Littleton Drew – Alderton – Brook End – Luckington – Badminton – Acton Turville – Burton

12.2 Miles, 540 ft (167m) climbing

Blog by Ian Wilson

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This is the first of a short planned series of cycle routes centered on Burton. They are of modest length, up to 20 miles, as riders keen on long distances will tend to plan their own routes.

Please be considerate to other road users so they will reciprocate and be courteous to us. Many local lanes are narrow so if there is traffic behind pull over at a suitable point and let it pass. A cycle mirror is a great help and a safety aid – most hazards to cyclists come from behind.  If coming up behind walkers and especially horse-riders a friendly “bikes behind” will avoid startling them.

This route leaves Burton to the east on the B4039, then in just over a mile turn left opposite the Coachstyle garage. Pass under the M4 then through Littleton Drew. Soon after leaving the north end of the village, fork right towards Alderton.

In a mile pass under the railway. Be ready for a rough patch of surface under the bridge. A long, gradual ascent leads into Alderton. Straight ahead at the minor cross-roads. The duck-pond, carefully tended by villagers, has some exotic species, although sadly depleted when an otter entered via the outlet culvert and went on a killing spree.

At the end of the village, the road kinks right, then passes the now sadly closed church with its fine spire. At the T go left, then soon after at the next T right. After 1.5 miles turn left at a minor cross-roads on to a road marked no motor vehicles.

The road descends followed by a short climb then drops down to the Avon which is crossed by a footbridge alongside a deep ford. Continue up a short but steep hill opposite to join the B4040 (a less steep option is to turn right after the bridge and join the main road further east).

Entering Luckington, fork right at the Old Royal Ship, in normal times an excellent lunch stop. Cross two minor roads, then in half a mile turn left where the lane ahead shows no through route. (in wet weather this stretch can be muddy from farm traffic but can be avoided by staying on the B4040 at the Ship then taking first right after the village). In a mile, right at the next T which leads to Badminton in another mile. The ditch on the left entering the village contains the Avon, here close to its source flowing east, precisely opposite to its final direction.

Left at the next T, cross the railway in a mile and enter Acton Turville. On meeting the B4039 turn left (if wishing to visit the shop it’s just within the road opposite), cross the M4 and enjoy a downhill ending back into Burton.

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The article by Ian Wilson originally appeared in The Bugle.