16th October 2016 10am at Ross on Wye
Well I said I'd do it and regretted it as soon as I did, but there seems to be a bit of interest so here goes, lets see how much!
My local areas of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley are absolutely stunning in the Autumn especially if you get a sunny day, but folks there's the rub! it can also be quite dank and miserable if its raining so ... this will be a weather lottery as to whether this turns out to be a good roof down day out or a damp squid.
This is at an early stage as it will depend on interest.
The probable route in brief - Meet at the Starbucks on the A40 by Ross-on-Wye (This right at the bottom of the M50) - B4234 to Coleford - A4236 for the twisty downhill run into Wales and Monmouth - Then the fabulous (if the sun is shining) A466 Wye Valley road to the Old Tintern Station for the first stop. There's a cafe that does lovely cakes etc. Also car park charges of £2.00 (I'll try to do something about this.) On a bit further and a stop at Tintern Abbey for some photo opportunities A466 to Chepstow (possible stop here at the Norman Chepstow Castle the first stone built castle in Wales pretty old then!)
B4228 Tiddenham Chase Road to St Briavels and lunch at the George Inn right along side St Briavels Castle (Prince Johns hunting Lodge) parking will be an issue here if there is a lot of us but there are also spaces around the castle) Then on to Symonds Yat rock where if the weather is good the views down over the River Wye and Forest are spectacular. (if the weather is not good this will be missed as it will be pointless) Then heading back to Ross for the finish.
The run is just over 2 hours excluding stops nearer 4 hours with stops I would think, let me know if this is too long or too short. Chepstow is right on the M4 / M5 for anyone who wants a shorter run and would rather leave straight after the Wye Valley run to Chepstow. Lunch can be a set two choice menu at a set price if that's preferred (I will speak to the Landlady soon to get menu options) but they have a great open menu for those that would rather.
Finally for now, the area is not a race track so this will be a gentle scenic run with speeds approx 40mph so as to take in and appreciate the views.
A little update, I spoke to the manger of the Anchor Hotel today (this overlooks Tintern Abbey) about a stop for Teas and CAKES etc I'll repeat CAKES .... They were very accommodating and if numbers do get up then they will open their function room for us, though the bar is very nice, 4th or 15th century very in keeping. So Tintern Abbey and the Anchor will definitely be our first stop. And apparently their coffee is far superior to Starbucks!
Cheers
Niall
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