THE CHannel March
OFF-Road from Forest to Coast in a weekend
Two days. Forest to coast and back.
Guided off-road adventure riding for up to 6 riders
THE RIDE
Ride from the Forest of Dean to the Dorset coast on green lanes, drover tracks and chalk byways. Then take a different route home. It’s a real multi-day adventure, and a great first step for confident riders new to guided trips. We’ve ridden and refined every mile, so you just ride.
After a evening getting to know each other on the Friday evening, we leave the Forest of Dean early on Saturday and chase a line almost due south. Quiet lanes give way to drover tracks and the long chalk byways of Salisbury Plain. From there we drop into Dorset, and by evening there’s sea air, a hot shower and dinner with the group.
On Sunday we take a different, more northerly route home along the Wiltshire border. Coastal B-roads lead into some of the best off-road riding in the south of England, with time to settle into a rhythm and build confidence.
The terrain is mostly chalk and sand. It’s technically easier than our other Pathfinder trips, but there are long stretches off-road. You’ll finish tired, proud and already planning the next one.
A 2-day, small-group adventure motorcycle tour through the south of the UK to the coast, for any ability rider with some off-road experience and a maximum number of 6 riders.
Chasing a line almost due-South, from the Forest of Dean to South Dorset, The Channel March is an accessible yet deeply rewarding journey through historic landscapes and quiet lanes. The terrain is generally forgiving, with flowing routes that allow riders to settle into a rhythm and build confidence.
Next available dates:
23rd - 25th October 2026
26th - 28th March 2027
28th - 30th May 2027
27th - 29th August 2027
Price - £495 including 2 days fully guided riding / 2 nights accommodation (Price based on included hotel costs and shared rooms)
Group size - max 6
Difficulty - Introductory - Medium (A Pathfinder graded trip - click here for more details on our trip grading)
Start/end location - Forest of Dean / South Gloucestershire or Forest of Dean
Route - A round trip from the Forest of Dean, through the south to the Dorset coastline and back again.
Contact us for bespoke trips to suit you this autumn.
Max 6 riders per date · Full refund or transfer if we cancel for safety · Questions? Call Adam on 07377 714195
DAY BY DAY
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Description text goes hereArrive at our Forest of Dean HQ in the afternoon and park your van or car securely for the weekend.
We’ll check over your bike and kit with you, storing it securely and in the dry inside our Pathfinder workshop. Then we will get you checked in to the hotel.
In the evening we head out for a meal together, followed by a route briefing so you know exactly what’s coming. From parking up and storing your bike with us, we’ll deal with all the transport to and from the hotel and when we go out for dinner at our favourite local pub. Meaning you can have a beverage or two, if that’s your thing. -
We’ll have an early breakfast, collect the bikes and then aim to get wheels rolling at 08:30am. We head south-east on lanes and off-road tracks towards Salisbury Plain, then south into Dorset, with regular stops along the way at our fave coffee and lunch venues.
We’ll aim to reach our overnight stop around 18:00, then have dinner and a debrief on the day.
As with all good guides, we know this route like the back of our hands and we’ll have opportunities to alter to match the weather, the riders and the track conditions. -
A slightly later start on day two, we’ll have brekkie and hit the dirt by 9am. Travelling coastal B-roads, crossing a stretch of water on the ferry and riding beautiful off-road sections north along the Wiltshire border.
Again, we’ve picked out a mega lunch stop to fuel us for the afternoon where there’s options to make the route longer, heading further north to retrace Saturday mornings tyre tracks on the way home.
We’re back at HQ around 17:00 for a cup of tea, final debrief and collect your gear / van.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Everything that’s taken care of:
The ride
A route we’ve ridden and refined ourselves, planned around the best lanes and byways, the hidden gems and the spots only a local would know
Meeting new riding friends and tackling the adventure together
Peace of mind that all you need to do is turn up and ride
A kit list and joining instructions, plus a pre-trip call if you’d like one.
Help choosing the right trip and bike set-up
Expert guiding from OGA Qualified guides, with a lead rider and a back marker (groups of +4)
A Friday bike and kit check at HQ
Daily route briefings and evening debriefs
Off-road tips as you ride
Risks understood and managed, so you can focus on the riding
Offer of trailside help with punctures and minor fixes en route
Rest and comfort
2 nights in hand-picked, rider-friendly hotels (shared rooms)
Breakfast each morning
Secure parking for your car or van at HQ all weekend
The best lunch and coffee stops to fuel up
The bit you can’t buy
Meeting small group of up to 6 like-minded riders
The confidence that comes from riding with people who know the way
WHAT’S Not INCLUDED
The bits we don’t take care of
The ride
Your fuel
Lunches, snacks and drinks on the road, evening meal
Travel insurance that covers motorcycle riding
Breakdown recovery
TRIP Gallery
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Grade: Wayfarer (introductory to medium)
This is our most approachable multi-day trip. Days are full but steady, the terrain is forgiving, and the guides set a pace that suits the group.You’ll love it if you:
Are a confident road rider who has done some green laning or off-road riding
Want a proper multi-day adventure without having to plan or navigate it yourself
Like the idea of earning a good dinner and a comfortable bed
Are riding solo and want to join a small, friendly group [many of our riders come solo]
It’s probably not for you yet if you:
Have never ridden off-road at all. Talk to us about a day ride to start you off.
