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A Day Out From Marlborough
Ride Date 9 July 2025
By Ren Withnell
Well this is a nice problem to have isn't it. What shall we do today huh? Avebury Ring? Nah, we've been there done that. I, errr, well, I'm struggling. I know - I'll ask my new temporary friends in the motorhome, they know the area. The lovely couple look at each other quizzically, then the lady suggests Caen Hill Locks, Devizes. She's not overselling it to me, it's just a suggestion, but it's way more than I've got. Yeah, that'll do.
"I'll go and ask the neighbours".
But first we're off for a walk through the forest. The sun is up, the air is warm, it appears we are to be blessed with another lovely day. Which means the forest pixie is happier than a hound that's found a bone pile. She's skipping off to smell a flower or hug a tree, tripping over a root as she's too busy looking up at the foliage, it's all terribly gleeful. I'm happy enough just meandering along. I suppose.
Look how happy she is in the forest.
Sharon takes a million images in the forest.
Another cuppa back at the tent then we gear up to ride. There's 16 miles of warm, dry, easy riding through broad fields filled with crops, rolling hills, clumps of trees, and then the small town of Devizes. The road up to the car park for the locks has a multitude of sharp annoying speed bumps to negotiate before the frustration of yet another pay-and-display car park. Should we, shouldn't we? I mean what's to stop someone nicking our tickets anyhow? Still, we pay.
I've seen locks many times before. What Caen Hill Locks have next to almost all of the locks is a large man made pond. Logic dictates these ponds are reservoirs to ensure a sufficient and regular flow, sensible but not something I've seen elsewhere, presumably the needs here were once quite unusual. We sit a while watching a couple of boats descending, Sharon's learning how it all works. Why does that stay closed? How does the water get into there? What's she doing with that handle?
Beside each lock is a reservoir.
I'm happy to watch and explain - admittedly I might be accused of mansplaining although I try not to be patronising. Once she's grasped the concept and accepted nothing is perfect and that's why the locks leak - we unseat ourselves and make our way to the cafe. A brew and a flapjack is enjoyed in the shade before we meander back to the bikes. Caen Locks is not a life changing experience, it is a cordial way to spend a couple of hours.
Don't worry the brew is on it's way.
A quick scan of Google maps and I have an alternative route back to Marlborough. There's no reason at all to go to Upavon, it's just a place on a map. More country lanes, more crop filled fields, more dense hedgerows and soon enough Upavon hoves into view. There's parking beside the small village shop and the bus stop. Helmets off and attached to the bike, jackets in the top box and we're off.
It's a local shop for local people.
Upavon is a tiny village with all the things you'd expect. Notices pinned to a board inside the porch of the church, the village shop with a handful of daily needs, old thatched houses interspersed with crisp modern yet tastefully styled new properties, and no village would be complete without a pub or two. Words like bucolic and pastoral come to mind. I giggle to myself, if Agatha Christie and Midsomer Murders were true there must be someone murdered here at least monthly.
"Missing - husband, answers to the name of Brian. Last seen leaving pub late thursday."
It's warm, sweaty even. Sharon sources a couple of ice cold Magnum lollies from the village shop which we enjoy in the shade of the brick built bus shelter. Whoa! There goes a police car, sirens blaring. That'll be Mrs Miggins who runs the knitting circle, skewered with a UK14 knitting needle through the ears because she flirted with Mrs Fortesque-Smyth's husband back in 1963... but we won't know that until the very end when the sleuth has everyone gathered in the drawing room.
It's not far back to the campsite. We gingerly make our way down the gravel track to Tesco and source tonight's meal consisting of curry and rice with naan bread. Beyond this there's nothing to do, in a good way. We drink tea and chat, briefly engaging with the campervan couple. I give the bikes a dose of chain lube and a quick once over. Other than this it's a case of watching the sun set between the trees and retiring to bed.
Well that'll be tonights meal sorted then.
Today has been a good day. Calm, chilled and relaxing, nothing of note, not one for the history books. And that, well that's not a bad thing is it. More often than not no news is good news.
It's easy to post on BAT - click here.
Dad's And A Detour Prologue
So come on Ren, what's the excuse this time? A few notes on the where's and why-fors of a lightweight tour south of The Ship Canal.
A Good Start To Heading Saaaf
It's an easy and chill ride today as The Dynamic Muppets make their way southbound. A lucky cafe find, a lovely village and fun in a pub? This can't be Bikes And Travels, surely?!
It Was Going OK, Until It Wasn't
With only 150 miles to cover the threat of rain is only a minor inconvenience really. Sharon makes some new friends en route and they both enjoy the countryside riding. It's the last few miles that are a problem.
An Easy Ride And A Woodland Sprite
It's a short ride today for the Dynamic Muppets and the accommodation transforms Sharon into an ethereal being. Ren is happy because he gets to be grumpy. Business as usual.
A Day Out From Marlborough
Another easy rest day for the not so dynamic muppets. Sharon's happy with trees, Ren's happily mansplaining locks, and there's Curry for tea. What's not to like?
Reader's Comments
Bogger said :-
Sounds like quite an enjoyable day doing nothing.
Camping curry for tea is enjoyable, tasty and somewhat relaxing and most importantly for you, CHEAP.
I was just wondering? did you actually mention to Sharon about the Rick Stein restaurant in Marlborough?
I bet you did (laugh out loud) and she said, 'no, save your money Ren, I would hate to indulge in such a terrible experience'. Yeah right.
You can't take it with you you know!
Bogger
14/10/2025 11:54:37 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
"Did he tell Sharon about the restaurant"?
I'm sure I'll stop laughing, just can't say when.
Upt.
14/10/2025 12:17:28 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Bogger (and Upt') if you read the previous page (see below) we did walk past the Rick Stein restaurant the evening before - but I did "omit" to mention the details to Sharon.
https://bikesandtravels.com/biker.aspx?ride=7677...
14/10/2025 15:38:33 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Oh, I read it!
14/10/2025 16:19:58 UTC
Bogger said :-
So did I. But I was just wondering, misguidedly so, if you has redeemed yourself.
Alas you are beyond redemption methinks.
Bogger
14/10/2025 19:00:01 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
You're right Bogger, I am beyond redemption even at my grand old age. That's because I'm still a webel and a wascal.
15/10/2025 12:59:44 UTC
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