| The Vale of the
White Horse is a magical place, with ancient sites shrouded
in myth. The White Horse itself, a great image cut into
the chalk of the hillside, has watched over the farmers
of the vale for more than three thousand years.
The vale is a gently undulating plain nestling
between the Marlborough Downs and the Cotswolds. There are
great views, rolling countryside and miles of quiet lanes.
On Saturday we criss-cross the vale, touch
the edge of the Cotswolds and pass through picture-postcard
country estates. We climb White Horse Hill, admire the spot
where St George fought the dragon (so they say!), and cycle
along the prehistoric Ridgeway to the megalithic long barrow
of Wayland’s Smithy.
On Sunday we travel half-forgotten lanes and
pass through secluded villages. We follow the old wool-traders'
routes through the valleys of the Thames and Windrush rivers.
This is a great opportunity to stay at Charney
Manor, a beautiful Cotswold-style medieval manor house
dating from the 13th century – one of the oldest inhabited
houses in Britain. Accommodation is in single and twin en-suite
bedrooms, either in the manor house itself or in the converted
barn across the courtyard.
The rides have been designed by Andy Key,
one of our beano helpers. We will be riding along too of
course.
| Date: |
Friday 25 to Sunday 27 June 2010 |
| Price: |
£320 per person |
| Note: |
The weekend begins with dinner
on Friday evening, and ends after tea & cakes
on Sunday afternoon. If you want to stay over on Sunday
night, B&B can be arranged at the manor. |
|
