The best MTB trails around Kintbury

If you’re looking for a spot with a "dark history meets beautiful views" vibe, Combe Gibbet is exactly that. Perched high on Gallows Down (the name gives it away, doesn't it?) on the border of Berkshire and Hampshire, it’s one of the most atmospheric places in the North Wessex Downs. Here’s the story behind this lonely landmark: The "Double Trouble" Origin Story The gibbet isn't just a random decoration; it was built in 1676 for a very specific and grim reason. A local man named George Broomham and his mistress, Dorothy Newman, were convicted of murdering George's wife and son. As a warning to others, the authorities built a massive double-arm gibbet to hang them in chains right on the parish boundary. The one you see today is a replica (the 7th or 8th version!), but it stands in the exact same spot, looking quite eerie against the skyline. Why It’s Actually a Lovely Visit Despite the macabre history, people flock here for reasons that have nothing to do with 17th-century crime: The Views: Because it sits on the crest of the ridge (near Walbury Hill, the highest point in South East England), you can see for miles. On a clear day, you can look across the Kennet Valley all the way to the Cotswolds. The Paragliders: It’s a legendary spot for paragliding and hang-gliding. It’s incredibly relaxing to sit in the grass and watch them launch off the steep scarp and circle over the valley like giant birds. Ancient History: The gibbet is actually built on top of a Neolithic Long Barrow (a 5,000-year-old burial mound). So, it’s been a significant "high place" for humans for a very, very long time.

Really inspiring location on the Ridgeway National trail

Great views down the valley and Uffington white horse (white horse hill). Too wet to take proper photos alas. You will have a better experience on a clear day, I hope.

water tap here

White horse hill heading east downhill on the ridgeway very rutted

Uffington White Horse, Hill Fort & Dragon Hill – Ridgeway Detour Worth Every Calorie. If you’re bikepacking the Ridgeway or King Alfred’s Way, don’t just roll past this spot. Reserve a few calories and at least an hour — this area packs in some of the most iconic and mysterious landmarks in the region. 🟠 The Uffington White Horse – A 3,000-year-old chalk figure carved into the hillside. It’s Britain’s oldest hill figure and only fully visible from the air, but still incredible from the trail. 🟠 Uffington Castle (Hill Fort) – An Iron Age hill fort with wide open views and perfect spots to sit, snack, or take in the history. 🟠 Dragon Hill – A small, flat-topped mound tied to ancient legend. Folklore says this is where St George slew the dragon, and the bare patch where no grass grows is said to be stained with the dragon’s blood. A mix of archaeology, scenery, and myth — and it’s all just a short detour from the Ridgeway. Totally worth the time, especially if you catch it at sunset. 🎥 Short on time but carrying a drone? Put it up here and explore from the air — it’s the best way to take in the scale of the horse and the surrounding landscape. ✅ Ideal lunch or golden hour stop ✅ Historic and photogenic ✅ Good for walking the bike and soaking it all in 📍 Located near Uffington, Oxfordshire

Came across this striking obelisk at dusk while bikepacking the Ridgeway. The monument stands on an ancient barrow, just off a well-trodden section of the trail. Its silhouette caught in the fading light made for a quietly memorable moment. There’s a small nearby car park and good access, but in the evening it felt remote and peaceful. I found a discreet wild camping spot within 2 km of here — the surrounding downs offer open views.

Replacements and Legacy: The original gibbet from 1676 eventually deteriorated. The current gibbet is actually the seventh to stand on the site. Previous versions were replaced due to rotting, being struck by lightning, vandalism, or being blown down by strong winds. The current replica was erected in 1992. While the gibbet was only ever used for the display of George Bromham and Dorothy Newman, its grim history has made it a local landmark and a popular spot for walkers, hang-gliders, and paragliders, offering expansive views across Berkshire, Hampshire, and Wiltshire. The story of the murders even inspired a 1948 silent film called "The Black Legend," made by a young John Schlesinger.