Great cycling is to be found in the Vale of Pewsey, both on and off road

When asked why we should include this in our 50 Things, our resident cyclist said “Lovely views, quiet roads, nice cafe stops!”.

Making up much of the south west corner of the AONB, the Vale of Pewsey sits below the Pewsey Downs.  The Kennet and Avon Canal cuts through it from east to west and the area is criss-crossed with numerous bridleways accessible to cyclists. Sustrans routes 4 and 45 take you through the Vale and part of the recently-launched Cycling UK King Alfred’s Way also loops through before heading up to the Ridgeway National Trail.

Visit Pewsey Vale (the local tourism development group) has a number of cycling routes on their website with GPX files to download.   They have also recently launched a long-distance circular route which is both accessible by bike, on foot and horseback.  Check out their website to kickstart your cycling exploration of the Vale and surrounding area!

 

Image: Cyclists climbing Tan Hill on the King Alfred's Way Credit: David Sear/Pannier