W26 Information

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BECKHAMPTON to WANSDYKE

Waypoint	Map Reference	Bearing to next waypoint
START	SU 0772 6919	293
WP1	SU 0553 6992	212.3
WP2	SU 0508 6907	197.8
WP3	SU 0483 6780	167.4
WP4	SU 0509 6714	250
WP5	SU 0423 6675	130.2
WP6	SU 0516 6608	110.2
WP7	SU 0813 6525	13.4
WP8	SU 0869 6885	260.8
WP9	SU 0822 6873	317
START	SU 0772 6919	-

General:- This 9.7 mile route is pure downland and much of it follows the "White Horse Trail" and "Ridgeway" national trial. Almost all of it is on good track making it extremely easy to follow and ideal for winter, bear in mind it is exposed and there is very little shelter from the wind.

At waypoint 5 the route diverts onto a new path created by DEFRA ( Department for Environment, Farming & Rural Affairs) to protect archaeological remains at the Wansdyke junction a little further on. I have no idea what they are protecting but if its important enough to create a new path it can only be a secret hoard of gold! If anyone knows the true reason I would be interested to hear, alternatively, if you do find gold just remember I told you where to look.

As you climb up the Wansdyke from waypoint 6 you will see piles of chalk on the ditch walls where badgers have dug their sets, I am amazed how much they can move.

I (GPS length 9.49 miles).

How to get there: Park in signposted car park on south side of A4 3/4 mile west of Beckhampton roundabout.