Red Vein Bottom

Valley in Wiltshire

England

Red Vein Bottom

'Grey Road' through Savernake Forest Savernake Forest is a 4,500 acre estate believed to hold the highest concentration of &#039;veteran&#039; oak and beech trees in Europe. First mentioned as &#039;Safernoc&#039; in the 10th century (and therefore older than the &#039;New Forest&#039;), the area came under Norman ownership after the Conquest of 1066, and subsequently passed down an unbroken line of family ownership. It is the only forest in Britain still in private hands, but the family trustees administering the estate allow extensive, free public access (closed on only one day in the year), and the estate is managed by the Forestry Commission on a 999 year lease. <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.savernakeestate.co.uk/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.savernakeestate.co.uk/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> — 'Grey Road' through Savernake Forest Credit: Tim Heaton

Red Vein Bottom is a picturesque valley located in the county of Wiltshire, England. Nestled within the rolling hills of the South West, this idyllic area offers visitors a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The valley is characterized by its distinct red soil, which gives it its name and adds to its unique charm.

Surrounded by lush greenery, Red Vein Bottom is a haven for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. The valley is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a popular spot for birdwatching, hiking, and exploring the countryside. With its meandering streams and babbling brooks, it is also an ideal location for fishing and picnicking.

In addition to its natural beauty, Red Vein Bottom boasts a rich history. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with remnants of ancient settlements and burial sites discovered in the vicinity. The valley is also dotted with historic landmarks, including a medieval church and a charming old mill, which provide a glimpse into the region's past.

Visitors to Red Vein Bottom can enjoy a range of amenities, including walking trails, picnic areas, and a visitor center offering information about the valley's history and wildlife. The area is easily accessible by car and is a short distance from the nearby village, where visitors can find quaint pubs and shops.

Overall, Red Vein Bottom is a hidden gem in Wiltshire, offering a peaceful retreat and an opportunity to connect with nature and history.

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Red Vein Bottom Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.408142/-1.6808759 or Grid Reference SU2267. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

'Grey Road' through Savernake Forest

Savernake Forest is a 4,500 acre estate believed to hold the highest concentration of 'veteran' oak and beech trees in Europe. First mentioned as 'Safernoc' in the 10th century (and therefore older than the 'New Forest'), the area came under Norman ownership after the Conquest of 1066, and subsequently passed down an unbroken line of family ownership. It is the only forest in Britain still in private hands, but the family trustees administering the estate allow extensive, free public access (closed on only one day in the year), and the estate is managed by the Forestry Commission on a 999 year lease. Link

Tim Heaton

Christchurch, Cadley, Savernake Forest

Flint and limestone building of 1851. Now a private house Link

Tim Heaton

Broken ash, Great Lodge Bottom, Savernake Forest

Tim Heaton

Great Lodge Bottom, Savernake Forest

The track follows a shallow chalk valley heading towards Great Lodge Farm on the edge of the forest.

Tim Heaton

Grand Avenue, Savernake Forest

"Running right through the middle of the Forest is Capability Brown's 'Grand Avenue'. This avenue of beech trees - now a Private Road - was laid out in the late 1790's, and at just over 4 miles long it stands in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest Avenue in Britain." Link

Tim Heaton

Savernake Forest

Looking northwest along an autumnal track in Savernake Forest.

Rebecca A Wills

Savernake Forest, Wiltshire

White road within Savernake Forest.

Rebecca A Wills

Savernake Forest, Wiltshire

Looking southeast along a track in Savernake Forest in the vicinity of Furze Coppice.

Rebecca A Wills

Savernake Forest, Wiltshire

Looking south within Savernake Forest in the vicinity of Furze Coppice.

Rebecca A Wills

Savernake Forest, Wiltshire

A track within Savernake Forest, in the vicinity of Great Lodge Bottom.

Rebecca A Wills

Savernake Forest, Wiltshire

A view along Great Lodge Bottom within Savernake Forest.

Rebecca A Wills

Savernake Forest, Wiltshire

A view along Great Lodge Bottom in the vicinity of Cadley, within Savernake Forest.

Rebecca A Wills

The A4 passes through Savernake Forest

Laybys on stretches of road passing through privately-owned woodland tend to be few and far between, and poorly maintained. This short and narrow layby beside the eastbound A4 in Savernake Forest was covered in deep puddles. However the reward for stopping was the sight of magnificent autumn colour on the beech trees.

HelenK

Broken Gates at Cadley Church

There were once two churches on the edge of Savernake Forest serving a scattered settlement of farms and isolated cottages. About 5 kms away St Katharines Church is still open but Christ Church, Cadley is closed and is now residential. Someone still keeps the churchyard in a reasonable condition but these gates are now definitely past their best.

Des Blenkinsopp

Former Church at Cadley

There were once two churches on the edge of Savernake Forest serving a scattered settlement of farms and isolated cottages. About 5 kms away St Katharines Church is still open but Christ Church at Cadley is closed and is now residential. The civil parish of Savernake still covers this area.

Des Blenkinsopp

Cadley Garage

One of the few buildings in the small hamlet of Cadley is this motor engineering works. A close view of the old fuel pumps is on SU2066 : Old petrol pumps at Cadley

Des Blenkinsopp

Speed Limit on the Bridleway

Church Walk, Savernake Forest, a public bridleway. Not sure who the speed limit is there for. Can you do 20 mph on a horse. Maybe.

Des Blenkinsopp

Old Paunchy beside Church Walk

A specially named old oak tree with a strange bulge on one side. Church Walk heads towards the now closed Christ Church at Cadley. It is the only marked public bridleway in the forest, although this is now a bit of a technicality as the forest is access land and all the tracks are available.

Des Blenkinsopp

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Red Vein Bottom is located at Grid Ref: SU2267 (Lat: 51.408142, Lng: -1.6808759)

Unitary Authority: Wiltshire

Police Authority: Wiltshire