private penguin · Jan 7, 2018

Hicap phill said:
As most round here link with the ridgeway these are closed. Can't be bothered to go onto the "plain" then spend 3 days washing the motor & then 2 days fixing it.
It was bad enough when I raced at tidworth.

Wiltshire council's website is currently showing very few TROs

Maybe it's not up to date... but from Swindon there's loads of byways south of Wootton Bassett heading towards Beckhampton (i.e. keeping West of the Ridgeway area). They seem to range from gravel farm tracks to muddy slogs across fields so obviously a case of being careful only to drive those that can suitably be driven this time of the year.

Yes the plain does always involve giving the car a good wash - Salisbury silt seems to be one of the most corrosive substances known to man! But if you're driving sensibly there should be no need to spend 2 days repairing the car afterwards!

Hicap phill · Jan 7, 2018

Thanks for the update on wilts lanes. There are TRO & VRO signs out on tracks which I know but have never been shown on the council site. Will get the OS maps out.
yep 2 days fixing. This was my competition racer. In 6 years racing this motor it never broke down due to maintance issues.

private penguin · Jan 7, 2018

Looking at the website they dont seem to be very good at keeping it up to date - i guess it must be tricky for a council with one of the largest networks of byways in the country, but presumably they must keep a log somewhere, and you'd think that would automatically update to the website.

Haven't done the lanes around Bassett for a while - but may have to head up that way once the weather improves

Hicap phill · Jan 7, 2018

I have asked ROW people who I help out and they don't get any joy from council. But these people are good at getting locked gates removed

Chain saw and use of the landy for bridalways clearance goes a long way. Keeps the horse riders happy & information on local conditions up to date.
Some of the lanes over beckhampton are marked on the map but not signed as byways when I went looking. Most have been reclassified as bridalways.

Paul D · Jan 7, 2018

Just for interest ... and promotion!! The Glass rep is very active in the area with good connections and a vast knowledge of routes.
Hidden Lane cleared ..
Salisbury Plain Way-Marking ..
Joining Glass ..

Hicap phill · Jan 7, 2018

@Paul D That would be another group to join

Part of searching for lanes involves me been out on my bike through the winter period. I may have to join glass just for extra knowledge.
1 of my ROW friends is the horse driving society & our picture was used On the glass banner last year.
1horse power & 4 wheels but only a little cheaper to run than a landy

Hicap phill · Jan 14, 2018

Been out today. 12 miles on bike 5 miles in the Landrover. Ground drying up.found 2 4x4 on closed routes & explained this. Fair play they turned round & pointed the sign out. Unsure how they missed it.. ground drying up.
Bring on the summer.