Section 2 of 14, Wessex Ridgeway
Beckhampton to Etchilhampton
13.5 miles (21.8 km). About 5 hours, moderate.
Start: SU 087 692. Finish: SU 034 598. OS grid.
Take it with you: download this section's GPX file (it opens in OS Maps, Komoot, Outdooractive or a GPS unit) or open the start in OS Maps.
Up and down
About 331 m of climbing and 349 m of descent; highest point 259 m.
Getting there
The section starts at Beckhampton.
- Bus stops
- Riding Stables, 260 m from the start. Directions SU 087 689Waggon and Horses, 360 m from the start. Directions SU 089 689Roundabout, 400 m from the start. Directions SU 086 688
Getting back
The section finishes at Etchilhampton. Stations and bus stops near the finish:
- Bus stops
- Stert Turning, 480 m from the finish. Directions SU 037 594Etchilhampton Turn, 570 m from the finish. Directions SU 029 598
Planning the Wessex Ridgeway
- Planning the whole trail: dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.
What to expect
Underfoot: earth, rock and mud 30%, gravel and tracks 25%, paved or flagged 12%, grass 11%; the rest (22%) isn't recorded.
About 9% on roads with traffic.
On the way: 1 kissing gate, 14 gates.
Steepest climb: about 63 m in a kilometre (1 in 16), starting 2.2 miles in.
From OpenStreetMap, where mappers have recorded it: check before you go.
Pubs and cafés
- Pubs
- The Black Swan, Devizes: 10.4 miles in, about 350 m off the way.The Castle Hotel, Devizes: 10.4 miles in, about 200 m off the way.The Dolphin, Devizes: 10.4 miles in, about 350 m off the way.The Muck & Dunder, Devizes: 10.4 miles in, about 300 m off the way.The Pelican Inn, Devizes: 10.4 miles in, about 400 m off the way.White Bear, Devizes: 10.4 miles in, about 250 m off the way.The Three Crowns, Devizes: 10.4 miles in, about 350 m off the way. Food, seats outside.British Lion, Devizes: 10.5 miles in, about 250 m off the way.The Bell by the Green, Devizes: 10.6 miles in, about 250 m off the way.
- Cafés
- Black Dog coffee Co., Devizes: 10.4 miles in, about 150 m off the way. Seats outside.Brew & Vine, Devizes: 10.4 miles in, about 400 m off the way.Brew & Vine, Devizes: 10.4 miles in, about 400 m off the way.Brogans Cafe, Devizes: 10.4 miles in, about 350 m off the way.Caffe Vialottie, Devizes: 10.4 miles in, about 300 m off the way.Caffè Nero, Devizes: 10.4 miles in, about 350 m off the way. Step-free.Canal Trust Cafe, Devizes: 10.4 miles in, about 150 m off the way.Costa, Devizes: 10.4 miles in, about 350 m off the way.Cosy Café, Devizes: 10.4 miles in, about 300 m off the way.Shoots, Devizes: 10.4 miles in, about 300 m off the way.And 3 more within a quarter of a mile.
As OpenStreetMap records them. Opening times change, so check before you set off.
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