Future of the Ginge permissive track…?

No, we don’t know whether Sustrans will adopt the new route and divert NCN 544. Keep using it until we get notified otherwise which maybe when the permissive track needs to be repaired and the landowner wants Sustrans to pay for it.

That’ll be an interesting conversation about the relative damage bicycles have on road surface compared to multi-ton tractor/trailer vehicle combinations…

I noticed the other day that the gate at the ‘Wantage’ end of the farm track was closed. There was a small opening next to the gate that I used to access the track. I also noticed that the Sustrans ‘544’ sign was removed at the ‘Harwell’ end of the track. I hadn’t cycled the route in over a year so it may have been like this a while. The map on the Sustrans website indicates that there havent been any changes though am not sure how up to date the map is.

I am happy to use the new route but thought I would mix it up a bit as I find the route through the farm at Ginge quite scenic. Any one know if the farmer has changed his mind? I spoke to the farmer a couple of years ago (when I stopped on the side for him to drive past. He was happy that I stopped but not so happy with a person ahead of me who he said wasnt polite to him), I would be happy to chat to him if I bump into him again to ask about the route.

The gate was closed when I cycled that way a couple of weeks ago, too. I encountered the farmer (I think) who seemed to be waiting to let me walk my bike through the gap. I said thank you but he seemed less than impressed with my being there. I do wonder what counts as impolite. I now take Icknield Way instead so I don’t have to dismount. It is a good alternative, and has pretty views in places.

I’d be interested to hear the outcome if you do chat to him.