Tours & Events

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Another new venue this year is deep in the South Hams at "The Church House Inn," Rattery. 19 of us gathered for this festive occasion with a couple of absentees for one reason or another. Glad Julie & Mike made it up from Looe; nice to see them at least once a year. We all finally assembled in this lovely garden room of the pub, a couple of late arrivals as usual, Bonny on her long trek from Meavy & Andy E., who could not get out of bed in time for a midday lunch. It was rather noisy at first as we were sharing the room with other diners, but we managed to finally drive them away. We eventually got down to eating what turned out to be a wonderful & tasty meal, if not a little filling for those of us who had three courses; I suppose the pints of beer didn't help.

  I got up to give a little chat & reflect on the events of the year, i.e., the name change of the club + our summer tour in the Welsh Brecons, which we were blessed with wonderful weather. Also looking back at our day on the beach & dip in the sea fully clothed for some of us, I forgot to mention my Sue's excitement of the frolic only to discover when stepping back onto the beach that she still had her mobile phone in her pocket, an expensive swim. Bonny, not satisfied with the shallows, decided to head out into the Bristol Channel, heading for North Devon, + we will never forget the sight of Graham B. in his underpants.

Anyway, a very successful Christmas lunch, which everyone enjoyed.

 Trevor

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Exploring Ireland on Two Wheels: A Journey to Remember

From September 7th to 21st, 2024, I finally embarked on an Irish cycling tour I’d been dreaming about for years. Cycling solo was tempting, but the costs were just too steep, so I set off with two great companions—Mike and Sue.

The Journey Begins
We kicked off our adventure by driving from Pembroke to Rosslare, with our three bikes safely strapped to the cycle rack. The return fare came to £639—a small price for the convenience and freedom of the open road.

Week One: Discovering the Heart of Kerry
Our first week was spent at a comfortable apartment nestled in the heart of Kerry (off the Tralee-Castleisland road) for £664. This location was perfect for exploring the nearby Dingle Peninsula and the stunning hills right behind our lodging, where every ride offered a new perspective on Ireland’s rugged beauty.

Week Two: A Tapestry of Irish Charm
Our next stop was near Skibbereen at a delightful, renovated Irish cottage affectionately known as the Chocolate Box (£408). From this charming base, we ventured to explore quaint towns and scenic routes through Durrus, Bantry, Schull, Mount Gabriel, and Coomacullen. Remarkably, the second week turned out to be even more spectacular. We enjoyed almost perfect weather—with just one rainy day during our visit to Killarney—and the countryside was breathtaking. The locals we met along the way added to the magic, offering warmth and a welcome smile at every turn.

This cycling tour was more than just a physical journey—it was a deep dive into Ireland’s stunning landscapes and warm culture. I’m already dreaming of my next adventure on two wheels!

          Participants: Trevor, Sue,Kelly, Dave, Niccy, Neil & Wendy, Larry, Mike, Sue E. & Bueno the dog                           

Summer Tour to Aberystwyth 21st to 28th June

Saturday 

     After leaving the M4 at Newport and taking the scenic route through Abergavenny and the upper Wye Valley we were treated to some splendidly rugged hill outlines as far as Rhayader. However, it was soon after picking up the A44 at Llangurig where it crosses the watershed between the tributaries of the Rheidol and the Wye that suddenly we caught a glimpse of the topography that would be our stamping ground for the next week. Lacking the craggy mountains of Snowdonia further north this part of mid-Wales consists mostly of hills much smoother in outline rather like a broad olive green plateau. On closer inspection one could just about discern shallow rocky gorges with bright clumps of gorse and heather adding richness to the colouring. Furthermore, hardly any habitation could be seen apart from the occasional farm building along the road. The almost complete lack of roads made one wonder where we would be able to cycle.

