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Anyone done the the full wessex way?
[url] http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?username=flanagaj&language=en [/url]
Thinking about doing it this year, maybe in March or April, since I might have a gap in work.
Is it all CX'able with panniers, or should I take my hardtail? I've done the SDW before (years ago), so I know that bit is doable.
What about camping? Are there many wild spots along the way to bivvy/camp, or are we looking just at official campsites and b&b's?
Cheers,
Dave
I had a crack at it last summer with an intention to do it over three days, self supported on a rigid 29er. I failed due to underestimating how soggy the route is in places, and worse, how overgrown many of the bridleways had become with the excess rain and lack of people out walking/riding on them. I attempted this in early September, so going earlier in the year would hopefully reduce this latter issue.
I would think a CX bike would be fine, there are a couple of descents off the Mendips which may be a little more tricky (one is very rooty, the other quite rocky) but even they should be rideable with care. You do have to negotiate the odd stile/gate, so a loaded bike isn't always that easy, but in the big scheme of things it should be fine.
The routing on that gpx file occasionally has moments, such as going out of Wells and just to the east of Pewsey where a bridleway didn't seem to exist anymore, replaced by a fully grown corn field, however it is pretty good for what you need.
I planned to use a B&B on the first night to re-charge the Garmni and have a good night's sleep, and then planned to wild camp on the South Downs on night two, but pulled out ahead of that point due to a storm front coming in.
I was wondering how much mud there would be... the SDW is never all that muddy in my experience, just slippery chalk death! Sounds like the first half would be where all the mud is 😕
Thanks for the warning on the GPX... I might plot my own if it is a bit dodgy.
Anyone else done it?
Cheers,
Dave