Burton Cycle Route No. 9

Burton – Littleton Drew – Alderton – Luckington – Sopworth (outskirts) – Little Badminton – Badminton – Acton Turville – Burton

13.3 miles, 630 ft climbing (190 m)

Blog by Ian Wilson

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This route features more total height gain than most, though none of the hills are all that strenuous.
 
Leave Burton eastbound on the B4039 then after a mile turn left opposite the Coachstyle garage. Pass through Littleton Drew then shortly after leaving the village fork right towards Alderton.
 
In a mile pass under the railway (rough surface under the bridge!) then a long but fairly tame gradient ends in a crossroads at the beginning of Alderton. If not visited on earlier rides, the duck-pond with its exotic breeds is worth a look. Continue through the village, at the end of which the road kinks right and rises gently up to a T, where turn left. Another T is soon reached, where again take another left. The lane drops down and crosses the Avon, after which a moderately steep hill rises into Luckington. Partway up the hill, a signed diversion to the right leads to the Grade 1 listed church, part dating to the 12th century. One of the bells is dated 1520. Don’t forget to take something for their donation box!
 
On meeting the B4040 cross over by the Old Royal Ship pub, an excellent lunch stop with a wide selection for both carnivores and vegetarians. Turn left into the lane by the pub then immediately right at a minor crossroads. Continue on this lane for a couple of miles. It undulates and includes one quite sharp dip. On reaching a minor cross-roads just before Sopworth turn left.
 
In a mile or so the lane passes a junction by a house and enters woods. In another half a mile turn left. This lane dips then climbs fairly steeply but briefly. There follows a stretch of excellent cycling across the Badminton estate along an avenue of trees. This is very much horse-riding territory – if coming behind them give a friendly call of ‘bikes behind’ to avoid startling the horses (it’s better than a bell as horses recognise a human voice.) The stretch ends in a dip then curves right up a short climb to a T, where take a right. The house here often has eggs for sale.
 
This lane soon enters Little Badminton. The lane curves sharply right then ascends to a summit opposite the private airfield. Now follows an idyllic downhill run into the Badminton village. At the time of writing beware of a small but nasty pothole shortly before passing under a low bridge.
 
In Badminton, the road swings right then passes the sports field. This route rejoins previous rides and continues to Acton Turville (pub and shop) where the B4039 is rejoined for the return to Burton.

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This article by Ian Wilson originally appeared in The Bugle.