Stage 13 - Charlton St Peter to Gore Cross - 9 miles
This I (Anthony) did after having run stage 10, but most of it by car!
The route is a continuation of the route from stage 14 and continues round the Military Zone however the road is not well maintained, unlike the last stage.
Anticipating that it would be possible to drive I started at the end of the leg and drove round this route, going past the turning to Charlton and taking the road back down to the A342 a bit further on. This road is badly potholed but runners should have less problems than motorists!
Once back at the start of this stage, the Charlton Cat, I walked along the track back to the Military zone, perhaps about a mile. The track has been obviously used by 4 wheel drive vehicles as there are very deep ruts for the wheels. The first part rises quite steeply but soon it joins a road. This road goes to a farm and once again the way becomes a track before joining the road around this MoD property.
This stage won't be as 'easy' as the last stage.
Stage 10 - Oare Hill to Pewsey White Horse - 5.6 miles
This leg was carried out by two members of Pewsey Vale Running Club and Anthony.
There is probably room for about ten cars at the start of this leg.
The start of this leg is uphill so it is very advisable to warm up well before the run. The planned route would have taken us across a field but there was no obvious path and we felt it better to continue along the track in the trees. At the end there was a 4-way signpost. We took the track to West Wick. The track was easy to follow but at the gate turn right for a short way before following a clear track down to the foot of this hill. We came to a junction, another race uses the track to the left but we turned right, or should I say, continued straight ahead. After the stile we soon came to another track cutting across ours. We thought that we had to go up this track to the right but soon realized our mistake. The 'turning' for which we were looking was, in fact, straight ahead!
Sunnyhill Lane was very quiet and there is very rarely any traffic on it. No need for marshals here. The route now continued straight ahead for a long way into the outskirts of the village of Pewsey. These lanes should cause no problems. Astley Close is a cul de sac with a white line on the road at which any traffic should stop. However the next turning will need a couple of marshals. The road is not busy but it is better to err of the safe side. From the turning to Southcott we followed the road with a couple of turns to the end and met no traffic. The finish should be at the foot of this hill but I was told that in June it might be necessary to stop 50 yards earlier. We will see!
We had to climb up above the White Horse to reach our car. This is the horse round which we have to run for the Terminator.
Stage 14 - Gore Cross to Westbury White Horse - 8.6 miles
Four Avon Valley Runners gathered at Westbury White Horse and were driven to Gore Cross where we parked on the grass verge.
This route is so different from the other stages that we have pioneered. It was fast
(although there was a strong wind) and completely on roads, some tarmaced, some unmade but all
wide. Although there was some traffic which may necessitate Runners on Road
signs, it was very sparse
and did not cause us any trouble.
We all decided that this leg should be advertised as Put your fastest runner on this leg
.
The route follows the perimetre of the MoD property on a track described as Imber Range Path
.
There are few turns and in each case runners should follow the principal track (or road).
There is ample parking room at the end of this leg.
Three of us drove to Oare Hill, found that there is a small area to park a limited number of cars on the eastern side of the road, up a lane. We parked one car there and then drove to Knap Hill where there is room to park many cars, but it is a popular spot from which to go walking.
We climbed the fence and ran to the top of the hill from where there is a magnificant view of the county, however in the race, runners can take the track to the left of this hill to a gate. Through the gate we ran up another hill, keeping the valley always to our right until we came to Gopher Wood. Going round this we missed the turning we should have taken (through a gate) although it may be just as quick to go this way to avoid losing time at the gate. Both tracks arrive at the same place in the valley.
This is the point at which stages 8 and 9 diverge. Going up the hill (yes! another one) we came to a gate and a stile. We went through the gate, turned immediately right and went through another gate. We could have gone over the stile and avoided both gates. From there we crossed two fields and arrived at a small junction. One track went straight ahead and one went slightly to the right. This latter was marked as the 'White Horse Trail'. Both go to the same place and the former was very slightly shorter.
From here there is a wide track to the finish at Oare Hill.
For the first part of the leg we were following signs marked 'Mid Wilts Way' but later the tracks diverged and we continued on the 'White Horse Trail'.
It was a lovely day, great countryside and we enjoyed ourselves.
No marshals will be needed on this leg.
After the run I went and rechecked the entrance into West Woods for Stage 8.
The run on Sunday, February 3rd was from the Westbury White Horse (at Bratton) to the foot of the Caen Hill locks near Devizes, a distance of 12.2 miles.
