Welcome to the Archive. Here you'll find all of my ride reports from the first eight years of cycling in Wales. The layouts used here are in the previous design which I'm currently updating, so be sure check back!
Sunday, September 27, 2015
GROUP EVENT Explorer Day 2015
The weather was gorgeous, the route was lovely, and the folks that came along were happy and excited to be out on their bicycles for such a wonderful autumn day.
Tredegar House to Newport Wetlands
Distance: 20.8 miles (round-trip) Travel Time: All day event Ride Level: Beginner
Quite simply, this was a fantastic group event sponsored by the folks at Sustrans, Tredegar House, and the Newport Wetlands Centre. The focus of the event was to celebrate the 50th anniversary of National Trust’s Neptune Coastal Campaign on a guided 20 mile charity cycle ride between Tredegar House and Newport Wetlands National Nature reserve.
Check the great video shot by Alexander Allen
The group of 30+ cyclists began arriving around 9:30 eager to depart for the ride through the Gwent Levels. The day was divided into three parts beginning with a ride from Tredegar House to the Newport Wetlands. Then at the Wetlands Center, we joined in some organized activities, such as walks and nature watches. We even had time for a bit of lunch in their cafe.
photo by: Kevin Dupe
Following a few relaxing hours at the Wetlands, we mounted our trusty steeds and rode back to Tredegar House following our previous route. Back at Tredegar House we were welcomed by a glorious afternoon in the gardens along with a lovely catered picnic including live acoustic music.
The ride itself was flat and easy going. We followed NCN Route 4 from Tredegar House to the Newport Wetlands where we entered onto the Wetlands cycle path that runs along the estuary to the visitor center. A special highlight of the ride too; was a historical presentation by the volunteers of the Newport Transporter Bridge while crossing the River Usk.
photo by: Kevin Dupe
A rest at Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve was a welcome break where we stretched our legs and enjoyed refreshments at the RSPB Visitor Centre cafe.
Volunteers on hand with telescopes and binoculars showed us some of the amazing array of birds and wildlife of this wonderful site.
ROUTE COLOUR KEY:
Traffic-free
Shared Use
Quiet Road
Steep Hill
Once we returned to Tredegar House, we were greeted with a catered picnic and LIVE music making for a perfect ending to a truly unique day of cycling in South-east Wales.
