Great West Way Travel Magazine | Issue 08

eturn leg is on an entirely different route, you have been
warned! Riding through Somerset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire,
Worcestershire, Warwickshire and back again, the many
highlights will include some of the best mountain biking
trails found in England. Not only is the riding superb, but the
views from The Cotswolds escarpment are also fantastic too
– especially looking west across The Severn Valley towards
The Black Mountains and The Malvern Hills.
There’s also the UKCE Wiltshire Classic cycling event
taking place on 18 March 2023. The route starts from
Salisbury Racecourse in Wiltshire, and crisscrosses through
the rolling countryside of Cranborne Chase AONB, an area
rich in history, passing through numerous Saxon villages
including Rockbourne, which is home to an Ancient Roman
villa dating as far back as the Iron Age to the 5th century.
There’s a strong horse riding heritage running through
the Great West Way, and many tracks where you can watch
races and put money on your favourite horses. Ascot is of
course the most famous, hosting Royal Ascot on 22 June
2023. There are many other racecourses in the region too,
including those at Newbury, Windsor and Bath. And don’t
miss Barbury International Horse Trials in July, set against the
beautiful backdrop of the Marlborough Downs.
Henley-on-Thames is world-renowned for Henley Royal
Regatta, which takes place from 27 June-2 July.
You’ll find various other rowing events throughout the
year along the River Thames like Henley Women’s Regatta,
Marley Regatta (now at Dorney Lake near Eton) and Marlow
Town Regatta - a great one for kids with its family fun day,
Dragon Boat Festival and dog show.
If you’re inspired to have a go yourself, there are multiple
companies along the touring route offering horse riding and
rowing experiences. Explore Salisbury Plain on horseback, →
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