It’s sometimes difficult to find new routes to places and Nailsworth is one of them. Scrutinising the map showed me the Stroudwater Canal and NCN route 45 so let’s try that.
Fourteen riders left the Square and cycled along route 41, the Gloucester to Sharpness canal: nice and flat for an A ride. Surprisingly there were no fishermen about, so no rods or reels to avoid but this was made up by walkers and runners, we must be a fit nation. Pleasantries were exchanged after bells rung and warnings of the peleton given – nobody seemed to mind. We left the canal and took to the lovely deserted lanes to Saul and Whitminster then down to join route 45 at the A419 roundabout. I did not see any signs for the route but the canal was obvious and we followed a rather rough path to Ebley when we crossed the A419 to use the splendid cycle path on the old railway line, a gentle incline.
The same disused railway line was followed from Dudridge through the newly painted tunnel to Nailsworth. It is good to be away from the traffic and enjoy the shady trail. The cafe was reached at 11.00 and there was plenty of room for us all. The Captain arrived having left earlier to get a few extra miles in but no extra points.
The group made its way back to Gloucester with Daryl keeping an eye on things leaving only teo to set off for lunch. For those who would like to know what happens after coffee the description below is typical so why not try lunch next time?
A challenging route had been planned, which took us up steep lanes to Minchinhampton and then down to Brimscombe for a steep climb up to Chalford, taking a lane where moss caused wheel slippage and necessitated walking, it was also alarmingly steep too. It was then down through Bisley then down again along a double arrowed Millsworth Lane passing Swifts Hill, home to Badgers. The view at the bottom of this valley towards the Woolpack is one of the best Cotswold valley views I have ever come across, alas no photos. It was then a climb up to the Woolpack for, you guessed, cider.
After lunch, being already half way up the Slad valley, we continued then descended via Buckholt and Sanatorium (Buckholt) Road to descend Nuthill, which at speed was not the pleasure I was expecting as the surface is really quite bumpy.
Mileage 20 to coffee and 54 round trip 2750 ft of climbing. AG
More pictures here: https://www.gloscitycc.co.uk/club-ride-images/