and bike pickups from different locations. Just let us know at booking.
-
Most of our e-bikes will comfortably do 40–60 miles on a single charge, depending on terrain, assist level, and rider weight. We’ll help you choose the right route for your range but if you’re planning a really BIG day, we can always arrange for a top up at your designated lunch stop.
-
Absolutely! A Cranborne Chase Escapes voucher is the perfect way to share a little adventure. They’re valid for 12 months and can be used at any time, subject to availability. We’ll email you a personalised digital voucher - just head to our Gift Voucher page to order yours.
-
Not particularly! One of the joys of e-bikes is that they make hills and longer distances far more manageable, allowing people to focus on enjoying the countryside rather than worrying about fitness levels. We regularly take out guests of mixed abilities and tailor routes accordingly. A basic level of fitness is of course helpful!
-
Absolutely. In fact, many of our guests are either completely new to e-bikes or haven’t ridden a bike properly in years. The electric assist gives people confidence very quickly, and we always allow time at the start for everyone to get comfortable before heading out.
-
Yes — many people are surprised by how quickly it comes back! Our more relaxed routes are designed very much with enjoyment rather than “serious cycling” in mind, and the electric assist makes a huge difference.
-
We generally offer two different styles of bike.
Our Orbea Kemen bikes are full-power touring e-bikes designed for comfortable exploring on quiet lanes and gentle gravel tracks. They are ideal for relaxed countryside riding and family days out.
Our Orbea Rise e-mountain bikes are lighter and more playful off-road. They still provide assistance on climbs, but feel more like a traditional mountain bike and are perfect for those wanting to explore bridleways and rougher tracks a little further from the beaten path.
We’re always happy to advise on which would suit best.
-
Not quite — although sometimes it can feel close on the hills!
The bikes still require pedalling, but the electric assist takes much of the strain away, particularly on climbs and rougher terrain. Most guests find they can comfortably ride much further than they expected. Just to note that the full-power Orbea Kemen will do more of the work for you than the Orbea Rise mountain bike
-
Yes. We regularly welcome families and can tailor rides depending on ages, confidence and what sort of experience people are looking for.
Children aged 14+ can legally ride e-bikes in the UK, while younger children can still join using trailer or towing options. Note that we only use the trailer behind the Orbea Kemen whereas the towing option is brilliant for the Orbea Rise.
Please note we do not provide bikes for children under 14, so you will need to bring these with you.
-
Yes — we have trailer options available for younger children, allowing families to enjoy rides together even when little legs are not quite ready for longer distances.
-
Very much so. Some families want a relaxed ride with pub gardens, playground stops and quiet lanes, while others are keen to venture slightly more off-road. Routes can be adapted accordingly.
-
Absolutely. Many guests travel down from London by train to Salisbury, where collection can often be arranged. It works surprisingly well as either a day trip or a longer weekend escape into the countryside.
-
Yes — in many cases we can arrange collection from Salisbury station, making things very straightforward for guests travelling from London or elsewhere by train.
-
Most rides begin either from Broad Chalke in the Chalke Valley or occasionally from partner venues depending on the route and logistics for the day. We can also drop bikes off at your accommodation within Cranborne Chase National Landscape.
-
Often, yes! A good lunch stop is one of the great pleasures of riding in this part of the world. We’re lucky to have some excellent pubs and cafés nearby and are always happy to build these into routes where appropriate.
-
Absolutely. Most longer rides include either a pub, café or picnic stop along the way.
-
That depends entirely on the route.
Some rides are almost entirely on quiet lanes with occasional gravel tracks, while others venture further onto chalk bridleways and rougher off-road terrain. We always discuss this beforehand and tailor routes depending on confidence and experience.
Note that nothing in the area is really that steep or radical, so it’s perfect for the majority of people.
-
It varies hugely depending on the group and type of ride.
A relaxed half-day outing may cover 15–25 miles, while full-day adventures can comfortably go much further thanks to the electric assist.
-
Very much so. In fact, that is one of the things we enjoy most.
Some guests want quiet countryside exploring and long pub lunches, while others are looking for more adventurous off-road riding. We shape the experience around what people are after.
-
We keep a close eye on the forecast and try to remain flexible where possible.
A bit of weather can actually add to the adventure, but persistent heavy rain or strong winds are obviously less enjoyable. If conditions look particularly poor, we will always try to discuss alternatives.
-
Not at all.
Most guests simply wear comfortable outdoor clothing and trainers. Padded shorts and specialist gear are entirely optional.
-
Battery range depends on terrain, rider weight, assist level and route type, but most guests are pleasantly surprised by how far they can comfortably ride.
For particularly ambitious days, we can also arrange lunch-stop battery top-ups if needed.
-
We carefully plan routes to avoid this becoming an issue. However, for bigger rides we can often arrange charging during lunch stops or adjust assistance levels accordingly.
-
The Cranborne Chase National Landscape is unusually well suited to cycling because of its combination of quiet lanes, open countryside, ancient drove roads and rolling chalk downland.
Much of the area remains relatively untouched and lightly trafficked, making it ideal for relaxed exploring by bike.
-
Quite a lot, actually!
Whilst Stonehenge is obviously the headline attraction, the surrounding Wiltshire countryside is full of beautiful villages, excellent pubs, walking routes and surprisingly quiet cycling terrain.
Many guests combine a visit to Stonehenge with an e-bike ride through the Chalke Valley or wider Cranborne Chase area.
Ready to Ride?
Let’s Go!
Choose your bike, pick your dates, and we’ll handle the rest. Whether it’s a gentle countryside cruise or a full-day adventure, your ride starts here.