macpherson
Guest
With increasing interest in off roading in the area, I thought I'd start posting details of routes as I do them.
This route is pretty short, but it's fairly easy and has some great views. It would need to be combined with other routes to occupy a half day, but for a quick hour or so of riding in the evening sun, its as good as any. Its also a good intro to riding away from tarmac. The route can be extended locally as can be seen from byways on the maps (esp to the E of part 2 of the route), but I've not yet ridden them so will add further detail later.
Nearest Town: Warminster
Start GR: GR ST 889 382
End GR: GR ST 958 431
Distance: Approx 10km (incl central 3 km connecting section on road)
Surface Type: Tracks with loose gravel surface, ruts, and potholes.
Difficulty: Easy in the dry
The map in general below shows the off-road route in blue, with the connecting route on roads shown in red:
The map below shows part 1 of the route, starting from the A350 just south of Longbridge Deverill and heading NE to Tytherington:
There is then a short stretch of winding country road past Corton and through Upton Lovell. The map below shows the short part 2 of the route, from Upton Lovell going NNE to the B390 at Ansty Hill:
Care should be taken when crossing the A36 at Upton Lovell because it is a blind junction to the E and pretty dangerous. The safest option is for one rider to dismount and wave people across, or alternatively ride the entire route in the opposite direction so you see this junction from the other side of the road.
No prizes for photography on this one, but the limited bit of countryside in the background gives an idea of the views, though the tracks are not generally as good as that shown in the pic. Must do better with the camera next time!
This route is pretty short, but it's fairly easy and has some great views. It would need to be combined with other routes to occupy a half day, but for a quick hour or so of riding in the evening sun, its as good as any. Its also a good intro to riding away from tarmac. The route can be extended locally as can be seen from byways on the maps (esp to the E of part 2 of the route), but I've not yet ridden them so will add further detail later.
Nearest Town: Warminster
Start GR: GR ST 889 382
End GR: GR ST 958 431
Distance: Approx 10km (incl central 3 km connecting section on road)
Surface Type: Tracks with loose gravel surface, ruts, and potholes.
Difficulty: Easy in the dry
The map in general below shows the off-road route in blue, with the connecting route on roads shown in red:
The map below shows part 1 of the route, starting from the A350 just south of Longbridge Deverill and heading NE to Tytherington:
There is then a short stretch of winding country road past Corton and through Upton Lovell. The map below shows the short part 2 of the route, from Upton Lovell going NNE to the B390 at Ansty Hill:
Care should be taken when crossing the A36 at Upton Lovell because it is a blind junction to the E and pretty dangerous. The safest option is for one rider to dismount and wave people across, or alternatively ride the entire route in the opposite direction so you see this junction from the other side of the road.
No prizes for photography on this one, but the limited bit of countryside in the background gives an idea of the views, though the tracks are not generally as good as that shown in the pic. Must do better with the camera next time!
