The popular Pain on the Plain sportive will return on Sunday July 7 to raise funds for the official armed forces charity Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Forces Association (SSAFA).

Three routes through Salisbury Plain are available, including some on private military roads, as the event returns for its fourth edition.

Organised by Wheels in Wheels Events Ltd, the event offers riders the chance to explore the quiet roads and stunning views on the Salisbury Plain over distances of 97 miles, 62 miles or 30 miles.

Based in the grounds of the iconic 17th century Tedworth House, a recovery centre for injured service personnel, the long route is unique as it uses exclusive tarmac-ed military roads not normally open to the public, in addition to quiet public roads.

Taking a clockwise route from Tidworth, the parcours heads north via Market Lavington to Marlborough before heading south again to Tidworth then a loop out towards Tangley and back.

The medium route follows the long route to Pewsey before swinging back to do the 30 mile loop to Tangley.

Finally, the 30-mile short route to Tangley is ideal for those who would like to try a sportive at a less challenging distance, allowing riders to  take in some of the same roads as more experienced campaigners.

The long ride will start at 8am and costs £25 (£20 for serving forces), the medium at 9am (£20/£15) and the short distance at 10am (£15/£10).

On-the-day entries are guaranteed, but with a £5 surcharge on each distance.

All routes will be fully signposted, with mechanical back up en route as well as the start/finish, feed stops on the long and medium route and a broom wagon.

All finishers will also receive a free hot snack on their return to the finish.

Camping on site is available but must be booked beforehand and anybody wishing to use this facility is asked to contact the organisers for more details.

All profit made from the sportive will go to SSAFA, while riders can also take the opportunity to raise extra funds through sponsorship with forms available on the day.

For more information, or to enter on-line visit: http://www.wheelsinwheels.com/painontheplain/pain_on_the_plain_sportive_event.html