Geocaches - 31
Distance on Ridgeway - 6 Miles
Start Point on Ridgeway - Barbury Castle
End Point on Ridgeway - A Crossroads near a huge Pylon
Walk Inspiration
I cannot let the weather get in the way of my plans. I cannot afford to take a week off walking and today represents my last chance in May to add my monthly circular walk on the Ridgeway.
Yesterday, whilst making the choice of which Mr Piggery Sausage Roll to take on my journey, I checked the weather and it promised a 90% chance of heavy rain. The damn weather men are nothing if not accurate.
So I head off at 6am, working out where the wipers are on my new geowagon. An uneventful journey until I reach the last couple of miles before Barbury Castle. I can see a fleet of emergency vehicles with blue lights flashing and true enough, the road is blocked by a Policevan. A long diversion brings me out on the familiar ground of Piper's Way, Swindon and I am driving past one of my previous workplaces - Nationwide. Nothing like a work reminder to set you off on your way but it does present the chance to attack Barbury Castle from a different angle.
Unsurprisingly, given the weather and the time, I am the only fool at the car park. I dress in Goretex Trousers, Goretex Jacket and place my electricals in their Aquapack case. I should be bombproof, if not slightly unfashionable.
Head out and look for directions. They are soon in hand.
Which way to the Ridgeway? |
Typical Cache - Great Views |
Told you I was Goretexed up |
Another handful of quality caches before they suddenly stop at Hallam. This is quite nice, as it gives me some time to enjoy the way without my head in a GPS.
Thatched Cottages at Hallam |
How far have we come |
I vow to find out when I reach the Pylon |
Drop down from the ridge and a very dangerous but mercifully short stretch along the A346 brings me back to the railway line, picking up my official route again.
The caches start again in earnest along the sunken path. In the gaps, I am rewarded with a view of my outbound stretch of the Ridgeway from below.
Panorama |
How damp are Mappiman's Pants? |
Cache at Memorial |
One last look from the Ridgeway until June. When the sun will shine. |
Alas, i never get there. The road is still closed by the Policevan. Must have been a hell of an accident.
So a detour through the highlights of Swindon. Who the hell came up with the Magic Roundabout?
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