Dorset may not be an obvious choice for classic trails, but the spectacular chalk headlands of the Isle of Purbeck are linked by a couple of lumbering whaleback ridges that are crossed by some real corkers; including some steep climbs, some teeth-rattling descents and of course, some fine and flowing singletrack.

This little gem starts beneath the ruins of Corfe Castle, and hurdles a lofty ridge before dropping sweetly down to Chapman’s Pool on some top-notch singletrack. A steep climb gains an out-and-back sortie to St. Aldhelm’s Head, and then the Priest’s Way cruises easily coastwards to Swanage, where another testing climb follows, this one from sea level onto Ballard Down. Then it’s a quick visit to Old Harry and his wife before you drop into Studland for short road tour. A final ascent straddles Nine Barrow Down – at over 190m, the highpoint of the ride – then it’s an easy cruise along the ridge, and a sweet descent back into Corfe.