Burton Cycle Route 6

Burton – Nettleton Green – Fosse Way – The Gibb – Littleton Drew – Acton Turville – Burton

 7.5 miles, 350 ft climbing (107 metres)

Blog by Ian Wilson

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This short circuit is suggested for days when heavy showers or thunderstorms are likely as you are never much more than two miles from home. While some riders are happy to venture out in all weathers, others prefer to avoid a drenching and it is for these cyclists we offer this ride. To give the best chance of staying dry, the obvious precaution is to look upwind (established via forecasts or looking at which way clouds are moving) and see if any large cumulus or cumulonimbus are heading your way. Thunderstorms are not only unpleasant but there is danger, not so much from the obvious but minuscule risk of lightning, but more seriously the powerful up- and downdrafts cause squalls that could blow a cyclist into the path of traffic or off the road.
 
The height gain is modest but includes one steep hill on the Fosse Way up to the Gibb crossroads at The Salutation.
 
Parts of this route may be affected by Wessex Water lane closures over the summer – check their flyer for details.
 
Head for Nettleton Green via Nettleton Road or Toll Down Road/ Edgecorner Lane, as in previous rides. At the Green, take the lane signed North Wraxall. It starts level then gradually descends. A short steeper length ends in a T junction. Turn left here on to our old friend the Fosse Way. It ascends fairly steeply then levels off. In a mile it drops down to the stream after which comes the steep climb up to The Salutation. Pity the poor Roman soldiers in full military gear!
 
Cross the B4039, pass under the M4, then at the house ahead of you turn left. A gentle climb then a level stretch ends at a T junction on the outskirts of Littleton Drew.
 
Turn right at the T and pass through the pretty village of Littleton Drew. Continue on this almost level lane to Acton Turville. As previously described (Route 4) a short off-road alternative can be taken at the By-Way sign at a small grass triangle where the lane kinks to the right. In Acton Turville turn left at the T junction with the B4039, pass over the M4 bridge and end with the downhill run into Burton.
  

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This article by Ian Wilson originally appeared in The Bugle.