Route of the Railway Path
Launch Ride - 10th September 2011
31 cyclists met at Coate Water for the ride to mark the launch of the path. We rode the 10 miles to Marlborough and enjoyed lunch there before cycling back. To view and explore the route see this Sustrans Map.
Cycling
Aldbourne-Ramsbury-Axford loop
Route length - 23.7 miles (38.2 km)
The route is predominantly on road but your bike will need to be suitable for off road tracks.
Barbury Castle loop
Route length - 10.9 miles (17.6 km)
Mountain Bikes are required on this route. The route takes you through the centre of an impressive Iron Age hill fort that sits on the Ridgeway National Trail, then down Smeathe’s ridge into the village of Ogbourne St George where you pick up the Railway Path.
Chiseldon-Aldbourne-Ogbourne loop
Route length - 14.9 miles (23.9 km)
This route uses mainly country lanes, combined with the Railway Path. You will visit the picturesque villages of Aldbourne and Ogbourne St George.
Chiseldon-Barbury-Marlborough loop
Route length - 16.7 miles (26.8 km)
Mainly off road and therefore requires mountain bikes. The route follows the Old Ridgeway and passes round the edge of the Iron Age hill of Barbury Castle before heading down through the Barbury Estate toward Marlborough. The Railway Path provides a more gentle return journey.
Coate-Chiseldon-Badbury loop
Route length - 5.5 miles (8.9 km)
Uses the railway path and country lanes. The route passes through villages of Chiseldon and Badbury as well as the picturesque Coate Water Country Park.
Liddington Castle loop
Route length - 11.1 miles (17.9 km)
This route requires a mountain bike. The route includes a sharp incline up Liddington hill on the Ridgeway National Trail. The route follows the Ridgeway (thought to be the "oldest road in Europe") until it meets up with the railway path near Ogbourne St George.
Marlborough-Chiseldon-Hackpen loop
Route length - 18.1 miles (29.2 km)
Uses both off road tracks and country lanes, ideally requires mountain bikes. This route uses three Sustrans routes NCN 45, 254 and 482 to complete a loop, taking in part of the Ridgeway and passing Hackpen White Horse, Marlborough and Chiseldon.
Marlborough-Ogbourne Maizey-Rockley loop
Route length - 11.4 miles (18.4 km)
From Marlborough up the Path to Ogbourne Maizey and then on a quiet road across the downs to Rockley. Following a bridleway across more historic downs to Rockley reservoir, and back to Marlborough.
Marlborough-Stitchcombe-Poulton Down loop
Route length - 7.8 miles (12.6 km)
From Marlborough down the lovely Kennet valley to Stitchcombe, then up over the downs to return to the Path.
Walking
Coate Water to Chiseldon
A linear walk of 3 miles suitable for most walkers, slight gradients in parts.
Ogbourne St George to Marlborough
A linear walk of 5 miles suitable for most walkers, mostly flat.
More walks
Other nearby walks accessible by bus are described on the North Wessex Down Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty website.
Horse Riding
- T.B.D.