Day 8 - Hereford to Ironbridge

Having enjoyed a delightful stay at an Airbnb in Kenchester at a stud farm, the cycle across Herefordshire began; beautiful countyside with lots of farming along the way, alas no spring lambs to share my lunch with!

I took a mostly country lane route, first to Leominster. Feeling a little low in energy I took the opportunity of a little bakers to grab a doughnut, and whilst sitting on the bench outside a lady called Hazel asked me whether I was on holiday in the area; I suppose there are not many lycra clad cyclists with panniers frequenting Leominster! I mentioned my cycle for Cure PArkinson's Trust and she kindly donated £20 to CPT! Thank you HAzel!

Onwards to Ludlow, and as I cycled into the town I spied my mother's VW van, and managed to bump into her on the street there, so we enjoyed a delicious al fresco lunch at Harp lane cafe, whilst a classical guitarist busked on the street! It was wonderful!

https://harplane.com/

Onwards then across Herefordshire and into Shropshire; a family friend recommended stopping by Church Stretton, and so I took a scenic hilly detour to visit the pretty village, and most beautiful Cardingmill Valley. It was rather reminiscent of Exmoor which I had cycled across last week.

 Back on the bicycle I then cycled on to Ironbridge, where the World's fast Iron Bridge was completed in 1779; my grandfather is particularly fond of the history of this bridge and so I thought he would be rather pleased to know I cycled across it!

https://www.ironbridge.org.uk/

There followed an incredibly steep cycle to our rest stop for the night!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Pedalling Poole to Provence for Parkinson's

As someone diagnosed with Parkinson’s’ Disease aged 37, I was rather desperate to find any silver linings possible, and at the very least rays of hope to help me weather the storm that accompanies receiving a diagnosis of a progressive degenerative incurable neurological condition. Within weeks of receiving my diagnosis I discovered Cure Parkinson’s and subsequently attended their seminar on research they have funded.  There began my journey of equipping myself with the maximal knowledge I could on cutting edge research, to hopefully minimize the burden of this disease upon my future life. The research funded by Cure Parkinson’s is literally working to save lives, and selfishly I am rather keen that they do this apace! Having cycled Lands End to John O’Groats last year, I made a rather delightful discovery for myself; that if I cycled at least 50 miles a day I no longer felt that I had Parkinson’s. I was able to write a letter again, something I have not done for many years. And s...
Read more

Day 11 Baumes Les Meisseurs to Les Rousses

A beautiful evening camping beside the rather swollen river meant we awoke to a wonderful spot for al fresco breakfast; I was particularly cheerful that fresh croissants and pain au chocolat delivered to the campsite at dawn! Delicious! I had hoped to enjoy a little cycling with my mum first thing this morning, but a mechanical failure on her bike precluded this, so instead my warm up was a rather nifty climb of some 400m vertical ascent. The heat had resumed but I was happy nonetheless as I was in distinctly alpine territory which makes my heart soar for joy! I hope I still feel this at the end of the Raid Alpine! Komoot took me an interesting route first thing, cutting a corner, which my beloved Trek on 25mm tyres served me well; bike nerd alert; I can heartily recommend the Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres! My first col of the trip; the Col de la Percee at 579m elevation; and shortly after a wonderful view point from which you can see the array of lakes for which the area is famous...
Read more

Day 7 Montargis to Chablis

Image
Given the temperature was due to hit 41C today, and that the French Government had banned outdoor events, I rose at dawn to start cycling before sunrise, with the intent to finish by 1pm or 35C whichever arose sooner! I was optimistic my early starting temperature of 17C would be sufficient! The route followed the canal; how glad was I for water seems to hold the temperature a little cooler, as do trees; never have I been so aware of verdant trees, or more the absence there of! For the most part the waterway was a kind route, particularly with a constant supply of wildlife to distract me; Herons, butterflies, swallows, woodpeckers. After 30Km I was forced to bid farewell to the canal and start the journey over a variety of hills towards Burgundy; home to delicious wines, an incentive to keep pedaling! I descended to the charming village of Charny replete with bunting across the river; a red squirrel hopped along! Beatrix Potter would be delighted! I was very happy to find a pati...
Read more