BIMBLING ABOUT

Ever wondered what Ponty people get up to in their spare time? Well most people we know enjoy a nice "Bimble". What is this fascinating pastime we hear you cry? Well, we don't expect a link from the Eco-Challenge, but then again how mad are they!? Our first real bimble was when two intrepid Cilfynydd lads decided to cycle from North Wales to South Wales and it all went from there really.

 

In chronological order....

 

Trevithick Trail Opening 07
Short little saunter down from the Co-op to ease Councillor Powell in gently... [more]

 

Trans Poland Express
In other words, Derek and the Dominoes jaunt through post Communist Poland visiting all the places Michael Palin didn't ('cos there was no 1st class hotel and free women, all on BBC expenses...) and more. [more]

 

Taff Trail Challenge 07
September "not so" jolly from Brecon to Cardiff Bay in aid of Ty Hafan. [more]

 

Ponty to Abergavenny
... and back again. May 2007 and it might have helped if we'd done some planning but due to cancellation of Devon coast to coast had to be organised quickly. That's my excuse for forgetting where we were staying anyway... Warren and Andy came up from Three Crosses and Ivybridge. Derek and David from Church Village and me and Aled from our back lane. [more]

 

Real Ale Wobble
In November 2006 we did the annual mountain bike challenge in the mountains of Mid Wales, with some new bimblers tagging along. Great weekend, great company but nothing to do with paying £20 for the privilege of getting muddy. [more]

 

End to End
In July 2005 two crazy bimblers cycled from Land's End to John O'Groats and raised £750 for Ty-Hafan - the children's hospice. We also cycled 970 miles and joined that elite group of bimblers like Ffyona Campbell and Ian Botham - the End to Enders! Easily, our greatest bimble to date! [more]

 

Parapente - French Alps
In August 2002 two of the Ponty Bimblers whilst on a walking holiday in the French Alps decided to throw themselves off a mountain. Well, almost ... [more]

 

Alternative Welsh 3 Peaks
For February 2002 we decided to book into a couple of local hostelries and sample the local ale, walking up Snowdon, Cader Idris and Pen-Y-Fan in between. We asked the usual crowd to come but they all wimped out. All except the 3 of us that went. [more]

 

Alternative 3 Peaks
We decided to do this back in May 1998 but instead of the boring old way (i.e. trying to do it in 20-24 hours etc.) we thought it would be much more fun to do it slowly. Sampling a few alehouses along the way. Mmmm? We planned the trip. Dave took his camera. We got some dull people to come along. We drank beer. Oh and climbed a few mountains. [more]

 

Prestatyn to Pontypridd
This was our first challenge way back in Easter 1997. Dave and Mark decided to cycle from Prestatyn on the North Wales coast to Pontypridd (home of the best rugby team in the world) in the South Wales valleys. Why? 'Cos we felt like - that's why. [more]

 

Trevithick Trail Opening 07
(Pentrebach Co-op to Ponty Park)

Who said councillor's can't ride a bike? We had two on this trip! Leading from the front was Mike Powell (Trallwng ward and new bimbler) but coming up his rear was WAG member and Ponty AM Jane Davidson.

"Who said it wasn't a race?" said Mike.

Anyway, nice day and a lovely short trail to ease yourself into some mountain biking as we coast along in the footsteps of Cornishman Trevithick.

 

Might not have had much festive cheer awaiting us and wasn't very well organised (unlike the Ty Hafan ride for example) but a good day out and some nice tarmac for the wimpy riders (like me). Quick train ride up the valley (£1.80 including bike - can't fault it Arriva) and a leisurely stroll down the new Connect2 Trevithick Trail to Ponty, stopping off en route for a stretch of the legs and a pint in the Quakers. Derek (fresh from his Polish jaunt) joined us en route on his "see if I can freeze to death on the Rhigos early one morning ride" and easily slotted into the pace. Nice day out but I feel a biggie coming on... Ninja get those maps ready!

External links:
Sustrans

 

Trans Poland 2007

Having completed the Lands End to John O’Groats ride a couple of years ago I was looking for a new cycling challenge. Early in 2007 I decided to cycle across Poland and the route was to be from the Slovakian border in the Tatras Mountains to Hel on the Baltic coast in the north. The route was to follow minor roads where possible and to avoid major cities apart from overnight stays in Krakow, Torun and Gdansk. And so was born Zakopane to Hel and back. All I needed now was someone to come with me...
 

