Pedalling & Riding my Devices In Devizes

Tuesday 4th June.
Pedalling.

Wednesday 5th June.

First day near Devizes. As soon as I had hooked up I unloaded Posh and set off to explore. Took the tow-path for 3 miles and then headed into Melksham. 

Lots of queuing traffic but being on a bike I passed the lot in no time.  I was soon in Lacock via part of the Wiltshire Cycle Way. Lots of tourists including school parties. It started to spot with rain so I chose not to stay, but it soon stopped. 

I headed out up Bowden Hill which was 12% in places causing me to walk two sections despite Posh’s low gear. I  paused at the top to visit the church and to admire the views.

Followed the Cycle Way almost to Calne before turning back south over another tough but easier hill. Stopped near the top to admire more views and to refuel. When I got out into the open countryside, with no shelter, it began to rain, this time very heavily. I popped on my rain jacket which protected me from the worst of it. Great view from the top of The Vale of Pewsey which seemed to be suffering from the deluge. The gutters were soon overflowing. I dropped down into Bishops Cannings as fast as I could and dived into the churchyard to shelter under a very large yew tree which sheltered me well. When the rain stopped I made my way through Devizes using the towpath to avoid the traffic. By the time I got to the Camp Site I was almost dry except for my soggy socks & shoes. There had been no rain at all here!

My Drying Room!

Thursday morning I woke to bright sunshine which was strong enough to completely dry my shoes and any other damp items from yesterday.

The Office

I planned a route on my computer and loaded it 

My Kitchen

My bed is under there somewhere!

I had planned a route to the South and East of Devizes. My first test was to climb over Seend Hill. The next few miles were easy except it started to spot with rain. Luckily it was not much but later on there were a number of heavy showers. I managed to shelter from or dodge these. The views of the Downs to the North were great, lovely rolling green hills. I wanted to get a picture of them with the clouds but I never seemed to find the right moment except for this one of the White Horse framed by the trees and the bridge over the canal.

I discovered a very busy coffee shop just by the bridge and had a most enjoyable break chatting to two other cyclists who were riding the towpath from Reading to Bath and then going on the old railway line to Bristol. They were staying at Airbnbs.

Beautiful Working Farm near Stroud Hill. 

 Lived on Canal Boats 

Posh taking a well-earned break.

I stopped for lunch in the Lamb Inn in Urchfont. Tasty fried whitebait with salad. 

Urchfont.

Delightful little lanes through many small villages on my way back to join the canal towpath. In Seend Cleeve I went down a hill around a hairpin to discover the lane went back up the hill at 8%. Of course, I was in the wrong gear and came to a complete stop just managing to get my foot down in time to prevent a tumble. 

Back at the camp I had a cup of tea, then a short walk to the canal and back. Later I had a light supper but at 7.30 p.m., having heard the forecast for heavy rain on Friday, I packed up and drove home. I was there in a little over an hour and a quarter and unpacked and in bed by 10;30.

Gridironman