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Afternoon all.
I am planning a few days away a bit later this year. The plan is to ride the ridgeway from ivinghoe beacon to Avebury and then to link up down to Winchester and ride the SDW to Eastbourne.
My question is how much of the link between Avebury and Winchester is rideable off-road. I'm sure others have done this before so any tips or routes would be appreciated.
Cheers.
Do you want to use the Kennet & Avon Canal?
I don't mind really, is it a nice ride? I'm not looking for gnar to be honest. I used to live on the ridgeway and its a special place for me. The idea of the ride isn't really about getting singletrack kicks if you get me.
No, I've cycled some of it but find canals to be dull as well as too many folk walking with dogs. The only exciting bit is Caen Lock where there is gradient.
Let me have a good look at my mapping software, I don't think it's going to be easy!
Thanks, no I don't think it's going to be easy. It's about 50 miles I think 🙂
A quick glance would suggest crossing Salisbury Plain, when it's open obviously, then picking up the Clarendon Way near Salisbury that finishes at Winchester.
There would be some little deviations where it changes to footpath though.
I can't see an obvious diagonal way. Shame you can't incorporate Wayfarers Walk, that would be great.
Another thought - K & A to Burbage or Wilton then SE through the Chutes and picking up the fun Roman Road that leads to Andover. Some off road from Andover to Winchester.
Or A4 to Marlborough (it's fine for cycling as it's wide) then go through Savernake Forest, cross over the K & A to Wilton.
This is all good stuff cinnamon girl, thank you! Quite a bit to consider.
You're welcome. 🙂 I just love route planning!
The Ridgeway is fantastic, I walked it many years ago and have cycled parts of it lots of times. Very atmospheric.
Presumably you'll be using a gps?
Huge challenge you've set yourself!
Give me a shout if you need some detail on tracks - I've lived in Wiltshire and have a good knowledge of Hampshire.
It is turning into a bit of an epic 🙂
The ridgeway and SDW bits are pretty straightforward, it's the connection between the 2 that's a puzzler. I like the idea of incorporating Savernake, it seems like an appropriate route. Then I'm going to look at dropping down to pick up the Chutes to Andover and on to Winchester.
I used to stand on the ridgeway in the Chilterns and marvel that the dusty path I was on was already ancient when roman soldiers would bivvy up on it for the night. It's not a 'proper' mountain biking route to many I suppose but I love it.
I might well pick your brains when I'm a bit further on with a rough route, thanks again. 🙂