I knew that avoiding the main roads the traffic would be quieter but the downside might be the quality of the roads. After a few practice rides around South Wales my son David decided he was ready to join me and his cousin Lukasz made up our trio of riders. Planning completed, David and I set off on the 18th July 2007 in anticipation. Thanks to the very nice EasyJet lady at Bristol airport the check in is quick and painless as she personally walks us to the front of the very large queue with our bike boxes. In Krakow the taxi driver is on time to take us to the lovely town of Zakopane in the Tatras Mountains. We quickly settle into the Hotel Jurek which is nice place, with friendly staff and near to the town centre,

The Prologue - Rysy – The Mountain Climb – Thursday 19th July 2007

We have a couple of days before Lukasz joins us from Gdansk. As a “gentle” warm up for the bike ride David and I decide to climb the highest mountain in Poland which is Rysy near Zakopane.

Web link - Zakopane

At 2499 metres (or 8199 feet) this is much higher than anything in the UK and more than twice the height of Snowdon. So much for “gentle”

In addition to the actual climb there is a 2 hour (9km) walk uphill from Lysa Polana, just to get to the base of the mountain. We set off at 7.00am from Zakopane to miss the worst of the crowds I had experienced the last time I came to Morskie Oko. We enjoy our meal of schabowy and salad at the Hostel which has great views across the lake. The walk up to Rysy is steep and a good 4 -5 hours to the top. We are very lucky to have excellent weather and and superb views most of the day.

Web link - Rysy

The climb to the top is hard, in fact I can say that this is one of the hardest things I have ever done. The temperature even at this high altitude is very hot and we dip our hats in the cool water of Czarny Staw and the large patches snow on the climb. A snowball fight in 30 degree temperatures is strange but true and we are glad of the 4 litres of water we buy at the hostel. I had done some training for the bike ride, but in hindsight a bit of hill walking around Brecon would have useful. The final 300m is particularly steep and requires the use of chains but there is no way we are going to give up now. We both get to the top and enjoy the spectacular views across Poland and Slovakia and the sheer drops to all sides. At the top David gulps down the Cola he buys from the boy with a beer barrel full of the stuff. Not bad at 7 zl (£1.20) a pint considering they had to carry it up there. David really enjoys the descent, particularly the first section on the chains, but this is not so pleasant for me with blisters and cramp and if anyone finds my cap please let me have it back! A really great days walking and we feel we have done enough to justify the horse and cart ride back down to Lysa Polana. David still wants to know why the swarm of flies were following him and nobody else.

Rest Day - Friday 20th July

Friday is a rest day to recover from the climb and we lunch in Zakopane with a delicious mushroom soup, mixed grill and a few Warka Strong beers. Lukasz arrives late afternoon, just after his bike is delivered by parcel post. In the evening we eat out with cousin Lech and have a few more beers. A thunderstorm and torrential rain means we are stuck in the pub for a couple more beers. Not sure this amount of alcohol is a good idea with what is coming tomorrow. David and Lukasz stay out until 3.00am and tell me they were back from the club at 12.30 to find that our hotel receptionist locked the front door and fell asleep. Despite “gently” knocking and constant ringing, it takes till 3.00am for her to answer (likely story!).

Day 1 – Zakopane to Krakow – 21st July

After last night I take great pleasure in waking the boys up at 7.00am. To be fair we are all down at Gubalowka by 8.00am for photos and the first train up to the top of the hill for the start of the ride. The first half mile is great, a fast downhill on a small country lane with no traffic, but then the road disappears and it’s a rough stone strewn track. When the road decides to re-appear it does so flanked by mad Gorale dogs (ask David) but then we coast along 30 miles of good quality, mostly downhill road. In fact there was only one uphill section in the entire 30 miles to Rabka. A word of thanks here to the unfortunate driver who came around a sharp corner at Pieniazkowice, only to find David coming straight at him on the wrong side of the road. Excellent evasive manoeuvre! David learns that panniers tend to affect the handling of your bike when cornering at speed. A great mornings cycling rewarded by the largest Pizza you have ever seen.

By lunchtime it is a hot 34 degrees and we have to drink constantly. In fact by the end of the day we reckon to each have drunk more than 12 pints of various drinks and that excludes the two Zywiec beers we have in Krakow.

After Rabka we have 50+ miles to go but are still relatively fresh. The road gets busier but is still not too bad and a word of thanks here to Marcin Hyla for his advice on routes in and out of Krakow and his excellent website which was very useful.

