Fabulous weather, a completely new route, capped off with a wonderful lunch. What more could you want? How about a pint along the River Usk? Quite simply an amazing day with the Kingfishers.
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| The always effervescent John Wilson welcoming us for lunch in Caerleon |
Most Tuesdays I meet the Kingfishers down in Caerleon at the village square. Generally, it's John, Brian, Ivor, Graham, Phil, Eric, and myself. Once all the gang has arrived we then cycle to Usk where we stop for coffee at the Green Flute before heading off towards Raglan or Monmouth for a few more miles and lunch.
However, our group has changed over the past year as some of the fellas have gotten older and/or had accidents and/or are traveling abroad more often. We're now down to a core group of primarily just John, Brian, Ivor and myself. Combine this with the unfortunate news that our favourite coffee shop; the Green Flute has closed, we've found ourselves searching for new routes to cycle and new coffee shops to visit.
Overview - Wentwood Rewind
Total Distance: 66.6 miles
Total Elevation: + 3093 / - 3093 ft
Moving Time: 06:11:29
Going to the same places every week puts us in a rut and often leaves us at odds to think of somewhere new to cycle. I don't know who deserves credit for suggesting this route, but it turned out to be a great one and one I'm sure we'll be doing again soon.
We started by heading out the Gwent Levels toward Redwick. It's lovely and flat and mostly quiet along a series of zig-zagging small roads which follow along the Severn River Estuary.
After roughly 10 miles, we turned back inland at Magor where we stopped at a small cafe for coffee. I don't know why I failed to photograph this little shop? Perhaps it was because I was in shock from the wonderful breakfast I had there? I dunno really? There were several groups of other cyclists there. It's a lovely village and cute little cafe. I'll have to go back.
Getting back on the road we headed north crossing the B4245 and then passing under the M4 toward St. Brides Netherwent on St. Brides Road. It's a fabulous couple of miles which connects to the A48 at the Rock & Fountain Inn in Penhow.
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| Photograph copyright © 1996 by Jeffrey L. Thomas |
Also of note: we passed Penhow Castle. It's an interesting fortified manor house built by Sir Roger de St Maur around 1129. Unfortunately, it's no longer open for tourists. What a drag! You can read more about Penhow Castle here.
Crossing over the A48 we began a steady climb toward Wentwood Reservoir. It's quite steep in places with only a level spot near the reservoir itself. It then continues to rise and dip steeply for another couple of miles to the top of Wentwood Forest. The reservoir was under maintenance as we passed giving us a very unique view of the tower. For something completely different read this: Wentwood reservoir works set to continue. (And if you want more detail... read this.)
Leaving the reservoir, we entered Wentwood Forest proper. It's the largest ancient woodland in Wales. Deep and dark and perched high above the surrounding valleys, it's well worth the climb.
You've got to keep you eyes peeled for glances through the trees. The views are pretty spectacular. The forest has been heavily logged for hundreds of years and you can hear the trucks rumbling up the hill long before you see them. This section near the top joins NCN Route 42; a popular route connecting Chepstow and Usk.
By this point, the other fellas had made their way down the mountain. I just couldn't race past the views without taking a few snaps. It's days like this and rides such as this that deserve recognition.
There! Through the trees I can see the Vale of Usk spreading out, running all the way to Newport and the Severn River. 2,000 years ago as the Romans marched through this valley did they look upon this land with awe?
But I must race on, down the hill to catch my friends. I'm sure they've stopped somewhere wondering where I am. It's past noon and time for lunch. Come on kid!
Howdy John! What's this place? Hey Ivor, Brian... you guys hungry? (We had lunch at the adorable Snug Restaurant. It soon filled up and we were lucky to have gotten a table. I highly recommend this place and the adjoining shops.)
We've been cycling through Caerleon for years, yet we've never stopped here. Yeah!, it looks great. Let's eat! Wait a minute... gotta take a few snaps here too.
That's the biggest love spoon I've ever seen. Is there any world record for this kinda thing? This place has the coolest collection of objects about Wales.
After lunch Brian and Ivor headed home, whilst John and I made our way down the street to the Hanbury Arms. This is another wonderful stop full of old world charm. The bar is rustic and cosy, whilst sitting outside provides unmatched views looking out over the River Usk.
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Report Card |
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| Ride Name: |
Wentwood Rewind |
| Start Date: |
Tuesday. Oct. 23, 2018 |
| Starts in: |
Oakdale, Wales, GB |
| Departed: |
8:03 AM |
| Distance: |
66.6 mi / 107.18 km |
| Elevation: |
+ 3093 / - 3093 ft |
| Max Grade: |
18.9% |
| Duration: |
11:57:56 |
| Move Time: |
06:11:29 |
| Stop Time: |
05:46:27 |
| Max. Speed: |
34.6 mph |
| Avg. Speed: |
10.8 mph |
| Weather: |
sun!, sun!, sun! |
| Temp: |
15°c / 59°f |
Summary
This ride was proof-positive that it's not the distance or the speed at which one cycles - it's where you go and who you're with. AND we discovered a new route too! What more could one ask for?
The weather couldn't have been better for it was simply a gorgeous Fall day in Wales and one of the best rides of the year. I was so very fortunate to be out wandering with my pals.
I hope you enjoyed this report. Thanks again for taking the time to visit...
Cheers! - cm
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Cheers buddy!
