Don't worry you won't get locked up
So the route takes you past Erlestoke prison, don't worry it's not a maximum security prison and no one has escaped recently. The ride itself makes use of the woodlands to the south of Erlestoke. The woods are on a steep ridge on which there are many trails, some which are exceptionally steep and probably best avoided unless your Rampage worthy. However it is easy to stick the more sensible trail choices, the route is relatively short at 14km. Should you wish to you can choose to try out some of the different trails to lengthen the ride.
Most of the ride is off the road with only a couple of short sections, which are mostly uphill, on tarmac in turn these are quite roads. In the dry the trails are super quick and dusty, they hold up relatively well in the wet, whilst although muddy aren't supper sludgy. Being close to Warminster the area has been used for Army training purposes indeed Erlestoke woods are managed by the MOD and there is a disused US Army Hospital in Erlestoke. However don't worry we've never been shot at and there is not evidence of current activity in the area. There are no known public access restriction above the usual stick to the made trails and be polite to other users.
As this is a Dyson Wednesday night ride there is a pub and this one is a little bit special. the Three Daggers in Edington has it's own micro Brewery which are served in the pub. It also has B&B accommodation should you wish to stay.
Erlestoke mountain bike route
| Distance | 14km |
| Time | 1.5-2.5hrs |
| Climbing | 430m |
| Starting location | Erlestoke |
| Pubs, cafes | The Three Daggers |
| Parking | Erlestoke Church car park |
| Route | View route on Strava View route on Komoot View route on Garmin Download GPX |
| Photos | View Photos on Flickr |
| Videos | View Videos on YouTube |
This ride is form our wednesday night series for more rides and routes take a look at our wednesday night rides.
Did you try this out? Comment here!