     This is certainly an area different to any other we have visited and it was only as we came within 7 or 8 miles of Aberystwyth that we began to see a few villages and hamlets and, of course, lines of communications. Even our accommodation appeared remote although it was only a short distance from the town. There were a fine collection of renovated farm buildings and although only about a mile from Cardigan Bay one wouldn't have guessed unless you climbed the  steep hill which sheltered us from the prevailing wind. Incidentally the accommodation was excellent as you will no doubt see from the many accompanying photographs.

     After settling in we were soon heading off into 2 cars (courtesy of Trevor and Neil) to The Halfway Inn at Pisgah. It was very busy with a good atmosphere and decent food. Well done Trev for finding it!

Sunday

     A poor forecast led to a major change of plan. Instead of the scheduled ride it was decided that a communal walk into Aberystwyth would be favourite - especially with the expected rain. The coastal path proved to be challenging enough for some with the high winds and the very steep final drop onto the floodplain of the River Ystwyth. It was a quick detour by the ruined castle and into the town centre for coffee. We headed towards the sea front where the waves seemed quite boisterous. At the end of the prom at the foot of Constitution Hill we saw that the Cliff railway was in operation and we all decided it was worth an £8 return trip! The view from the top was impressive in spite of the dull weather. Some of us went into view the camera obscura and donate to the RNLI and watch the mini railway.

     As we arrived back on terra firma the rain was threatening  so a quick nip into Lidl for food shopping and the heavens opened! Fortunately  Larry found a Wetherspoons where we could overlook the mainline railway station. We walked back along the riverside path to Rhyd-y- felin and then up through the lanes back to our farmhouse. According to some devices we had clocked up about 10 miles! 

Monday

     Pengraidaw is ideally situated for making use of the cycle route based upon the old single track railway from Aberystwyth to Carmarthen. Free wheeling down the narrow lanes towards the small village of Rhyd-y-felin we were full of anticipation for a day's cycling in unfamiliar territory. The surface of the Sustrans route was perfect as we rode along side the River Ystwyth . The surface deteriorated somewhat after crossing the busy A487 but was more than compensated by the fine wooded scenery. The 2 mile arrow straight section was pleasantly interrupted by conversation with an American couple who were undertaking a major tour. Further along we encountered a rather bloodied compatriot of theirs who kindly warned us of a dangerous low lying branch. Apparently he tried to avoid it but failed to allow for the upturn of his bar end. We met the rest of the party just before leaving the trail where we were caught out by the steep gradient so much so that at least 3 of us had to get off and walk. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but if we had detoured three quarters of a mile to the north to the tiny village of Llanafan  we would have encountered the first WI hall in Britain! We all now familiar with the saying educate a boy and you educate a man but educate a girl and you educate a family. Llanafan also held the last of the magic mushroom festivals in 1982! Once we has adjusted to the  new elevation of a pleasantly wooded lane which took us through to our coffee stop at Pont-Rhyd-y-Groes on the B 4343. Mention should be made of this road which is the last one trending N-S for many a mile- this being the boundary of a particularly mountainous track. In fact for a quarter of the map there is only one minor road. these are the Cambrian mountains, not only the sources of the two aforementioned rivers but also of the Teifi and the Towy which enters the sea as far away as Swansea.

      The coffee stop was most interesting being a well equipped self-service cafe with an honesty box. It had a rather musty smell but it  had it's own stage at one end. We set off after a much talked about break up the B road in the direction of Devil's Bridge but soon turned left on an unclassified  road into the hills with much ancient mining activiites ( during the 17th century copper, gold, silver and quicksilver were all mined here) One such site seemed to house loads of modern Landrovers this tract of land was quite desolate with rather poor pasture with patches of bogs and a number of small lakes it was almost a relief to reach the A 4120, albeit for only a half a mile or so before plunging down a steep narrow lane to eventually cross the Rheidol Steam Railway and enter the valley. What a transformation it being covered with a multi-coloured patchwork of fields before heading back through the lanes we made a slight detour east to view the modern dam on the Rheidol to control the flow of the river thus alleviating distress further downstream. Two major rivers converge on Aberystwyth in a relatively narrow gap between two sets of uplands. Trev had plotted a route which avoided all roads in the town and led to a pub on the edge which allowed us a relatively traffic- free route back. 

