Salisbury Plain and Imber Road Cycle

Join David on this great adventure across the wide open Salisbury Plain, visiting the remote abandoned village of Imber, 4 miles from the nearest settlement. 

Route

Note this is LINEAR ride and we will end at Newbury. See return train details below. 

Starting from Westbury we'll pass under the White Horse and up onto the Plain, heading into the Ranges and towards Imber. This is by far the most remote area of southern England and this will be a day never to forget. Imber and surrounds were occupied by the MOD in 1943 and it is usually strictly off limits. The landscape is wild, open and uncultivated, a complete contrast to much of the region. We'll pause in Imber a while to visit the church, before heading out of the Ranges towards Tilshead. 

On public roads now, we'll cross the wide open Plain with far reaching views, passing close to Stonehenge which we will be able to see from afar. Heading though Larkhill and up the Avon valley, the Plain becomes less open in character, before we cross into the complete contrast of the wooded and sculpted Hampshire Downs for the final part of the ride. Passing Walbury Hill we'll head off the downs and into Newbury. 

Pace and Terrain

1.2km ascent, hilly throughout, steep at times. Pace moderate with plenty of rest stops.

You do need reasonable personal fitness for this event, however the day is intended to be an outing rather than an endurance test and we will stop for slower riders to catch up whilst going faster in between stops to allow them to develop their technique and fitness. Anyone who commutes over 3 miles or has recently cycled over 20 miles without difficulty will be able to complete this ride easily.

Note: access to the Salisbury Plain

We are visiting the MOD controlled area of the Salisbury Plain on one of the only days that it is scheduled to be open to the public this year. Note the opening days can be cancelled with no notice, and although this is unlikely, an alternative route has been planned just in case - 90% of the route will be the same.

Please read the public information leaflet from the MOD here