The best cycling routes around East Kennett

Pretty town - about 8 pubs but none of them in the Good Beer Guide. Which tells its own story.

Beautiful - genuily a stunning little gem of a place on the sides of the busy A road.

If you’re looking for a place that says, "I’m an ancient military mastermind, but I also enjoy a really great view," then Sidbury Hill is your spot. Located deep in the heart of Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, this isn't just a hill—it’s a massive, 2,500-year-old Iron Age fortress that looks like someone tried to sculpt a giant green jelly mold. Here is why it’s a blast (sometimes literally) to visit: 1. It’s a "Giant’s Stepping Stone" From a distance, Sidbury Hill looks like a perfectly symmetrical bump on an otherwise flat landscape. It’s an Iron Age Hillfort, and the people who built it weren't messing around. They dug massive ditches and ramparts that are still so steep today they’ll give your calves a serious workout. 2. The "Forbidden" Vibe Here’s the fun (and slightly spicy) part: Sidbury Hill sits right on the edge of the Salisbury Plain Training Area (SPTA). This is military territory. While the hill itself is usually accessible via public rights of way, you’re often surrounded by signs warning you not to touch "suspicious metal objects." It’s like being in an Indiana Jones movie, except instead of boulders chasing you, there’s a chance you’ll hear a distant BOOM from a tank range. (Don't worry, stay on the paths and you're golden!) 3. The "Motorway" of the Stone Age The hill is a major "junction" for ancient roads. The Harroway—an ancient trackway that’s arguably the oldest road in Britain—passes right by. Standing on the summit, you can almost imagine ancient traders trekking across the chalk with their flint and furs, probably complaining about the steep climb just like we do. 4. Nature Gone Wild Because the military has owned this land for over a century, it hasn't been touched by modern chemicals or intensive farming. It’s a time capsule of what England looked like hundreds of years ago. The Grass: It’s "unimproved chalk grassland," which is a fancy way of saying it’s a VIP lounge for rare butterflies and wildflowers. The Birds: Keep an eye out for Stone-curlews (very rare, very weird-looking birds) or buzzards circling overhead looking for a snack.

Look out for the famous horses of Wiltshire

It's an 87-mile (140 km) long waterway that links the River Avon at Bristol with the River Kennet at Newbury, which in turn connects to the River Thames at Reading. This effectively created an inland navigation route between Bristol and London, avoiding the potentially treacherous sea voyage around the tip of Cornwall. * While originally built for commercial purposes during the Industrial Revolution to transport goods and materials, it later declined with the advent of railways. Today, its primary purpose is for leisure activities such as boating, canoeing, fishing, walking, and cycling. It's also vital for wildlife conservation.

One of many along the enchanting Kennet and Avon Canal

Beautiful lil town, some lovely walks through the trees too

Thanks to the hill structure I was lucky to catch a sunrise over the barrows on Overton Hill where I spent the night, drove a few minutes to the start location of hike, made a coffee and watched the sunrise over the hill. a blessed day