     After refreshments we skirted a narrow gap between Pendinas  and the sea which followed the trackbed of the railway line. This was a pleasant end of a good ride and we only had to negotiate the climb back up to the accommodation . Sue E. and Niccy drove into Aber' and were able to park right by the sea, after a browse amid the shops they explored the castle ruins which they found were more extensive than they had first thought. After buying some more supplies they headed back to base. 

Tuesday

 Car assisted to Rhayader

      We left the free car park at about 1145 and set off towards the mountain road towards Devil's Bridge but quickly turned right on a delightful country road which ran along the right bank of the infant Wye. We passed a number of farmsteads and the odd cottage but otherwise we had the road to ourselves and I couldn't even hear the traffic on the main road which more or less ran parallel to the main A487.Although it was only 10 miles or so it seemed to take quite a while to reach Llangurig where we had our much anticipated caffeine break. as it was lunch-time most of us had something to eat thus causing much finger tapping! Unfortunately Kelly noticed her Mum's back tyre was flat so the delay was extended. 

     Eventually we set off along the A44 in a westerly direction and much to our delight we turned left onto a smooth, narrow lane leading past the campsite. We noticed a sign saying that it was unsuitable for motors after 4 miles. The 4 miles was so tough owing to the steep gradient that when we eventually came to the deterioration we had forgotten about the warning! It was here that we met a pleasant farmer who asked us to close the gate and also informed us that  his son farmed the land around our farmhouse accommodation! Well! the surface was horrendous with a tiny bit of tarmac broken up here and there with a massive rut on both sides, this went on for a number of miles until we finally dropped down into the Ystwyth Valley and the minor road leading back towards Rhayader. Although we shared this road with a number of motorists, it being the only road in the area, it was lovely cycling with views all around. After all we were in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains and it was totally different to the previous day's ride. As time was moving on rather quickly Trevor decided to forego the detour around the Elan Lakes and we carried on to the top of the pass and had a long free wheel down almost to the cars. This was a shame but nevertheless everyone really enjoyed this ride. 

     For the return journey by car we decided to use the same mountain road which we had just cycled along and were amazed to find how far we has actually cycled along this road only an hour or so ago. We had planned to stop at the Half-Way Inn for a final drink before going home but unfortunately it was closed! Needless to say we were too late to prepare the barbeque so it was take-away fish and chips all round!  Whilst we had been having a great day cycling Sue E. and Niccy had been communing with nature at 'The Magic of Life Butterfly House ' at Cwm Rheidol where they had been encouraged to get close up and personal with the inhabitants! it was a very enjoyable visit set against the backdrop of the Cwm Rheidol reservoir enhanced by a sight of the Rheidol Valley Steam Train on it's passage up to Devil's Bridge.

Wednesday

Communal walk from Borth 

We took two cars and after negotiating the road closures we arrived at the free car park at Borth. We set off north along the main street which, owing to the rise of continental holidays, we felt had seen better days. We turned in past the Zoo which had the unfamiliar name of Animalarium until we reached the designated path following the River Leri. This path was dead straight relieved by views of wildlife on the water to our right and the station and Youth Hostel to our left which elicited whoops of delight from both Larry and Mike. Several of the party received bites to their exposed parts! On reaching the swing bridge we turned in a westerly direction to link up with the road again as it entered the sand dune area, this was once an island. We were all looking forward to refreshment at The Boardwalk cafe within the Holiday Park. The poor girl serving us all was very over-worked and there was a shortage of milk, discovered by Sue E! After our lunch Trevor led the main party to the Visitor Centre overlooking the Dyfi (Dovey) estuary whilst Dave and Niccy climbed the dunes where Niccy had a swim. Joined by the rest of the group who were paddling along the water's edge we all made our way back to our cars but not before seeing the impressive submerged neolithic forest  and a stop at the cafe of which the least said the better! At least Dave managed to squeeze in a couple of songs lol!