The meeting point before the run was at Lower Foxhangers Farm on the left hand side driving towards Devizes from Trowbridge at 10:00. This is just before the dual carriageway. We parked in the farm lane in one of the lay bys on the left.
From there we travelled to Westbury White Horse from where we started this pioneering run.
The route is mainly cross country although the start is on road. We passed through West Ashton, Steeple Ashton, Keevil, Bulkington and Poulshot.
This stage is characterised by old wooden stiles hidden in hedgerows, farmers roping off fields where paths cross; and two busy roads - marked with footnotes.
Park either in the Car Park off Port Way at the top of the White Horse, reached by going up Castle Road from Bratton, or park in the smaller car park on Bratton Road near the starting pont for the relay.
The route follows the White Horse Trail with the exception of the first part due to the danger and difficulty of crossing the railway line. One person has been killed on this crossing so we have decided to avoid it and to cross the line using the Trowbridge Road.
Start at ST 884 516, the Parking place for the White Horse on Bratton Road.
Run along the track below the Bratton Road for approx 3km called Lower Westbury Road. As you reach the village you will pass Rosenheim Rise on the right. At the junction bear left on to Trowbridge Road and continue along this road until you pass over the railway bridge. Turn immediately left onto Capps Lane. It bends slightly right then left then look for footpath markers crossing the road including the WHT sign.
Turn right on to this track and continue straight across fields (see footnote 1) until you reach a tarmac road. Turn right along the road and continue along it until bears right. (see footnote 2) Turn left at the footpath sign and go up and across the next two fields. Here you meet a track coming from the left. Continue straight on up the hill to East Town Farm.
After the farm buildings turn right and follow a winding track which proceeds on down hill to a junction of tracks. Turn left here along the track until you meet another field. Bear right and follow this hedge keeping one large and then two smaller fields on your left. Ahead of you you will now see a large field, go left here and then right, round this large field and keep straight on until you reach a lane which leads into Steeple Ashton.
Suggest we use Butts Lane.
Turn left into the High Street, go past Church Street on your right and at a footpath sign you should find a gap on the right taking you through the houses and round to the edge of the church yard . Pass through one gate and keep the wall on your right. Keep the trees/bushes on your right, and after a gateway there will be another new gate immediately on your left. Go through and diagonally (right) across the next field aiming for the trees in the corner. Continue across the next field (you are near the right hand end of it) and cross through the hedge at the corner. You will see Keevil church ahead. Follow the track to the end of the next field. At the end there is a spinney. Before it turn right through a gate and follow the hedge through several fields. As you approach Keevil church the path bears left and enters the church yard. Go straight through, bear left and you will come to the main street.
Turn right on to Main Street and follow it as it turns left and then bends slowly to the right. After the last house on your left the road turns sharply left again. Here you will see a track going straight on. At the end you pass briefly on to another road which comes from the left. As this road bends to the right, keep straight on into the field opposite. Go straight across this and the next field and into a third field. Follow a track towards the corner of a housing estate. As you reach the last field by the housing estate there is a stile half-way up the field passing between the houses.
Turn left to exit the housing estate and turn right onto the main road through the village. (Bulkington) Go through the village, pass Northfields on the left and then Mill Lane on the right. As you pass the last houses on your left, turn right at the footpath marker and cross several fields going diagonally. Look for stiles in the hedges. Continue diagonally across until you meet a road. (see footnote 3)
Turn right along the road and after about 200 metres turn left into a field, continue to the right hand corner of this field and continue across two more fields until you once again meet a road (Poulshot Road). Turn left into it and continue to the junction.This is the small hamlet of Townsend although the sign says you are entering Poulshot.
Turn left as the road bears right and, after about 60 metres at a junction of tracks, go through a rusty farm gate into a wide grassy track (Broadway Lane). Continue along this passing a wide track going left until you reach a junction of tracks where one goes diagonally left. Proceed along here for 400 m where you can turn right. This will lead you to the A361 and the end of the stage.
Bath Road, the A361, Seend Hill/Caen Hill is in front of you.
1 These fields included one where the farmer had erected an electric fence all around which cut off the footpath, but by circling round clockwise we regained the path fairly easily
2 This road can be very busy and we experienced a sports car being driven very fast along here
3 This a notoriously fast road leading from Seend to Worton – great care is needed as traffic do not expect runners to be jumping over stiles onto the road
4 The stage might finish here because of the dangerous road
On Wednesday afternoon, being unable to run, I walked from Milton to Charlton - 3 miles.