Want a fast, technical, hard weekend. Look at The Welsh Dragonal instead.
Not sure? Call Adam on 07377 714195 and he’ll help you pick the right trip.
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Friday PM
Arrive Pathfinder HQ in the Forest of Dean - Hoarthorn FarmHouse, Hoarthorn Road, Coleford, GL16 7EY
Bike / Kit check and prep bikes or early start
Hotel check-in and meal out / team intro, route brief, questions and social
Saturday
Approx 7am bike collection from HQ
07:30 Team breakfast back at hotel
08:30 depart
Short road ride (approx 40mins) to get to the start of the route proper
Winding back lanes and off road tracks / trails as we head South East towards Salisbury Plain where tracks start to get longer as we turn due South and head into North Dorset
Approx 18:00 arrive at our second overnight stop
Freshen up and bike / kit checks
Approx 19:30 - de-brief and regale the day’s events / experience over dinner
Sunday
Later start - 09:00 breakfast either at hotel or locally
Via the coast, winding b-roads and some shorter off road sections as we head back North through Dorset, skirting the Wiltshire border
Approx 16:00 - arrive back Pathfinder HQ for de-brief
16:30 / 17:00 - depart home
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The Channel March is a beautifully flowing route through the heart of Wiltshire and Dorset, finishing in the stunning seaside town of Swange.
Whilst you can expect technically easier trails, this route has some surprisingly long stints off road to really allow you to find flow and settle into the groove of moving through changing landscapes.
The terrain is predominantly chalk and sand, typical of this Southern belt of land, less challenging than some of our other trips? Yes, but by no means less immersive or engaging - a firm favourite of our founder, Adam.
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Rider Kit / Packing List
Our rides can involve long days, changing weather, and remote terrain. Riders should arrive prepared to be comfortable and self-sufficient on the bike.
Our Pathfinder guides will carry some spares for essential trail-side repairs, however, you may be asked to carry some kit on your person / motorcycle. You’ll carry your own clothing and riding gear on the motorcycle, so pack sensibly. If you do not have luggage available, please speak with Pathfinder as we may be able to provide demo kit.
Motorcycle & Riding Gear
Adventure / dual-sport motorcycle in good working order (if using a demo bike, Pathfinder will ensure bike is in safe working order).
Breakdown recovery membership
50/50 tyres or more off-road orientated if possible
Full protective riding gear (helmet, jacket, trousers, gloves, off-road specific boots, hip, back, knee and elbow protection. Chest protection advisable).
Waterproof outer layer or laminated riding gear - jacket and waterproof trousers mandatory.
Spare gloves (recommended)
Neck tube / buff
Ear plugs
Clear visor or glasses for poor light
On-Bike Essentials
These items should be accessible while riding.
Hydration system or water bottle
Small snack or energy bar
Phone with navigation capability or for emergency requirements and the capability to charge it.
Personal medication if required
Driving Licence
Emergency contact details / next of kin (provided to organiser)
Luggage
You will carry your own luggage on the bike (There is no support vehicle).
Recommended:
Soft panniers or rackless luggage
Small waterproof duffel to keep vitals dry
Backpack for essentials
Avoid large or overly heavy luggage systems.
Evening / Off-Bike Clothing
Accommodation and one evening meal is provided, but riders should bring:
Casual clothing for evenings
Lightweight shoes or trainers
Underwear and socks
Base layers
Lightweight fleece or jumper
Personal Items
Toiletries
Sunscreen
Small towel
Useful Extras (some will be provided but additional items are recommended if happy to carry)
Compact tyre repair kit
Mini compressor or pump
Multi-tool
Head torch
Tyre levers
Small socket / bit set
First aid kit if you usually ride with one
Packing Guidance
Space on the bike is limited and the riding days can be demanding. We encourage you to be self-sufficient, but at a minimum, you should carry the right tools to remove both wheels on your bike and a spare front tube, preferably a rear too.
Pack light. Bring what you need, NOT what you might need.
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Pathfinder Moto is built around a simple idea:
Real adventure only works when it’s done properly.Every route is meticulously planned. Every day is designed to challenge without being reckless. Every rider is supported — quietly, competently, and without fuss.
You’re free to ride and immerse yourself in the landscape, knowing that:
The route has been ridden, tested, and refined
The risks are understood and managed
The group is small enough to matter
The guide is fully invested in your experience
We believe that shared experience – and occasionally doing hard things together – changes people for the better. Some of the challenge on a Pathfinder ride is intentional. Long days, demanding terrain and the occasional struggle are part of what makes the experience meaningful.
