stokell

Hi all.
I'm plotting to do the Severn and Thames Sustrans cycle route in the spring of '05.
https://www.sustrans.org.uk/webcode/R...gDistance=NN4A

I've already got the 1998 route map from Ordance Survey. Now I'm trying to plan out my route. It will be March or April so I need to know the highs and lows as I hope to stealth camp at least some of the time. Also should I start in Reading and head to Glouster or vice versa?

I've been checking out the charts and they don't show too many forests near the path. I'll be using a hammock so I need to camp somewhere where there are trees about 4 metres apart. Have you done National Cycle Network 4 and 41 recently? I'd like to hear from you if you have.

Also, I CANNOT miss Avebury (and I've done Stonehenge to death). Any other must sees for a worldly traveller?

Iffacus

I'm not an expert in the area you are wanting, but you will find it difficult to stealth camp in the UK. You are unlikely to find many trees, let alone 4m apart, the cheapest accomadation option is probably the YHA (https://www.yha.org.uk). You will need to remember that during March & April the UK is generally very rainy and occasionally snows

I have done some cycling around the Gloucester area (Cotswolds) and there are some real steep climbs, up to 1in4.

I sure some others can advise on the places to visit, enjoy your trip, hope I haven't put you off

Chris

Iffacus

forgot to add if you want more info PM me

scrumpy

I use the Route 41 part of your planned tour on a regular basis, in fact I rode a couple of miles on it this afternoon. It passes through some very pleasant rolling countryside, lots of pretty little villages and along the Sharpness Canal for a bit. The roads are mostly very quiet, just the odd farm vehicle and occasional cyclist.
You will ride through the biggest village green in Enland at Frampton On Severn, past Berkley Castle and then on south to Route 4. If you have a good head for heights, you may want to do a detour over the old Severn Bridge, but only if the weather is good. An alternative to following Route 41 from Frampton to Berkley would be to stay on the canal towpath all the way down to Sharpness and then on to Berkley from there. The main advantage with this is the wonderful views across the Severn estuary. If you are lucky with you timing, you may even get to see the Severn Bore.

Good Luck,

Bill

stokell

Thanks for the good info Bill. I'm going to check this out on the net.

One other question. Is this area without trees as one other member suggested? I camp in a hammock and I need trees. They don't have to be more than about a foot in circumference or very tall. I was in the southwest (Cornwall, Devon, Somerset) last spring and saw lots of suitable trees. I usually don't go to campgrounds but just camp out of sight near the trails I'm on. Do you think this is possible on the Severn and Thames route?

And finally, how did you get the handle scrumpy? It must have something to do with the notorious beverage of the same name.

scrumpy

Plenty of trees, but like Chris suggested, March and April can be inclement to say the least.
As for the handle, scrumpy was what I was drinking when I registered, www.zider.co.uk for more information.

Bill

stokell

For those following this thread, there is a great informational site on the Severn and Thames route at:

https://homepage.ntlworld.com/ron.strutt/rrncn7.html

Brains

I've ridden London to Bristol - Start at Reading and go west.

mostly flat, mostly along the K&A canal, and i'm sure stealth camping is not difficult as long as you choose as your places carefully