The annual pilgrimage to Hay and the Black Mountains saw a small group set off at 7am. Was the early start responsible for the poor turnout? Or the rain scheduled for the afternoon? Whatever, the morning was pleasant enough and a good pace was set, direct to Ross on the almost abandoned A40. May Hill was shrouded in cloud, very atmospheric. Good progress on a quiet A49 to our usual turning to Much Dewchurch, and a short break for a banana and tyre inspection for Malcolm G. All good, we took a small diversion to Kilpeck and Wormbridge. This allowed the Captain to cover a yet untravelled road to Cockyard, which proved most agreeable to the group, providing a splendid view NE up the Grey Valley. To be fair, it was not at all grey and the sun made an appearance on the Golden Valley. With the benefit of a tail wind, Hay was reached at 10.15, 49 miles covered. Refreshments taken at the Granary.
With rain scheduled and warnings of traffic on the Gospel Pass route, we opted for the relatively easier crossing to Craswall. Entertainment came by way of an old motor pottering up and very young cyclists heading down at some pace. I do hope they all made it to Hay in safety…The top soon gained, May Hill was visible, having shed it’s morning cloak. Indeed the Cotswold escarpment was clearly visible too. A grand sight, although it all looked far away…
The descent to Longtown (castle) was, as usual, lovely. Still ahead of schedule, we proceeded to Llanvihangel and The Skirrid Inn, as recommended by Malcolm. Indeed the wye Valley brew on offer was jolly good.
Onwards and upwards to Grosemont (AA sign and castle), a gorgeous climb (really?) and descent to Skenfrith (castle) followed.
Thence into England and the climb to Broad Oak. May Hill was getting closer. Our tea stop at The Robin’s Nest was thwarted: gone. And I mean gone – the building does not exist, just the concrete base remains. So, onward on the upward rolling B4521 to a welcome beer at the welcoming New Inn. Here the rain set in, and at 3.45 we set off to Ross, the Walford Valley and back to the A40 – still quiet but wet. The descent to The Farmers Boy saw Malcolm strike an object and break a spoke: wheel sufficiently out of true he was ‘forced’ to abandon. At the pub, out of the rain. Hmm. John and Toby continued manfully on over May Hill, again invisible, and directly to our home city. 110 miles and over 7,700 ft of climbing. It was indeed a great day out!