The Dakota Ride to Blakehill Farm

Another of our Wednesday Wander Rides. We start at the site of one of the stations on the Old Midland and South West Junction Railway and after a short trail ride, we are on country roads to Blakehill Farm (now Chelworth Industrial Estate). This was a major airfield used in the preparations for D Day and at the time would have been full of Dakotas and Horsa Gliders. Some time after WW2 the site was used by GCHQ and was top secret. It is now a nature reserve but we will visit the memorial to the wartime effort before cycling to Cricklade for refreshments and our journey home which will take us along the route of the old railway

This ride will take you back in time. We will visit a major WW2 airfield, a Top Secret communications site, a long disused railway and a town which was home to a royal mint from 979 to 1100;

About 15% of this route is off road but with reasonably good tyres you will be fine. The remainder of the route is country lanes and B roads into/out of Cricklade

photos opportunities at Blakehill Farm, Coffee and Cake at one of the delightful cafes in Cricklade

Whilst not mandatory for adults, helmets are recommended. Please bring a spare inner tube, tyre levers and a pump which suits your tyre. Please also bring a face covering; you are not required to wear it on the ride, but some places ask you to wear one indoors and in the event that first aid is required . Please note many cafes only accept card payments at the moment.. Please dress appropriately for the weather

We welcome first timers to our rides so please feel free to sign up if you are happy to ride in small group along country roads. Our Ride leaders are all specially trained to keep you safe