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Sun Jun 28th 2026

Awayday gravel ride, Devizes to Bath	2*

Leader: Roger Postbeschild	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: Wharf car park, Devizes
Description: Meet at the Wharf car park in Devizes, which is located next to the canal towpath. This essentially a 'there and back' from Devizes to Bath, along the canal towpath. A diversion is taken after Bath through two disused railway tunnels (it is quite chilly in these). Stops for brunch and a late lunch. This is a long off-road ride but it is mostly flat and easily undertaken with a gravel bike (which I shall be using). There is a climb up the Caen Hill locks at the end however... Due to length, it should probably be categorised 2/3 and anyone using an e-bike should note that the ride is 74 km (46 miles) with no known recharging points. Please let me know in advance if you wish to come.
Riders: Anke Otto Paul Wensley Roger Postbeschild Riders = 3 Weather: Report: The weather was kind. Anke and I encountered some rain in the car on the way to Devizes, but none fell on us. It was a delight to have cooler conditions after the heatwave that caused rides to be cancelled. We met up with Paul at the Wharf Car Park - he was camping for the weekend at Devizes campsite - adjacent to the towpath. The campsite 'offered' most welcome additional coffee stops (thanks Jayne) at both ends of what is a fairly testing ride, despite it being mainly flat - it does, after all, mostly follow the Kennet and Avon Canal. A brisk F4 headwind all the way out made things a little more challenging. We did have to contend with a fun run at the start, but only for for a short distance. The towpath itself was quite well used by walkers and cyclists (including families) when close to centres of population but was reasonably quiet when away from these. 'Official' coffee and refuelling stops were taken at Bradford on Avon Wharf and Monkton Canal Visitor Centre. The tunnels were suitably cool - they remain at about 10C all year round. That F4 westerly was most pleasant on the return leg. Taking into account the four cafe stops, it is perhaps unsurprising that we did not return to the car park until around 6pm. All in all, a grand day out.
Distance: 76.00 km (47.22 mi)
By the underpass to swap canal sides The beautiful Kennet and Avon Canal
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52827698"
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Start Locations: WMP
Wantage Market Place; OMH
Old Mill Hall, Grove

Categories: 1* - Suitable for irregular, social, beginner or family riders, pace will match the slower riders. Not hilly or long. Expect rides up to 3 hours. Gentle exercise.; 2* - Suitable for regular riders who prefer to cover some distance but at a more relaxed pace. Likely to be half-day rides. Solid exercise.; 3* - Suitable for experienced riders, may be hilly, long, quick, or any combination! Likely to be half or full-day rides. Challenging exercise.; 4* - Suitable for athletic riders who can ride safely above the 3* standard. Quick rides for the fit.; More Information