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The Great Ridgeway Lie -What Alun Michael was not told!
This is just one of a series of "100 metres Lies".
It is one the sections of the Ridgeway that were deliberately harrowed and left with a soft surface to intentionally become rutted to "discourage" unsuitable vehicles. That is, where ordinary saloon cars are not suitable for the undulating surface of most of the Ridgeway. These sections are about 100 metres long on both sides of various intersections with tarmac roads.
They had "Alternative Paths" for walkers created alongside. However the idea was a failure, but the Fiends of the Ridgeway took Alun Michael to see these. This is what the casual visitor sees, and is all too ready to blame trail bikes and 4x4s.
This is another example of how one section was deliberately allowed to become rutted. It is not "4x4 Damage" as the Minister was told. The level of traffic is the same as the properly maintained section beyond the short badly rutted surface. There is no turning and 'playing' in the section.
This is a section that has been surfaced to a very high standard, some will say too high, and has lost some of the character in the process. However if correctly made with LARGE ANGULAR stone as a base, it will last for a very long time. It may encourage excessive traffic, which in turn can spoil the very special nature of the way. There are very many ways in which the level and type of traffic may be managed, that legitimate users of all types have unanimity on.
Repairs do not have to be expensive. This agricultural repair method is perfectly adequate to fill ruts.
This fine example of a firmed road with large angular stone. The interstices have filled with mud, this allows it to green up, and locks the stone in place. (This is not on the RW) This carries a high level of agricultural traffic at certain times of the year (mainly winter), and is very robust.
The 1.5 metres between the tracks are excellent to walk or ride on or, where space permits, the verges at the sides.
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