Heading out of Gloucester the fruits (or more accurately flowers) of No-Mow May were obvious in the roadside verges – a positive riot of colour to brighten what was already a very sunny day. Riders took advantage of the sunshine to cast a clout, even though May was not yet out, so nine, then ten, then eleven of us in our summer regalia headed out though Minsterworth. A double take was required here, for a flock of sheep surrounded a black lamb that appeared to be standing on a mature ewe’s back, perhaps practicing for the circus? No, it was merely an illusion for she was standing on a piece of farmyard equipment.
Through Flaxley we rode, but although the cool fresh water from Borden Well would have been welcome, we opted instead for the rather steeper Pope’s Hill. Alas, heat haze and verdant greenery between them cheated us of the view of Severn vale we had earned, so we didn’t linger. In Littledean we spotted a new café that is based by the brewery. It’s another HIPS one, like the two in Lydney, so should be good. Teething problems were reported by one of our group – cake and coffee available at one counter, Coke requiring a separate transaction in the bar!
Passing through Lower Soudley we paralleled the brook, mostly downhill, to a steep climb at Blakeney Hill. Rather surprisingly the only OS arrow of the day was on the subsequent descent after which we joined the false flat of a beautifully surfaced and aptly named New Road to Parkend. The group split here, the more adventurous going through the woods on the left bank of Cannop Brook, the more conservative taking the road on the right bank, before reconvening at the Colliery café just in time to see a group entering the mine for a guided tour. I’ll bet it kept them cool!
With temperature rising (the day’s high was 27º) the cool shade of the Collier’s trail persuaded five from the road, the remainder making there way home on blacktop. Further unpaved riding through Harrow Hill and Wigpool Common took us to Mitcheldean and hence the Red Hart for a cool and refreshing draught of ale.
No photos today. My efforts to photograph the riders behind me were foiled by my phone’s being in selfie mode so I only captured the empty road ahead.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55298919
MT