At the end of the lane in which the stage starts is a footpath sign.
Unfortunately it is in the wrong place as it is not possible to cross there.
I had to walk back to the gate. After passing the farm I made a note
Path marked 'The White House' - follow this lane to a stile - cross it &
follow the fence across the field
.
This needs checking again as I'm not sure to which spot it refers.
There are quite a few stiles to cross.
Soon I came to a narrow road with a signpost to the church.
This road should not be a problem.
Cross a field diagonally - aim towards a tall tree opposite - Cross Wick Lane, a very narrow road,
again not a hazard.
I then came to a water treatment site with signs forbidding entry - Keep to the right hand path after the concrete bridge & run between the trees. Soon I came, suddenly, to a small churchyard - & St James Church.
Just after St James Church there is a road and a signpost. This points to the right - Ignore it, I don't understand why it is there - it is not the correct route - follow the tarmac road to Broad Street. Here we will need a marshal. It's not very busy but better to be safe than sorry. After that it is 2 kilometres to Charlton along a wide track and then a grassy track between trees. This latter was very muddy in January. The finish could be anywhere in this village. The route is quite well signposted.
I have since spoken to the manager for Mr Oliver Gates of Ayrshire Farm, Malmesbury Potatoes Ltd, Sharcott at Manor Farm, nearby, who is happy for the event to pass along these public paths in his land.
There is limited parking off the road just above the Pewsey White Horse.
The relay could start above the White Horse (rather than climbing down the hill) and run on the field down to the stile at the foot of the hill where it joins the road. However the problem is crossing the road. Although not a major road there was traffic on it today and furthermore the crossing is on a bend making visibility difficult. I can see three possibilities:
My preference is the first option if the Police are in agreement.
After this section the course climbs a rough road to a gate which must be opened to pass through and then closed, as must all gates (except one) on this route. It then passes through a farm yard on to a grassy track. The route is very well marked and runs along wide grassy tracks until very near the end when, after passing next to another farm, the track becomes a road.
There is plenty of room for parking along the sides of this road which is a cul de sac.
To get to the start walk down hill for about 30 metres and over stile on Right hand side of road. Walk down the field to cross another stile to reach White Horse.
I presume you meant us to keep on the concrete until a normal sized farm gate straight
ahead.
However on this concrete path there were animal pens so we went through a small gate which was marked
(on the other side) with the White Horse way signs and ran through a field which picked up the
track again.
This field had sheep in it so the gate which you say could remain open should be closed.
Otherwise all O.K. We agree with the comments under risk assessment.
The last section (January 20th) was between Marlborough White Horse and Alton Barnes. Parking at Knap Hill. Distance - approx. 6.1 miles.
OS reference: SU117637 which is on map 157
The route from Marlborough follows the Wansdyke Path / White Horse Trail, through Short Oak Copse, Clatford Park Farm, Daffy Close to Heath Plantation. The White Horse Trail then bears South to Gopher Wood, past a Resevoir along the Tan Hill Way and will stop just before the road at Knap Hill.
It was drizzling very slightly but great weather for running. The ground underfoot was wet and slippery.
Start at the lane next to the garage, just to the left of the Public Bridleway (which is marked White Horse Trail).
Continue along this lane past the buildings on the left keeping to the left of the trees until you reach a metal gate on the left, which is C shaped.
Go through this gate and continue straight along the grassy track and pass through a gap in the hedge. On your right is the school running track and on the left some trees. About half-way past the track bear left towards the top of the field and pass through into an upper field, then immediately bear right. Follow this track through this hedge of trees. (It is marked Private Property straight ahead) and continue through the next two fields. At the end there will be 2 stiles to cross.
Keep left with trees to your left on a track. After it goes round a bend there is a track leading away at right angles. Follow this until it reaches a road. Turn left onto the road and proceed about 200 metres until you can turn right onto a track. After about 400 metres this track will lead to an open field with a track crossing in front of you. Turn left onto this trrack keeping the trees to your left. The track starts to bear left but as soon as you see 2 isolated trees up ahead, bear right so you pass to the right of the 2 trees towards the far corner of the field..Before the corner pass through to the right hand side of the next field and follow this to the end. Cross over a stile on your right, then left around a fallen tree, and proceed towards an open field ahead. Just before the field there is a sunken path on the right which leads down to a lane. We are now at Clatford Park Farm, Short Oak Copse and Fosbury Copse.
