 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! |
 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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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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