Although
the M4 slices through the Berkshire Downs west of Newbury,
the valleys leading up to the rolling downland and ridge
running east-west reveal far more of the life and purpose
of a particularly attractive area. The principal valley
is the Lamborn valley running northwest from Newbury and
the start of this route is around half way up that valley
at Great Shefford, close to J14 on the M4. The route passes
through Lambourn at the head of the valley and then, as
you head out on the downs with training gallops in all directions,
you are increasingly aware of the ridge on the skyline.
Once you crest the ridge, you drop down the steep northern
scarp slope and then head across an entirely different terrain
- the broad Vale of the White Horse west of Oxford. As you
pass through this undulating, farming area, brick and flint
buildings abound in the many villages and the historic market
towns of Faringdon and Witney. Beyond Witney the scenery
changes with the soft colours of Cotswold stone buildings.
Near Chipping Norton you cross the A361 Banbury road and
drop into the narrow lanes through Swerford heading for
Hook Norton. This route is one of contrasting scenery with
a great deal of interest along the way. It is one that cannot
fail to provide a memorable day in an MG! |
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The truly
stunning panorama from the top of the north facing scarp
slope of the Berkshire Downs looking over the broad Vale
of the White Horse (above). Left, the view driving up to
Whitehorse Hill on the ridge of the Berkshire Downs. |
Great
Shefford to Hook Norton over the Berkshire Downs and across the
Vale of the White Horse
You can download a copy of the two page article on this second Memorable
MG Route. Later we will have a photo guide to the route and a detailed
route guide with directions, places to see, diversion options and
suggested refreshment spots. They are both PDF documents.
MMGR03
route
Photo guide
to the route
Detailed route
guide
Download
a copy of the guide in PDF format.
Route guide
and details
Memorable
MG Routes series
This is the third Memorable MG Route in a new series launched in
the revived Safety Fast! (7.3.08)
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A
new series called Memorable MG Routes has been launched
Memorable MG Routes
are not simply about the tactile pleasure of driving the road, particularly
in an MG, but they are also about the interest along the route from
the views on the road, places to visit, sights to see and of course
refreshment at tea shops and pubs! More
Series will continue
A key feature of this series is contributions are welcome from members
with their own memorable routes. So suggestions for additional routes
will be very welcome. A note with guidelines for the style, content
and format of the Memorable MG Routes series is available. More
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