Malawi Education Project is looking for people to embark on a beautiful cycle ride through
(almost) traffic free British countryside, whilst also raising some money to fund our next trip out to Malawi in September 2010.
Kicking off on the first weekend of the Bristol Cycle Festival and celebrating the British Waterways bicentenary of the Kennet & Avon Canal, the Malawi Education Project are cycling a predominantly traffic-free route fr...om Bristol to Pewsey, and back.
Following the Bristol to Bath Railway Path, one of the first cycle paths constructed by Sustrans in the 1980s, this fundraising ride will then cycle the rest of the route along the towpath of the Kennet & Avon canal; the whole length from Bath to Devizes has been improved as part of a partnership scheme between British Waterways, Sustrans, and the local councils, the result being a wider path with a surface that is more suitable for cyclists.
This route runs past the stunning aqueducts at Dundas and Avoncliff, stopping for a spot of lunch at Bradford-on-Avon, then on to the dramatic Caen Hill Locks at Devizes, and ending on the first day at The Barge Inn at Pewsey, which was built in 1810 to coincide with the opening of the Kennet & Avon Canal.
The Barge Inn has a campsite and all the riders' camping equipment will already have been transported there in time for their arrival. All the hard working cyclists can then relax throughout the evening, and enjoy afew drinks whilst watching some live music at the Inn!
The return journey on Sunday is another chance to take in the sights and experience a car free journey through the delights of the South-West countryside.
This is not a cycle route for speed merchants! Everyone else on the canal will be travelling at 4mph or even slower and cyclists are asked to be prepared to slow down or dismount for walkers and anglers, and should cycle with extra care when passing moored boats and under bridges.
This is a sponsored bike ride, and all money raised by participants will be going directly to Malawi Education Project, to help fund their next trip to Malawi in September 2010. For more information and how to take part, please email Joe Volk.
joe@malawieducationproject.comTHE ROUTEBristol to Pewsey - Saturday 11 September
Pewsey to Bristol - Sunday 12 September
1. BristolFrom Bristol Temple Meads station, cross the new bridge over the floating harbour, then New Kingsley Road and St Philip's Road. The Bristol to Bath Railway path starts here, clearly signposted as National Cycle Network Route 4 (look for the blue signs).
2. Bristol to KeynshamThe excellent traffic-free Bristol to Bath Railway Path links the city of Bristol to the Kennet & Avon Canal via an attractive and convenient traffic-free route. It is 16 miles long and, in combination with the Kennet & Avon Cycle Route, makes up a 100-mile route between Reading and Bristol.
3. Keynsham to BathThe route criss-crosses the winding river Avon on railway viaducts before entering historic Bath.
Take care through Bath, where the route is entirely on-road. Among the many attractions of this fine city is Pulteney Bridge, which you'll pass over. This famous bridge over the Avon is lined with shops and cafes.
4. Bath to HilpertonFrom Bath, the route follows the Kennet & Avon Canal all the way to Devizes. This is one of the prettiest sections of the canal, clinging to the side of the Avon Valley. Among the attractions are the Claverton Pumping Station, Dundas Aqueduct - where the Somerset Coal Canal once began - and Avoncliff Aqueduct. Bradford-on-Avon is our half-way point , with fine Georgian architecture and all facilities.
5. Hilperton to SeendThis is a quiet, rural section of towpath. The canal crosses over the Semington bypass on a brand-new aqueduct .
6. Seend to DevizesApproaching from the west, the Caen Hill Flight is a magnificent sight. Take extra care along this section, and if heading downhill (from the east), do not speed.
7. Devizes to The Barge InnApproximately 8 miles along the towpath from Devizes at Pewsey awaits the evening resting place of the The Barge Inn, built in 1810 to coincide with the opening of the Kennet and Avon Canal.
http://www.malawieducationproject.com/http://bristolcyclefestival.com/