Cross the road keeping the wood on the right and a field on the left. Go into the wood following the Wansdyke Path. Hopefully this path is marked! - We only saw one marker... (I am guessing the next bit - ) This probably involves turning right on the lane for a short distance then left into the wood. The path will probably be quite narrow for the first 400 metres then bear left at the WHT sign onto a wider track. After another 400 metres there will be a large junction of tracks with a ditch coming up from the field on your left. Bear right onto the main track. Keep to this track and it should be about a mile further on before we next see a field. Turn right onto a gravel track and keep the field on the left and the wood on the right. After a while the track turns left, keep on it as it proceeds down hill to a wide junction of tracks, then turn left. As you climb up the hill you will come out between fields. After about 800 metres at the top of the track you will come to another small wood. double back to the right through a gate then turn left with the field to your right and rough ground to your left. The field rises steeply at this point and after about 400 metres the field narrows. Follow the fence around to the left until you reach the edge of a steep slope.
This is where we went wrong so I am guessing –
To the right a path follows the top of the ridge for about a mile along Tan Hill. You will then pass through a gate and turn right to Knap Hill parking place.
A run was held to pioneer a route between Hackpen and Marlborough White Horses on Sunday 16th September.
The start at Hackpen afforded parking for around twenty cars and off-road parking is probably achievable for another ten. The leg begins on the Ridgeway and this affords a good start to the run, especially as the track is good and predominantly downhill. However running along the Ridgeway is so enjoyable that the marker for the White Horse Trail was easily missed and we needed to backtrack half a mile up hill to get back on the correct track. Even then it was uncertain that we had indeed found our way back onto the route as the trail is poorly marked and the waymark's fairly small and few. This however changes at ~3miles where the White Horse Trail links up with route 4 of the Wiltshire cycleway. The trail continues downhill on a wide gravel track towards Marlborough were a metalled road and a few reasonably marked footpaths took us to the A4. Saftey barriers prevented us spilling straight onto the carriageway (which was quiet with very little Sunday traffic) and a pedestrian crossing was near at hand. The White horse trail then went through Manton village and through the grounds of Marlborough college before finishing at George lane in Marlborough.
Distance between Hackpen and the A4 about 7 miles.
The route would definitely need to be reccie'd by participants if used for a relay. The early stages had too many turns, and to be marshalled would require greater resource than AVR (or other local club) could muster. However marker tapes could be used at the major turn points i.e. coming off the Ridgeway. There are a couple of shortcuts that could be taken by the unscrupulous, but would hope that the same appeal as per the Cotswold Relay would deter runners from taking the sneaky option.
The Hackpen White Horse is : Ordnance Survey reference SU 128 749.
The Marlborough White Horse is : Ordnance Survey reference SU 184 682
Meeting point: At the Parking Place at the top of Hackpen Hill where the Ridgeway
track cuts across the road.
Directions: Take the A4361 from Avebury. Turn right just before Broad Hinton. From here you can see the White Horse. Drive to the top of the hill (marked P on the OS Map and park on the left in the Parking Place.
We were given permission to park at Cockroost Farm, near Broad Town, by Mrs Horton.
On leaving the farm on foot we had difficulty finding the correct route and got lost, taking 90 minutes before arriving at Manor Farm, which I later discovered was only 5 minutes away from our starting point!
The problem turned out to be that the proposed route, the White Horse Trail, actually cuts across several fields in which there are no tracks.
The next day, Wednesday I ran the route again in the reverse direction and then back in the correct direction during the morning. The last section between the Ridgeway and The Bell public house is straight forward, involving a climb towards the end of the stage across a field, up to the track called The Ridgeway.
The section between the Broad Town White Horse (or Cockroost Farm) crosses many fields
up to Weir Farm in which, in two or
three, there are large herds of cows. I think it is best to re-route this section so
that we run along the sides of the fields (Mrs Horton, the landowner is in agreement with this suggestion)
and take a hardcore track which leads to Manor Farm (by the long route) then running down Post
Office Lane
to Weir Farm. At this point - just before the main road (A4361) we cross a stile,
run through a field, cross another stile into a lane, turn left and run between some farm buildings,
turn right into another field and run diagonally across this field to another stile. Marshals will be
necessary in these fields. We are now in Broad Hinton where we run along a pedestrian lane and turn left into a
quiet village road, down which we run to the Bell ph, the end of this short stage.
