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Benzina recommended rides
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Ride 4
- Lacock, Castle Coombe, Bath and Devizes’ castle and locks – about 60 miles
Although parts of this drive are great, this is more about the historic sights along the River Avon. Because of the river and the Kennet and Avon canal there are more towns and busier roads, but even so places like Lacock and Bath’s Royal Crescent are on most visitors must-do list.
Leave us at the western (top) end of our lane, turning right in front of the old lodge and down the hill towards the A360. Cross the A360 at "Black Dog" crossroads towards Worton, carrying to Seend. Turn left onto the A361 towards Trowbridge, then right onto the A350 towards Melksham. Here you could take a diversion towards Bradford on Avon (B3107) and visit one of England’s most admired gardens, yet often ignored because it’s "just" 4 acres, at The Courts. Back on the A350 you’ll see Lacock on the right, a village frozen in time and the star of so many films and TV series.
As you approach Chippenham follow the signs for the M4 and, after crossing the A4, turn left at the next roundabout onto the A420 towards Bath and Bristol. Soon you’ll see the turning for Castle Coombe on the right, often called England’s prettiest village and home to the famous racing circuit.
The A420 is a great open run, and can run on to Bath’s northern Park and Ride at Lansdown, probably the best way to see the city unless you’re familiar with the local rat runs and don’t mind sitting in traffic looking for non-existing parking.
Leave the A420 for the A46, heading south as it bypasses Bathampton. When the dual carriageway ends cross the roundabout onto the A4 towards Chippenham. At Box bear right onto the A365 towards Melksham, and then pick up the A361 to Devizes. As you approach Devizes, just after the dual carriageway begins, you could turn left to see the greatest collection of canal locks in the world.
Drive through Devizes, following signs for the A360 and on towards Salisbury. You might want to stop off in the country’s largest Market place and glimpse the castle which is in fact a Victorian folly, sadly now private homes, built on the original Norman castle.
Some 4 miles south of Devizes you’re back at "Black Dog" crossroads, so turn left towards Easterton and the end of the drive.