A challenge ride that goes through the heart of rural Wiltshire taking in the North Wessex Downs. A mixture of downs and river valleys.
Heading south from Chippenham over a well known route to Roude, then skirting north of Devizes and east as far as Alton Priors before turning northeast to Marlborough, for our first refreshment stop at 30 miles. East, following the river Kennett to Kintbury where the route turns south for a lunch break at the Crown & Garter (46 miles).
We then pass through Inkpen Village on the climb up to Combe Gibbet before continuing to the most southerly point on the route at Vernham Dean.
From Vernham Dean, the route takes on a north-westerly track through Fosbery, Oxenwood, Marten and past the Wilton Windmill. The route also takes in Crofton, past the Crofton Beam Engines, then to Burbage, Stibb Green, Ram Alley, Wotton Rivers, Pewsey and Woodborough for afternoon tea at the Sticks & Stones Cafe (77 miles).
A familiar route back to the start point through Beechingstoke, Etchilhampton, Coate, Bishops Cannings, over Blackland, Heddington, Sandy Lane, Bowden Hill and Laycock.
A note about Challenge Rides:
All riders should be comfortable with the challenge of riding longer distances. It’s intended to ride the routes at a steady pace, so the group can stay together. If some people prefer to ride faster and/or if there are sufficient numbers we’ll split into separate groups. All participants should be competent and completely self-contained, carrying tools, tubes, spares etc, and enough food/drink/money to see them through the day. There is no ride-leader, no back-marker, and no route sheet. Everyone is advised to familiarise themselves with the route in advance and to carry relevant maps and directions (paper or GPS, or both!). Lights are recommended on the longer rides, in case it’s getting dark at the finish.
Please note that attendance of this ride requires advanced booking. Please use this simple booking form.
The form is a mandatory for all riders, so the organiser knows who and how many to expect and so we have a record of everyone riding on the day. Your cooperation to complete this in advance of the ride will be much appreciated.
Any issues with the above process can be directed to leisureride@chippenhamwheelers.org.