Section 1 of 14, Wessex Ridgeway
Marlborough to Beckhampton
7.4 miles (11.9 km). About 2½ hours, moderate.
Start: SU 186 688. Finish: SU 087 692. 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 176 m of climbing and 145 m of descent; highest point 235 m.
Getting there
The section starts at Marlborough.
- Bus stops
- Ladbrokes, 150 m from the start. Directions SU 187 689Lloyds Bank, 290 m from the start. Directions SU 187 691Ducks Meadow, 290 m from the start. Directions SU 188 687
- Car parks
- Car park (pay), 10 m from the start. Directions SU 186 688Hyde Lane Car Park (pay), 140 m from the start. Directions SU 185 689Polly Gardens Car Park (pay), 240 m from the start. Directions SU 188 689
Getting back
The section finishes at Beckhampton. Stations and bus stops near the finish:
- Bus stops
- Riding Stables, 260 m from the finish. Directions SU 087 689Waggon and Horses, 360 m from the finish. Directions SU 089 689Roundabout, 400 m from the finish. Directions SU 086 688
Planning the Wessex Ridgeway
- Planning the whole trail: dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.
What to expect
Underfoot: gravel and tracks 61%, grass 17%, paved or flagged 15%, earth, rock and mud 7%.
About 19% on roads with traffic.
On the way: 13 gates.
Steepest climb: about 47 m in a kilometre (1 in 21), from the start.
From OpenStreetMap, where mappers have recorded it: check before you go.
Pubs and cafés
- Pubs
- Wellington Arms, Marlborough: at the start.Castle & Ball Hotel, Marlborough: at the start.The Royal Oak, Marlborough: at the start.The Red Lion, Avebury: 6.3 miles in. Seats outside.The Green Dragon, Marlborough: near the start, about 300 m off the way.Waggon & Horses, Beckhampton: 7.3 miles in, about 350 m off the way.
- Cafés
- Caffè Nero, Marlborough: at the start.The Food Gallery, Marlborough: at the start.The Polly Tearooms, Marlborough: at the start.St Peter's and St Paul's, Marlborough: at the start.100 Chai Street, Marlborough: at the start.WJ, Marlborough: at the start.Eliane, Marlborough: at the start.Mustard Seed Cafe, Marlborough: near the start, about 300 m off the way. Seats outside.GAIL's, Marlborough: near the start, about 250 m off the way.Coffi Lab, Marlborough: 0.2 miles in, about 400 m off the way. Seats outside.And 2 more within a quarter of a mile.
As OpenStreetMap records them. Opening times change, so check before you set off.
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