Summary
Where
Warmley Station
Bristol And Bath Railway Path
Warmley, BS30 5JB
Who
Organiser:
What
Series: Great Western Randonnées
Brief
Day and night, fast and slow! Beautiful valleys including the Chalke with the odd hill thrown in; plus Cheddar Gorge, maybe in the dark with its looming walls. Stunning views en route, you may just see The Needles…
Event Info
£10.00
08/01/27 @ 15:00
BRM-PBP
Audax Awards
200
209 km
15-30 kph
13h30
Rainbow Flat
2450m
Facilities
Hover for brief, click for full overview.
Overview
Chalke & Cheese 200 is the early year 200 to do!
Description
Heading out from Warmley Station along the Bristol to Bath Railway Path and through the 2Tunnels under Combe Down you will make your way into Wiltshire and cruise down the amazing virtually traffic free Wylye Valley to Ginny's, which the still operational GWR Wessex Main Line follows to the historic town of Wilton with its Italianate Church.
Hopping over to the Chalke Valley, named after a small tributary to the River Ebble emerging at Broad Chalke, you head towards Shaftesbury after a couple of climbs; the first onto Charlton Down on a section of old Roman road between Bath and Badbury Rings, here you may see on the horizon The Needles if a clear day. Descend the infamous Zig-Zag Hill to Shaftesbury.
Using predominantly B roads from now you head to Wells, here the road named Strawberry Way follows what was once the old Strawberry Line named after the local produce. Level riding through Somerset to Cheddar and its mighty Gorge, most likely in the dark with its looming rock faces, you ascend The Mendips to the Chew Valley and the arrivée at The Holybush Inn, Bridgeyate.
Brevet return postage included.
Navigation
Route notes and a variety of files/links will be available usually 5 days before the event.
Will's are considered the Gold Standard for AUK events!
Map
The interactive map below is a guide, subject to change and not necessarily the final version. Toggle 'chart' for elevation & approx. slope %; now works in full screen too.
Route & validation
- The route is advisory - you just have to visit the controls and gain proof of passage within time limits where specified; there may be parts that you'd like to take a different route and that is entirely up to you; the time limits for the controls don't change!
- Validation: Instant - you get to take your validated brevet card home straight away at the end of the event.
Start details
Parking:
Please do not use the car park next to the start. This is 2hrs max and actively enforced. Surrounding streets in the immediate vicinity are residents only, further out no restrictions. Alternatives:
- Lyde Green P&R is free to use but has opening/closing times though ungated; check link for restrictions. Directions here.
- Bristol Parkway Main Car Park for long term parking and follow directions for 'train access' above.
- Please do not use Bitton Station; this is intended for those using the railway path recreationally not for all day parking.
- If the Hollybush Inn is being used as the finish please do not use their car park.
For full details see Warmley Station
Reviews
What others think.
Chalk & Cheese blast
As ever with all GWR events, well organised, decent food stops, well thought out routes and as Will loves to do at the end of most of his events throws in some lovely “Will’s Hills”.
Always try and ride as of the GWR 200 events.
Chalke and Cheese January jaunt
Well done Will! What a great January ride. Covered much of the country I knew on many roads that I had never ridden before. The ride up Cheddar Gorge in the dark really was a highlight. I also loved the glimpse I had of all the riders coming down the Bristol Bath cycle track with their front lights on – quite magical. Did 220km in all including two and from the car. It was my first Audax and I enjoyed every minute (even the final climb up to Queen Charlton). I will be riding the Chalke and Cheese next year and will try to get more of my club mates to join me.
Response from Pedalution
First ones are always the best 😉
Great event well managed
I really enjoyed this event, stops were well chosen and route was challenging enough, especially for a January ride.
The only thing I would change is using the Cycle path. I found it uncomfortable that many riders with flashing lights in a narrow path. I felt sorry for those riding in the opposite direction. I know plenty of alternative routes via the north or south of the path as it is part of my commute from Trowbridge to North Bristol
Keep up the good work
Response from Pedalution
Thanks Jose. I’m going to stagger the start over a longer period next time.
Chalk n Cheese winter miles
An excellent route , second time I’ve done it. Will really comes up trumps with great knowledge of the best roads to use, best cafe stops and a real sense of adventure. A real mix of very friendly riders – and not intimidating for the less experienced either.
Highly recommended, fun and cheap for what you get
Great route and organisation
Nice start point and initial bike path to Bath. Make sure you have decent lights! Then some nice climbing. The route is great and the Chalke and Wylye valleys and then Cheddar Gorge are magnificent.
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08/01/27 @ 15:00 or when full.
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