During the race several marshals, flags or tape will be necessary to indicate the route. I suggest asking local people in Broad Hinton to help between Weir Farm and The Bell ph.
One marshal near the Ridgeway should be sufficient together with flags along the route for the second stage of this section.
The Broad Town White Horse is : Ordnance Survey reference SU 098 783, (Snow Hill)
The Hackpen White Horse is : Ordnance Survey reference SU 128 749.
Meeting point: In Broad Town, go down Chapel Lane, keep straight on leaving Horns Lane on your right, continue along a gravel lane until you come to a house at the end. Turn right just before this house and park in the field.
We were also given permission to park in the driveway of this house.
We started the run from the same point (at the end of the lane leading to Yatesbury) that we finished the last (White Horses') run, running back through Yatesbury, along Yatesbury Lane (track) and Vize Lane (track), turning left on to the road leading into Broad Town and up to Snow Hill and the Broad Town White Horse, a distance of about 5.8 miles.
The Cherhill White Horse is : Ordnance Survey reference SU 049 696.
The Broad Town White Horse is : Ordnance Survey reference SU 098 783, (Snow Hill)
By GPS our run measured about 5.9 miles.
Just before the village of Yatesbury we turned left too quickly, we should have taken the following left turning called Back Lane. This would have avoided a gate and the possible error of running into private ground.
We continued along the track 'Back Lane' for about a mile when it curved slightly right, now called Yatesbury Lane (a track). After about another mile the track turns sharp right and very soon joins the road from Whyr Farm. This is a quiet road, but runners need to keep to the left. After about half a mile there is a T-junction. We need to cross the road here on to a track opposite. A marshal should be stationed here, or a water point. Continue along this track (called Vize Lane) for about another mile before reaching a road (High Street coming from Broad Hinton) and turn right. Be aware of traffic. At some point runners need to cross the road and to run on the right hand side (facing on-coming traffic) as later they will be taking a small track on that side. Marshals could be stationed along this road to facilitate crossing. The road is not busy, but we did see occasional traffic.
Run along this road for about ¾ mile; it rises slightly. The road begins to bend slightly to the left and then begins to descend. You are now on the ridge. (Just after the road begins to descend) climb over the gate on the right hand side where you can clearly see several tracks and continue along these tracks along the top of the ridge. If you had continued along the road sharply downhill, you would have gone too far. (We did!) A sign or a marshal might be useful here.
Continue along the top of the ridge, go through a gate, until the changeover point is reached.
The White Horse is just below this point, the official track does a hairpin bend to a second gate - we do not need to go as far as that and, furthermore the track becomes quite dangerous, nevertheless we did visit this horse.
The owners of Cockroot Farm, at the top of the hill/ridge will let us park there for the next pioneering run, and will probably agree to let us use the same place for the change-over.
Meeting Point: Take the A4 to Cherhill and continue for one mile to the top of the hill and then turn left towards Yatesbury. Continue for 0.8 mile and pass on the left a large building and then turn immediately left and park.
There are odd parking places just off the A4 on the right, but these were not considered suitable. At the Parking Place mentioned above there is enough space for about 12 cars.
The Cherhill White Horse is : Ordnance Survey reference SU 049 696.
Distance between the two white horses was 5.15 miles
Finish and start of the next stage should take place at the Cherhill Monument.
Crossing the Golf Course could be a problem.
Two possible alternatives:
On reflection, the starting point for the next stage should be at the top of the lane to Yatesbury, just to the North of the A4, to avoid running across the A4.
This could be run in conjuction with The White Horse Challenge walk - but in one day. I don't think that runners would like to have to spend two separate days doing this. It is only about 76 miles in total.
If we run it in the opposite direction to the Walk, based on the times below we should only meet the walkers between Broad Town and Hackpen. The routes between Broad Town and Broad Hinton are not the same, th walkers using more fields than the runners but the 2 mile section between the A4361 and Hackpen is the same although in opposite directions.
We would also be including a very large section not covered at all by the walk. (Westbury)
We could charge a fee payable to AVR with the option of sponsorship for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance and perhaps the Marshals for the Walkers could also marshal for us on part of this short section between 11:45 and 12:30
That we invite various local running clubs to help us at the Start/End of each leg.
List of the Stages for the Relay
Routes Pioneered