***Depart 8.00am from Castle Dell Car Park, Chepstow, NP16 5HD***
We’ll then contact those interested a few days before the ride to arrange lift-sharing for the drive over to Chepstow.
We’re heading over to Wales for a climb up to the Gospel Pass. At 549 metres above sea level it’s the highest road pass in Wales, with fantastic views on a clear day.
We’ll depart from Castle Dell Car Park, next to Chepstow Castle at 8.00am prompt.
All day parking costs £4.80.
Meet outside the Tourist Information Centre, which has public toilets available before.
Our route starts with a gentle climb up to St.Briavels, from where we descend down to Monmouth for an early morning coffee stop at Valerie’s Cafe. We’ll then head passed the world-famous Rockfield Studios for a few ups and downs towards Grosmont and it’s castle. Eventually we’ll reach the lovely Golden Valley for a steady ride into Hay-on-Wye for lunch at the Granary Cafe, but don’t eat too much as it’s from here that our climb up to the Gospel Pass begins.
The climb has great views of Hay Bluff on our left and the Twmpa (aka Lord Hereford’s Knob) in front of us as we climb to the summit. After re-grouping at the top we begin the 20km descent down the long lane through Llanthony and all the way to the Abergavenny for an optional afternoon stop at Wendy’s Cafe. The route then takes us to Usk and the lovely climb up Llangwm and its Amazing Alpacas farm at the top. We’ll descend through Shirenewton and back into Chepstow to finish by the Castle where the Three Tuns Inn can provide optional post-ride refreshment before heading home.
A note about Challenge Rides:
All riders should be comfortable with the challenge of riding longer distances. It’s intended to ride the routes at a steady pace, so the group can stay together. If some people prefer to ride faster and/or if there are sufficient numbers we’ll split into separate groups. All participants should be competent and completely self-contained, carrying tools, tubes, spares etc, and enough food/drink/money to see them through the day. There is no ride-leader, no back-marker, and no route sheet. Everyone is advised to familiarise themselves with the route in advance and to carry relevant maps and directions (paper or GPS, or both!). Lights are recommended on the longer rides, in case it’s getting dark at the finish.
Please note that attendance of this ride requires advanced booking. Please use this simple booking form.
The form is a mandatory for all riders, so the organiser knows who and how many to expect and so we have a record of everyone riding on the day. Your cooperation to complete this in advance of the ride will be much appreciated.
Any issues with the above process can be directed to leisureride@chippenhamwheelers.org.