Shame there were only two of us but we had a splendid ride through varied terrain on a very pleasant day.

After an early coffee stop at the Village Shop at Steeple Ashton we enjoyed mostly quiet roads down to Longleat, with the exception of 5 km of the B3098/A350 around Westbury which are always busy and difficult to avoid. The swooping descent through Longleat in the sunshine with far-reaching views was probably the highlight of the ride. La Strada Cafe in Frome provided decent all-day breakfasts (though it would be a bit short on bike parking space for a large group).

The cycle paths through old railway tunnels provided a relaxed route into busy Bath city centre. At Bathampton , after a section on canal towpath, coffee and dessert at the George pub set us up nicely for the long climb up Oakford Lane from Northend to the Fosse Way and the descent back to Castle Combe.

Thank you Louis for your excellent company!

(ps Despite contrary indication on the Wiltshire website the car park at Dunns Lane.