Cycling: Wessex Ridgeway and Wylye Valley

[speedbird591]

This weather's fantastic for biking. Today I didn't follow a recommended trail; I worked out my own using an OS map and compass and it worked out extremely well. The area is a few miles south of Warminster in Wiltshire. I puffed my way up the Wessex Ridgeway trail and went along the top of the ridge following an old Roman road through Grovely Wood for 45 minutes without seeing a soul. Then a buttock clenching plummet down a steep dirt trail into the Wylye Valley. If you ever wondered where all the chocolate box villages with thatched cottages and duck ponds went - well, they're here. I stopped by a five bar gate to have my lunch and saw two cars. People are so rare around here that both drivers waved at me. And this is just a few minutes from the A303!













The last one shows a rather precarious footpath across the duckpond

Ian

[VEGAS]

Hi Ian,

Brilliant pictures mate. At this rate your gonna go through componenants like Jordan does newspaper exclusives.

Great to see you out and about, it will be doing you the world of good.

Move over Lance!

Tks for posting

[FlyTexas]

Now that's the UK I dream about cycling through. Gorgeous...absolutely gorgeous! My surname is Higinbotham and my DNA just screams that it wants to return on a bicycle. Thanks very very much for sharing your pics, Ian.

Brian

[Garry Russell]

What lovely scenary Ian

Great place to be cycling

Garry

[speedbird591]

My surname is Higinbotham and my DNA just screams that it wants to return on a bicycle.

What a badly behaved DNA you have, Brian Well, to prevent it screaming at inopportune moments, why don't you send it over for a vacation? I'll happily smear/attach/stick/tie it to my handlebars (depending on what part of your person it derives from ) and show it the sights. When dear little Higinbotham starts screaming for the big skies of Texas again, I'll just pop him back in the jiffy bag and fly him home Problem solved!

Eddie - thanks for the comments. This new bike has been a real dream for me. I was really happy with the old one, but I'd never realised how much easier everything is with a higher spec machine. I feel as though I can ride all day and I actively look for hills to climb! I now know why mountain bikes have 27 gears and hydraulic discs - because I use them all, even at my age! I've tightened my belt a notch in the last month and can now wear T shirts without Mrs Speedbird laughing at me! OK that's not true - she still laughs at me but not about the T shirts

Ian

[VEGAS]

Good for you Ian!

The main thing with anything to do with exercise is enjoying it. Many people put themselves through unnecessary pain and agony to get results and end up hating anything to do with fitness.

Cycling is so popular because not only are you getting fitter (and going for those smaller lungbusting gears) but your also seeing the world and visiting places easily and freely without worry of topping up with petrol or expensive parking charges.

Just remember to stop at a decent pub when your out and about and replenish those calories with a nice cold pint and a pie.

And no doubt your well aware of the muppets on the road. Just take care and especially watch out for those cheeky bar stewards turning left in front of you.

[forthbridge]

Another grand selection Ian, I'm almost tempted to get my bike out, although typical Scottish Weather and all that.......

[nigelb]

Ian, what absolutly beautiful pictures! I drove through Wiltshire the last time I was in the UK and it is stunning. Of course, I was not on those smaller lanes and I can tell from your pictures that I would have been impressed even more had I had the time to detour. Oh, all these amazing pictures make me so homesick!

Nigel²

[VEGAS]

Oh, all these amazing pictures make me so homesick!

Nigel²

Don't worry mate. The country is on its arse, so most of us are sick of home...

[Nigel H-J]

You have excelled yourself again Ian, just love the tranquil photographs of the period English Village Cottages.

Regards
Nigel.