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The journey begins: Salisbury to the Kennet and Avon Canal
My friend Dan and I embarked on a long-planned cycling adventure across the Salisbury Plains. Setting off from Salisbury, we headed north, quickly encountering the iconic Stonehenge. It was interesting to see people returning from the Summer Solstice event, looking quite "lively" after their long night! Thankfully, the trails were not overly challenging. The terrain was mostly flat with some gentle rolling hills, making for a pleasant ride.
Much of the Salisbury Plain is open country, but we had to stick to our planned route to avoid closed military paths. We even saw military trucks passing by – definitely something you want to steer clear of! The weather was very hot, making the air thick and a bit difficult to breathe at times, but the rewarding views and experiences kept us going.
Riverside relaxation and canal curiosities
Our first major stop was a refreshing pub in Devizes. From there, we followed the path alongside the Kennet and Avon Canal. The canal itself was a highlight of the trip, offering unique views as we cycled downhill. It was fascinating to watch barges navigate the lock system, appearing to sail uphill against the current.
The canal path seemed to aggregate the heat, and with very little wind, we decided to stop for lunch and another drink at the Barge Inn. The food was delicious, and they had an excellent selection of beer. From the Barge Inn, it was only another 10 miles to our campsite, Country View Camping. This highly recommended site is run by a super-nice Irishman, offers good food, and has a great clubhouse.
Navigating the plains and a scenic return
On our second day, we had to adjust our original plan. I had hoped to cross the Plains through Imber, a village often closed due to military training. Unfortunately, the route was only open a few days a week, and we didn't want to risk an encounter with a tank! So, we opted to cycle around the military area instead. This involved some riding on A roads, but on a Sunday morning, traffic was light and manageable.
Further along, we joined National Cycle Route 24. While tarmac, it's a lovely, easy-going, and mostly downhill ride. We made a delightful stop at The Ginger Piggery & Ginny’s Cafe, where we enjoyed some truly delicious cakes. The final miles were a pleasant, steady cycle, and before we knew it, we rolled back into Salisbury and the car park.
Recommendations for your own adventure
I highly recommend this ride to anyone starting their bikepacking adventures. With plenty of stops for food and several camping options, it's an easy ride suitable for people of varying fitness levels. Just be sure to keep an eye out for the red flags when on MOD (Ministry of Defence) terrain, and perhaps avoid going if temperatures are soaring high!