A quick shop in Aber' and then it was time to fire up the barbeque! Neil need a stirling job on this, sort of assisted by Dave. Trevor was otherwise engaged as Kelly had a mishap with her car keys, however that was solved and the evening ended well with a tasty barbie and a good ol' sing song! 

Thursday

S.E from Pengraidawr via Mynydd Bach and Llanrhystyd

Sue B's sister and brother-in-law had indicated that they wished to cycle with us on Thursday so Trev set about plotting a suitable route which didn't cover too much familiar ground. We followed Monday's route  along the old railway line to just past the low hanging branch where we changed direction on a very interesting off road section before finally heading west on a variety of pretty lanes. Meanwhile Mike had decided to leave us to find a flatter route back but taking in Monday's coffee stop at Pont-rhyd-y-groes. We weren't sure how flat Mike's route was but our next climb was very steep and long past the Gaer Fawr Hill Fort up onto the A485 rounding two significant  bends at Moelwyn and Lledrod where we turned off to do some more climbing 'round the shoulder of Mynydd Bach which is Welsh for small mountain..This relatively small tract of land is the highest in this part of Wales and it's western edge was probably an ancient cliff line when the sea-level was higher. This wave cut platform had very little agricultural use consisting mainly of  poorly drained rough pasture. However had we have continued on the main road in a southerly direction we would have been cycling along the famous Sarn Helen - Sarn meaning causeway which appears in many parts of Wales. That wouldn't have happened because it was also the course of an old Roman road, much finger tapping and toga talk!! The route from here to the lunch stop was fairly gentle as we eased our way downhill to the narrow coastal plain and the very welcome sight of Llanrhystyd's church tower and the Golden Lion pub. Such was the delight of this watering hole it was decided that it should become the venue for our farewell meal on Friday night.

Neil led us back using his reliable sat nav but not before delivering us into some pleasant but hilly lanes via a tricky manoevre off the main A487 just before a sharp bend. We crossed back over this same main road 4 miles south of Aberystwyth. It was easy going being mainly downhill past the road leading to the much advertiised Morfa Bychan campsite. Next was the modern glamping site where we encountered Niccy walking back towards our accommodation following a ramble. We enjoyed an excellent day's ride with almost  30 miles covered we were back in time to prepare our planned cheese and wine which really turned into a rather lavish buffet! Jane and Geoff stayed on after the ride which added to the convivial atmosphere. 

Friday

     From the outset Mike and Larry had been promoting the idea of riding the Rheidol Valley Steam Railway to Devil's Bridge and back Interest gathered momentum as Sue E, Wendy and Neil and Dave and Niccy all decided to join them. Sue and Trev felt it was unsuitable for Bueno so they planned a forest walk. The Rheidol Valley station with it's museum proved a nice taster of things to come!  What an enjoyable journey with wonderful views and nostalgic rhythm and smells. Just before arriving at Devil's Bridge we saw the Rheidol Falls looking rather depleted due to the lack of recent rainfall. An hour at Devil's Bridge gave us just enough time to view the three bridges and admire the power of water in the chasm and grab a quick cup of coffee! The return journey was equally pleasant and we all felt it worthwhile. 

Our evening at the Golden Lion passed pleasantly and we returned to the farmhouse (key crisis!) and reluctantly commenced packing as we had to vacate the premises by 10 the following day. 

Saturday

      A good holiday wasn't marred by the usual Saturday traffic jams and in fact we had a very easy journey back! 

Thanks to Trevor and Sue for the selection of accommodation and the organization of an excellent itinerary! 

  Dave

Having trouble inserting my collage of pictures for the tour so click on following link;   https://jalbum.net/a/2147089