Undy and Wentwood. Starting from Undy in fine weather, we set out across the Gwent Levels to Parc Seymour, for our coffee stop at The Coffee Lodge. The only significant climb of the day then took us up to the ancient forest of Wentwood. We crossed Earlswood Common and began a long gradual descent with views of the Severn Estuary. Continuing through Shirenewton, we reached Caerwent for lunch at the Coach and Horses. Riding on to Caldicot brought us to Caldicot Moor, and our return to Undy. Thanks to Helen and Andy for an enjoyable ride, away from the Bank Holiday rush. 

Around the Lower Rhymney and Taff Valleys. Starting by Caerphilly Castle, 14 riders set off in perfect cycling weather, After weaving our way through the town, we joined a minor road that took us north along the hillside above the Rhymney Valley to Ystrad Mynach. We climbed up onto the magnificent Hengoed Viaduct, to head west on NCN 47 to our coffee stop by the fishing pond in Parc Penallta. We made the zigzag descent to Quakers Yard where we joined the Taff Trail to follow the River Taff south to our lunch stop among the splendid flower display in the sunken garden by the bandstand. Nearby is the monument to Evan James and James James who wrote the Welsh national anthem “Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau”. After lunch, we continued on the Taff Trail to Nantgarw where we turned east to complete our circuit back to Caerphilly. Our thanks to Pam and Tony for a splendid ride as always. 

Valleys Circuit and Beacons View. On a day that promised mixed weather, ten riders set out from Hengoed, across the viaduct and onto a minor road to Pengam where we joined NCN 468, ascending the Rhymney Valley to Bargoed. We branched off onto NCN 469, climbing to Cwm Darran Country Park for our coffee stop. Here we discovered some interesting animal sculptures, including an amphitheatre built around a giant wild boar. We continued our ascent to the former mining village of Fochriw. The route stayed high on a minor road through open cast coal country to Dowlais and NCN 46 across to Pant Station with views of the Brecon Beacons along the way. From Pant, we enjoyed a long descent on the Taff Trail south though Merthyr Tydfil where we stopped for lunch by the old stone cottages that include the birthplace of Joseph Parry (composer of the famous Welsh song “Myfanwy”). Continuing on the Taff Trail we stopped at Aberfan where we visited the Memorial Gardens remembering the Aberfan Disaster of 1966, when the village school was engulfed by a collapsing coal tip. We crossed the valley onto the Trevithick Trail to continue southwards along an old tramroad, with dramatic views of the River Taff and its gorge, to Quakers Yard. After a well-earned ice cream stop, we joined NCN 47 with a short initial climb up the zigzags before continuing through Penallta Country Park to Hengoed. Fortunately, the day stayed dry, despite some very threatening black clouds. We were very pleased to welcome Dave Moore back out with our group after an absence of four months. 

Portishead Promenade from Severn Beach. 15 riders set off from Severn Beach Village Hall on a glorious summer’s day and we were pleased to have Colin and Pauline back out with us again. We took the cycle route to Avonmouth – a green corridor among the sights, sounds and smells of industry – and on to Lawrence Weston. We climbed up to cross the Avonmouth Bridge, high above the River Avon, and dropped down to an excellent riverside stop for coffee and cake at the Duke of Cornwall in Pill. We then continued on NCR 410 taking the country lanes via Clapton-In-Gordano, below the elevated M5, and across to Walton-In-Gordano. Here, we tackled the only significant climb of day, up Walton Street and past St Pauls Church, to be rewarded by the stunning view over the River Severn. We continued with the vista and view all the way on our long descent into Portishead where we enjoyed a leisurely picnic lunch on The Promenade with shortbread stars provided by our leader. Our return took us through Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve and the twists and turns around the “car lots”, then back across the Avon Bridge to retrace our outward route to Severn Beach. Thank you to Martryn for an excellent debut ride as leader and we look forward to many more! 

