We met on a crisp morning at the Coate Water car park. The route followed a well worn path up Sustrans route 45 via the curly-wurly bridge to Chiseldon, past the Three Trees Cafe and along the cycle path towards Ogbourne. Phil decided that Smeathe’s ridge was probably a bit too much of mudfest, so opted for Four Mile Clump.
It looked cold but there was a positive crispness to the day that made it well worth the effort as we climbed up onto the Marlborough Downs. We were rewarded with some stunning views from the top.
From Barbury castle we took the old road back towards Chiseldon and then a bit of a mudfest along the bridleway back to Hobsons and Coate Water.
The group maintained a good pace throughout and what looks like a simple route actually turned out to be quite arduous because of the conditions.
Thanks to Phil. It was his first outing leading a ride.
Route map OS Map, GPX. See www.bikehike.co.uk for a great way to create and view maps.