But, while the challenge may be real, the care and support behind it is constant.
Pathfinder Moto isn’t the cheapest option, and it isn’t meant to be. What we offer goes far beyond a simple guided ride — it’s a thoughtfully engineered adventure.
MORE INFORMATION
A 2-day, small-group adventure motorcycle tour through the south of the UK to the coast, for any ability rider with some off-road experience and a maximum number of 6 riders.
Chasing a line almost due-South, from the Forest of Dean to South Dorset, The Channel March is an accessible yet deeply rewarding journey through historic landscapes and quiet lanes. The terrain is generally forgiving, with flowing routes that allow riders to settle into a rhythm and build confidence.
Next available dates:
23rd - 25th October 2026
26th - 28th March 2027
28th - 30th May 2027
27th - 29th August 2027
Price - £495 including 2 days fully guided riding / 2 nights accommodation (Price based on included hotel costs and shared rooms)
Group size - max 6
Difficulty - Introductory - Medium (A Pathfinder graded trip - click here for more details on our trip grading)
Start/end location - Forest of Dean / South Gloucestershire or Forest of Dean
Route - A round trip from the Forest of Dean, through the south to the Dorset coastline and back again.
Contact us for bespoke trips to suit you this autumn.
KEY FACTS
Pathfinder grade (Find out about the grades here)
Rider level - Confident on the road, with some off-road experience
2 days, 2 nights
Max 6 riders
Starts and ends in the Forest of Dean
Arrive Friday PM, Finish, Sunday PM
£495 per rider
INCLUDES
OGA fully qualified guide
Fully insured
Unique & meticulously planned route
2 nights’ hotel (shared room)
Breakfast each day
Secure car/trailer parking at HQ
Sociable group of like minded riders
Why CHOOSE us?
Purpose-built routes, engineered challenge, and earned comfort. Ride remote roads and trails, stay somewhere special, and leave stronger than you arrived. Pathfinder Moto exists to make that experience accessible — without diluting it.
We host guided adventure motorbike experiences for riders who want more than a day out on the road. Our routes take small groups into wild landscapes, linking quiet lanes, trails and remote places that reward curiosity and effort.
Some rides are demanding, others more approachable, but every trip is built around exploration, shared experience and the satisfaction of earning the miles.
What to Expect
Big days
Two days, varied trails and a route to remember.
Commitment
From us to you. We’re fully committed to you and your ride.
Connection
People, places, nature. Bikes bring us together and we’re here to celebrate that.
Purpose
The purpose of a shared experience, a moment in time. We’re only here once.
TOUR FAQS
Do I need off-road riding experience to join a Pathfinder Moto trip?
Some off-road experience is great. Some Pathfinder trips, like The Channel March, are accessible to riders with limited off-road experience. Others, like The Welsh Dragonal, are designed for riders who want a greater physical and technical challenge. Every trip listing states its difficulty level clearly.
How many riders are on each trip?
Pathfinder Moto runs small-group trips only, 6 riders and up to 2 guides, 8 max. We keep groups small so the guide can stay genuinely invested in every rider's experience.
What kind of motorcycle & Tyres do I need?
Any adventure or dual-sport motorcycle capable of off-road use is suitable. Contact us if you're unsure whether your bike fits a specific route. We recommended at least 50/50 tyres to be fitted.
What's included in the price?
Route planning, expert guiding, shared accommodation, breakfast on specified days, secure parking for your car /van during the trip.
Not included - daytime meals and snack, fuel.
Where do Pathfinder Moto trips take place?
Pathfinder Moto runs guided adventure motorcycle trips across the UK, including routes through the Forest of Dean, Wales, and along the southern English coastline.
We primarily begin trips from our UK base in the Forest of Dean, it’s an excellent centra hub for the UK’s best off-road riding.
Can I book a bespoke or private trip?
Yes. Pathfinder Moto offers fully bespoke trips through our Go Bespoke service, tailored to your group's route, difficulty level and dates. Just email us on info@pathfindermoto.com to find out more or let us know about an idea you have.
Is Pathfinder Moto suitable for solo riders or only groups?
Book as a solo rider or come as a group of friends on any trip. Our small group trips are suitable for all, you’ll almost certainly leave having made more new friends along the way!
What happens if the weather is bad?
Pathfinder Moto trips run in most weather conditions — adventure riding means accepting a degree of rain, mud and changeable conditions as part of the experience. Routes are only postponed or altered in cases of genuine safety risk, such as flooding, ice, or severe storms, at the guide's discretion. If a trip is cancelled by Pathfinder Moto for safety reasons, you'll be offered a rebooking on an alternative date or a full refund. We recommend riders bring appropriate wet-weather kit for every trip. If for any reason a trip is abandoned we will work with you on a suitable resolution at that time depending on the specific circumstances.