Swindon to Marlborough

[gbs]

Does any know the path that runs S from Swindon to Marlborough, parallel to the A346? Is it suitable for weary riders on skinny tyres?

 

[the_mikey]

The sustrans website suggests it's a mixture or tarmac and compacted stone surface they also call it a 'trail' which further suggests it's a pretty crappy cycle path. If it's mostly the compacted stone surface, it might not be fantastic on a road bike.

 

[the_mikey]

Further to my original reply, the sustrans website definately points out that the surface is poor, suitable for mountain bikes and touring bikes only. Although that might not apply to all of the route.

 

[BSRU]

I know part of the NCN route 45 which runs along south Swindon, along an old railway cutting, I wouldn't want to be cycling that surface on skinny tyres, I'd say parts of it were only suitable for knobbly tyred MTB's especially after rain, some parts are a right mud bath.

You'd be better off using the country lanes away from the main A roads.

 

[mark barker]

I've ridden the sustrans route on my 28 marathons and it wasn't the best of surfaces. I wouldn't fancy anything slimmer than those tbh.

 

[gbs]

Thank you every body. A consensus. You have saved me a lot of aggravation.

I consider the matter closed.

 

[shirokazan]

For the benefit of anyone who's curious about this cycle route, I found this linked picture on the Geograph website. Probably confirms the above observations.

 

[andrew_s]

It's difficult to keep away from fast roads without quite a big detour.
You could go from Ogbourne St George to Mildenhall over Poulton Down (RUPP/track, but not very long), or go from Swindon to Barbury Castle, follow the Ridgeway to Hackpen Hill, then down the valley into Marlborough.

 

[dellzeqq]

Thank you every body. A consensus. You have saved me a lot of aggravation.

I consider the matter closed.

or agravelation?

IGMC......

 

[BSRU]

It's difficult to keep away from fast roads without quite a big detour.
You could go from Ogbourne St George to Mildenhall over Poulton Down (RUPP/track, but not very long), or go from Swindon to Barbury Castle, follow the Ridgeway to Hackpen Hill, then down the valley into Marlborough.

From South Swindon you could go via Burderop and Ogbourne St Andrew, about the same distance as the main A roads.

 

[gbs]

Thanks for comments following my #6.

The objective is to returm to London via the A4. I was merely looking for a scenic alternative to the SEly link via Aldbourne - this was/is the obvious option.