Intro to Bikepacking – 2 Day Course (Dorset)

Learn the Skills for Your First Bikepacking Adventure

Curious about bikepacking but not sure where to start?

Our 2-Day Intro to Bikepacking course in Dorset is the perfect way to learn the fundamentals while experiencing a real overnight adventure.

Over two days you'll learn the essential skills needed for bikepacking, take part in a guided ride through Dorset’s beautiful countryside, camp overnight, and ride back the following day.

It’s a relaxed, supportive introduction designed to give you the confidence to plan and complete your own bikepacking trips.

During the course you'll learn:

Bikepacking Fundamentals

• What bikepacking is and how it differs from cycle touring

• Choosing the right bike and setup

Gear & Packing

• Bikepacking bag systems

• What gear you actually need

• Packing for balance and efficiency

Route Planning

• Finding bikepacking routes

• Navigation tools and apps

• Planning realistic distances

Campcraft

• Simple lightweight camping setups

• Choosing safe and legal camping spots

• Leave No Trace principles

Start Your Bikepacking Journey

Join us in Dorset for a hands-on introduction to bikepacking and experience the freedom of travelling by bike.

Who This Course Is For

This course is ideal for:

• Cyclists wanting to try their first bikepacking trip

• Gravel or mountain bikers interested in overnight adventures

• Riders who want to build confidence before planning their own trips

You should be comfortable riding 20–40 km at a relaxed pace.

No previous camping experience is required.

Location

The course takes place in Dorset, exploring quiet lanes, gravel tracks and scenic countryside before camping overnight.

Exact meeting point and route details will be provided after booking.

What to Bring

• Your bike (gravel, MTB or suitable hybrid)

• Helmet

• Basic cycling kit

• Sleeping bag and sleeping mat

• Tent or bivvy setup

• Any bikepacking bags you already own

If you don’t have full bikepacking kit yet, we can advise on simple and affordable setups.

Course Details

Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
Location: Dorset
Group Size: Small groups for personalised instruction
Difficulty: Beginner friendly

By the End of the Course

You’ll leave with the knowledge and confidence to:

✔ Pack your bike properly
✔ Plan your first bikepacking route
✔ Camp comfortably on a bike trip
✔ Head out on your own overnight adventure

What to Expect

This course combines practical learning with a real mini adventure.

Day 1

• Meet and introductions

• Bikepacking gear overview

• How to pack your bike efficiently

• Route planning basics

• Short guided ride into the Dorset countryside

• Set up camp and learn simple campcraft skills

• Evening discussion and Q&A around the camp

Day 2

• Morning camp breakdown

• Packing your bike for the ride home

• Return ride via scenic Dorset routes

• Trip debrief and next-step advice

The riding pace is steady and social, with plenty of stops for learning and questions.

Skills You’ll Learn