Author Topic: Ridgeway/Wessex Ridgeway  (Read 1441 times)

johhnyp

  • Veteran Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 507
Ridgeway/Wessex Ridgeway
« on: 21:54:27, 26/02/18 »
I usually try and do two LDWs per year. Still have not managed to pin down two definites. The more I ponder the more undecided I become and I would like to do something a bit different this year. One option is doing the above as the first walk. Looking at them; should be able to get there and back in a fortnight; starting at Tring and finishing at Lyme Regis.
Have not done a step of these two walks however, and information on the Wessex end in particular looks sparse (the last guidebook is 20 years old and very expensive to buy on Amazon etc). If anyone had a copy I can buy/borrow/rent it would be much appreciated).
Not many TRs about either so If anyone can offer advice re accommodation along the way/best stopping off points etc, I would be grateful. There does seem to be the need to jump on and off the route as public transport is needed to get to larger towns for a bed in some cases and I would like to avoid doing this too much. Could camp I suppose but am getting a bit soft in my old age. Looking at early may for this one.
Thanks

john

sussamb

  • Veteran Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8011
Re: Ridgeway/Wessex Ridgeway
« Reply #1 on: 06:26:06, 27/02/18 »
I've done the Ridgeway and part of the Wessex Ridgeway.  Accommodation on the Ridgeway wasn't too bad, see my TR at http://jonsridgewaywalk.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/when-my-wife-announced-shed-like-to.html

I only walked three days on the Wessex Ridgeway and accommodation was a bit more problematical, unfortunately I can't recall where I did get accommodation and I didn't do a TR, good luck on that bit!
Where there's a will ...

Stube

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 499
Re: Ridgeway/Wessex Ridgeway
« Reply #2 on: 12:39:37, 27/02/18 »
Dorset CC do publish a guide to the route with basic information on pubs, shops & accommodation.

https://www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/media/138754/Wessex-Ridgeway-Trail-Guide/pdf/wessex_ridgeway.pdf

I've walked part of the route since it is similar to the Monarch's Way and yes Dorset is very rural - no cities or large towns and away from the coast few formal campsites. I don't do B&Bs, but the only ones I saw were pubs.

Rather be walking

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 482
Re: Ridgeway/Wessex Ridgeway
« Reply #3 on: 12:53:01, 27/02/18 »
we are walking the whole 'Greater Ridgeway' in June is year. https://www.ldwa.org.uk/ldp/members/show_path.php?path_name=Greater+Ridgeway+Trail
Odd its no longer classified as a Long Distance Path ???

Starting in Hunstanton to Lyme Regis, 371 Miles.
Its been 3 years in the planning, luckily we are staying with friends and family so transport isn't a problem  :) and 1 or 2 B&b/pubs.
The guide book (out of print) can brought, but very pricey.
We were going to use paper OS maps but the need 24 of them  ::), so instead using a Garmin Oregon 750t (my sons) ;) with GPX file, maps loaded.

We're all ready to go  O0

Jon.
 
““The hardest part was coming to terms with the constant dispiriting discovery that there is always more hill.”
― Bill Bryson, A Walk in the Woods

Jac

  • Veteran Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3553
Re: Ridgeway/Wessex Ridgeway
« Reply #4 on: 13:10:54, 27/02/18 »
We walked the Wessex Ridgeway three sections and I found B&Bs a bit difficult to organise as we only do 10-12 miles a day.
We stayed at;
Beckhampton - Isobel cottage - http://www.aveburyworld.co.uk/
Devizes - The White Bear - https://www.wadworth.co.uk/find-a-pub/white-bear/
West Lavington - 01380813178 - not sure if still open
Westbury. end of our first section. train home. Several B&Bs in the town
Heytesbury - The Angel - https://www.theangelinnheytesbury.co.uk/
Hindon - The Angel - http://www.theangelhindon.co.uk/
Ludwell - The Grove Arms - http://www.grovearms-ludwell.co.uk/
Iwerne Courtney. end of second section. taxi and train home.
Anstey - The Fox Inn- http://anstyfoxinn.co.uk/facilities/accommodation/
Sydling St Nicholas - The Greyhound - http://www.dorsetgreyhound.co.uk/
Nr Beaminster - North Buckham Farm - http://www.northbuckhamfarm.co.uk/
Thorncombe - B&B with lovely lady in her tiny cottage - I phoned the local community shop who gave me her number as she doesn't really do B&B then had to convince her that we were 'OK' and desperate to find accommodation in Thorncombe for the last night of our walk or the trip was off! so don't feel I can forward her contact details without her agreement.
Lyme Regis. the end. celebratory pint and bus home.

I really enjoyed the walk, glorious rural walking, pretty villages, good pubs, no other walkers, waymarking at times unhelpful, B&Bs a bit pricey, no hostels and I think only 1 campsite though plenty of corners where you could wild camp quietly for a night.
« Last Edit: 13:15:13, 27/02/18 by Jac »
So many paths yet to walk, so little time left

 

Terms of Use     Privacy Policy