East Side of the Severn around Frampton. Starting from Cam and Dursley Railway Station eleven cyclists set out under an overcast sky. We followed country lanes to Cambridge and over the swing bridge onto the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal. Then a short spell on the tow path alongside the canal before leaving it to reach Frampton-on-Severn for our coffee stop on the largest Village Green in England. We then picked up quiet lanes taking us alongside the River Severn to Longney where we made a loop to the north, returning to Longney and Epney for lunch at the Anchor Inn while a shower passed over. After lunch, and with two more cyclists added to the group, we continued in the sunshine through the villages of Saul, Whitminster and Frocester before returning to the Station. Another good day out. Thank you to Christine for leading both of our June rides. 

Raglan, Usk and Llantrisant Circuit. Nine cyclists set off in the summer sun from Raglan and look a quiet lane with splendid views towards Kingcoed and on to Usk for a coffee stop in the garden of the excellent Sprokwobbles Cafe. We continued south through Llangibby, then turned left for a climb onto the ridge for more wonderful views and a delightful twisting lane to Llanhennoc and Newbridge on Usk. We began our return northwards to our well-chosen lunch stop at The Greyhound in Llantrisant then back to Raglan via Cefn Tilla and a final ridge top with views north to the Skirrid. Thank you to Christine for stepping in at short notice to fill a gap in our programme with an excellent and varied ride enjoyed by all. 

Cotswold lanes and villages from Malmesbury. Winding our way through the busy streets of Malmesbury, we set off to explore the Cotswolds on a fine summer’s day. Our route took us through Corston and Upper Seagry to Somerford and our coffee stop on the show ground by the river. Continuing through the ancient woodland of Somerford Common and the attractive village of Minety, we arrived at our lunch stop at The Wheatsheaf at Oaksey. Unfortunately, it was closed due to lack of staff, but the picnic tables provided a comfortable place to eat our sandwiches and enjoy the sun. Our return took us via Charlton and back to Malmesbury for a welcome drink at the Whole Hog in the Market Place. Thanks to Mike and Kay for devising a very enjoyable early summer Cotswolds ride and to Kay for leading us on the day. 

Quiet lanes of the Trothy Valley and Trellech Escarpment. Starting in Raglan, we climbed steadily to Tregare, our route giving us dramatic views of Raglan Castle below us to the east, before enjoying some good downhill runs to the village of Dingestow for our coffee stop in the village shop. We then continued to Jingle Street where we crossed the River Trothy before following quiet lanes to the disused Llangovan church, now owned by a wildlife trust and a haven for bats. A stiff and testing climb up the hill towards Trellech took us to Christine Green’s house where we ate our picnic lunch and marvelled at the spectacular views across the Monmouthshire countryside. After lunch we continued through Trellech and onto Catbrook for a welcome afternoon tea stop at Teresa’s house. From there more country lanes took us to Llanishen where, after carefully negotiating a steep descent down the escarpment, we continued to Llandenny and finally back to Raglan. Thanks to Nigel and Maggie for a good ride along quiet roads with spectacular views. A very big ‘thank you’ also to Christine and Teresa for hosting both lunch and tea stops, very much enjoyed by all the group.

Raglan, Llandegfedd and the Chain Bridge.  a cooler day than of late, but we were soon warmed up by the time we reached Llandegfedd Reservoir for coffee. Then a short, but testing, off road stretch and a few more hills until we reached the Chain Bridge and a long climb up to the National Trust fort for an open air lunch. Then onto Llanarth, Llanfihangel-Ystern-Llewern and turning south to return to Raglan. The views were spectacular, the roads quiet and the hedgerows full of wild flowers. A good achievement getting up and down the hills by all of the riders who were out. Thanks to Teresa for devising such an interesting and varied Springtime ride. 

Three Churches Ride. 16 riders set out from Chepstow Park Wood for a short forest track section to Devauden. Then to Kilgwrrwg, and along NCN 32 to the top of the Cas Trogy Brook (Chapel 1 & coffee). Down to Langview and brunch stop. Then through Usk and onto Raglan, Llandenny and Llan Gwm Isaf and St Jeromes church for lunch/tea stop. Then one big hill to Cobblers Plain and Devauden, and downhill to return to the start. Thanks to Chris for a challenging and enjoyable ride, continuing our church theme!