A surprise spot of light rain greeted the riders, 9 in all, at the Square for the inaugural ride to Canwood, just north of Woolhope. We are talking deepest darkest Herefordshire, where road maintenance is generally a thing of the past.
The rain, such as it was, ceased as we were about to depart, so it was capes off and out of the city with it’s 10k runners about to start. Quickly to Maisemore, where lanes for the first climb of many…Woolridge Hill. Down to Hartpury and around Murrels End. Another light shower here tempted some (maybe just one) to re-cape: the rest sensibly declined. 2 miles later, that rider de-caped, and waterproofs were redundant thereafter. The Hollyhocks were in splendid bloom.
Over the Leadon and at the next junction Jim forced the leader into the long grass – but no matter, a quick foot down avoided the Captain tangling with the brambles. Was this a complaint about the climbs to come?
We progressed well to the outskirts of Newent, then onto the undulating lane from Oxenhall to Gorsley, crossing the Gloucester to Hereford canal in the process, twice.
A spooked horse had to be carefully negotiated, but the ford presented no issues and all used the road, not the bridge: it was bone dry! A volume of vehicles was encountered on this lane, all rushing to an event with bouncy castles etc: unlucky for us. But before long we left their route and located the lane, now very poorly surfaced, to pass the ‘Pallet city’ – someone has a serious issue with collecting pallets!
A short stretch of main road took us over the M50, then we turned off to pass the golf course near Upton Bishop. More missing surface here. The descent to an outlying element of Kempley seemed to go on forever. Spooked by this unexpected element, the leader called a left turn too early, but soon recognised the error as the road reared upwards! Not for us, thank you – reverse and then the correct turn presented itself around the next corner – that’s more like it. Another rough climb, Gwynne’s Hill, gave good views to the east to the Malverns. Then bouncing down to Lyne Down for another up, down, repeat several times – all on bad surfaces. This took us, eventually, to Barrelhill Green – more excellent views, this time to the north and Marcle Ridge with its dry valleys in the foreground.
At Crossway we went left onto a new road for all present, including the well-travelled ex-Presidents. An absolute delight – not flat (up, then steeply down) and with quite tall grass in the middle. No chance of any vehicle passing each other on this lane: we encountered no-one. Views this time to the west and Wales. And even a few meters of new surface! But not for long – back to the rough.
We dropped into the valley with high ridges either side – another world, here. The lane made its way, up and down, to Woolhope, where we pressed on northwards to our destination. Canwood Gallery – sculptures in the farmland and around, art in the barns: very interesting, quite expensive. But the cake was a bargain – locally made, enormous slices. One slice is sufficient – note to the Captain for future reference! Arrival time 11.15; 30 miles.
Refreshed in body and mind, it was time to depart: first a photocall at a large sculpture. Then a long climb over Canwood Knoll; a laden tractor about to cross our path kindly waited – the driver was noted as looking around 7 years old! The road continued skywards, into the woods to peak at 233m before plunging down to Woolhope Cockshoot. Here the home-boys headed for home, with the lunch crew diverting to Putley. This involved two ‘arrows’ – with careful planning, both down!
Sensible roads, meaning not climbing the Marcle Ridge, took us to Kynaston, Rushall and Much Marcle. Here we took time out to visit the ancient yew tree in St Bartholomew’s church. It is estimated to be at least 1,200 years old. How cool is that!
From this tranquil spot it was simple navigation to Kempley and Dymock for refreshments at the community-owned Beauchamp Arms.
The last leg home took us via Ryton, Redmarley and Hartpury. A good 61 or so miles; around 4,250 ft of climbing. And pleasant temperatures, thank goodness after the 34c+ a few days before.