An idyllic cycle ride from Swindon through Marlborough and the idyllic fields of the Calstone and Cherhill Downs to Calne and Chippenham in Wiltshire.
I was looking through my list of rides for this year for something that would suit early spring but I couldn’t quite find the right place that would suit the weather and what I wanted out of this next cycle film. I picked up the book that I had for Christmas about a year ago and in a section about The South Downs Way (a hundred miles ride itself) there was a More Ancient Trails like this section and a paragraph about The Ridgeway – and that was it, that was how I found the Calstone & Cherhill Downs trail that uses a small part of The Ridgeway.
Part of the National Cycle Network, this film consists of the railway trail from Swindon to Marlborough, which I did previously in the film cycling to The Wilton Windmill but this time instead of heading east we head west out of Marlborough and though between the fields of the downs with a mixture of early spring dried grass and the fresh buds of crops giving the land its fresh green lick of paint.
We visit the Cherhill White Horse that is visible to see on the side of a large hill before pressing on for the final stretch to Caln and our final destination Chippenham.I started this ride later than I normally would for some rides and along with many stops for filming I found myself running quite late at the end but even though this meant racing the sun for twilight, and of course my train back home, this became both exhilarating and also beautiful. Watching the sunset while cycling along through the fields of Wiltshire was awe-inspiring.
This ride is probably in my top three favourites to date and if you think your legs have around 44 miles in them and not afraid of a few climbs here and there then I highly recommend this trail which is best ridding on a nice day.
I really hope you enjoy this film as much as I enjoyed riding it and I would ride it again in a heart beat.
20 Comments
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Some great scenery footage from the bike , The bird of prey ,The low light of the sun on the horizon 👍safe travels
Lovely enjoyable ride Madison. Missed you xx
Most enjoyable, thanks.👍
Excellent choice of route and a really nice, relaxing movie amongst all the noise of modern life. Brought back memories too. Years ago a friend and I ran sections of the Ridgeway eastwards from that area over several weekends. Even back then and on foot, the damage done by off roaders and farm traffic made it very heavy going in places, so you did a great job riding it.
Nice ride, the return train was empty
Great video !1 I really enjoyed this one. Hopefully it wasn't too cold.
Yet another beautiful film, thank you!
I've been thinking about videoing my rides, which GoPro model are you using?
Oh and let me know how you get on with the helicopter tape. Stay safe and enjoy the many rides you'll have this year.
Another fantastic video I love our neighbouring county of Wiltshire, Avebury, Marlborough, Calne, the White horses and the rolling downs even Coate Water in Swindon a hidden gem and the Swindon Marlborough old railway path, you definitely earned those fish and chips.
Thanks for another great video and interesting route. Your starting point is only a few miles from home so I might try the route
Lovely video & music. Recommend plotting a route from Marlbotough to Chippenham through the downs south of the A4 – Westwoods, Knapp Hill & Wansdyke – especially in Bluebell season!
Wiltshire is certainly a fascinating county to ride through. Stunning sunset Madison. Enjoy the longer days as ours close in with the end of daylight savings today.
It just shows you, you don't need to go abroad for some amazing scenery. Keep up the good work 🚴🚴🚴
Beautiful scenery, Madison. That was a long ride, with some pretty remote and unspoiled locations. Maybe we'll see a Rockhopper carved into the chalk hillsides one day! Enjoyed the drone shots at the end, and the shots of the red kites, ( I think), don't see them very often around here. Nice one. Thanks again, as always.
I have only just found your site. Lovely ride and beautiful sunset!😊
Another great expedition Madison – you don't do things by halves, do you?! Loved the piano sections (as always)… and finishing off with fish n chips… a perfect end!👍
Loved that Madison, great shots from the drone and the part where you were wizzing along the cherhill downs must of been so much fun. Well deserved fish and chips at the end.
The very last scene shot from up on the Ridgeway is my favourite view in all the world! Looking across to the Monument above Cherhill White Horse. I used to live in Calne a couple of decades ago + and would spend a lot of time riding the Ridgeways up there and walking. Thank you so much for sharing your amazing ride. I have MS now so it really restricts my activities but I did manage 40 miles during March this year. Bless you xxx
Hi there!! Lovely video again xxxx but I must ask one question; did you feel anything at Avebury stone circle? You certainly needed those fish and chips!!!! Till the next time Stay Safe!! xxxx
Another great ride and lovely chilled vibe to the video, thanks! – some nice camera work, drone shots and footage along the way all matched perfectly with the music….I've always wanted to ride up to Avebury and see the old stones, so will have a look at the old trails and disused railway lines to try and find a route – you captured a great sunset, bet those fish and chips tasted good at the end of that ride 🙂 cheers