Web link - Marcin Hyla

At Rabka Nizna we hit the first big uphill and many miles of up and down follow all the way to Krakow. This is the Polish Foothills (Podhale) and looks a bit like the Brecon Beacons. It is also the land of the villages ending with owka (pronounced oofka). There are in fact 34 consecutive towns and villages ending with this. We couldn’t find the flat route into Krakow city via Wielicka recommended by Marcin but we do find a quiet but extremely hilly route instead. Arrive in Krakow at 7.50pm tired and hungry with a large road display telling us the air temperature is still 28 degrees and road temperature 36 degrees. It had been a very hot, long but satisfying day. After booking into the Art Mont Guest House we head out into Krakow where the nightlife is buzzing and its a shame that we are all too tired to really enjoy its delights. After a good kebab we fall asleep over a few beers in the main square where 20 British “Stags” dressed as Tom Cruise in Top Gun uniforms serenade a couple of unfortunate local girls. It’s already about 11.00pm and we decide to sleep.

Day 2 - Krakow to Klomnice – 22nd July

On paper today is the longest day with a bit of sightseeing thrown in at the Ojcow National Park. No breakfast is provided so we quickly find a shop and stock up on goodies and drinks. Its only 8.00am, but already 25 degrees and rising. It’s a pleasant Sunday ride to Korkiew, but by the time we find the Ocjow National Park we are glad to find some shade as its even hotter than yesterday. They are forecasting thunderstorms today across the whole of Poland but somehow they completely miss us.

Ocjow National Park is great and I tell myself that one day I must go back for a proper look. The little holiday cottages dotted around are idyllic and the trails and lack of traffic make it great for cycling. A tip though, the blue trail has some off road stuff and its surprising our road tyres don’t puncture.

The plascki ziemiacki and burger lunches at Pieska Sklala are good and we ponder on how David bent his pedal on a kerb without falling off. He says he was distracted by the sight of Hercules Club but we know it was a pretty Polish girl. (sorry Katie). We expect the road from Wielmoza to Wolbrom to be hilly and it is and the ice cream lady in Wolbrom thinks we are mad. Unexpectedly the hills continue on and on after Wolbrom and only really flatten out around Swieta Anna. Pilica turns out to be the Polish capital of Boy Racers with modified Fiat 126 and Polonez cars so we quickly escape. The hills combined with the wind from the distant storms do their best to slow us down, but with a bit of team work we keep up a good pace. The last 10 miles are completely flat but seem to drag on forever until finally after 83 miles we get to Klomnice.

Day 3 - Klomnice to Sieradz – 23rd July

Dziekuje Bardzo do Krzysztof (Magda’s Tato) za obiad, piwo I za goscinnosc. Krys tells us that two days ago the sleepy village of Klomnice had been put on the world map by a Tornado that had destroyed a part of it.
Web link - Tornado

After a sad farewell to Krzysztof we set off west and then north along mostly quiet and flat roads passing through sleepy villages and countryside. The swifts fly alongside us waiting for a free meal of road kill flies. After swallowing a particularly large bug I know what their diet tastes like (yuk). We turn north onto a busier road but find the wind and quality road surfaces are helping and by slip streaming each other get up to 22-23 mph for 10 miles or more. I am enjoying things so much that I turn around to talk to David and steer off the side of the road and nearly crash off into a deep ditch.

We are now out in the countryside with nothing but little villages and it gives a real insight into the way of life in these rural areas. There are storks on the telegraph poles and chimneys in every village and we give up counting them which is probably a good thing as someone tells us there are over 80,000 in Poland. We see a pine martin, quite rare in the UK but it is unfortunately dead at the side of the road. A stray cow tries to play chicken with a very large lorry but heeds the horn to jump into a field at the last moment. Combine harvesters use the main roads oblivious to other users and roadside sign posts. One driver of a Fiat 126 was seen towing a small trainer with “half a car” inside it. With all this going on you would have thought we could slip past unnoticed but we find we are getting strange looks from people in the little villages. We hope it’s just our cycle helmets and not our lycra shorts neither of which have ever been seen around here before.

The afternoon is very warm again and by the time we get to our destination we are hot and flustered. We are struggling to find a place to stay in Sieradz when Lukasz stops to chat up some local girls who tell him the location of a local hostel. Then disaster! I hit a large pothole at speed which seriously damages my rear wheel. Thanks to the staff at the Hotel Trax who lend us a hammer and pliers. I use these to try to “reshape” my wheel nearly its original roundness. A bit of sandpaper and a spoke spanner to take the considerable buckle and dent (6 spokes had to be removed to carry out the work) and it is nearly as good as new. The “lump” in the rim that’s left will probably wear my brakes down very quickly but we decide to carry on tomorrow as there shouldn’t be too many hills. It’s an interesting place to stay full of sports people on training secondments and it’s a pity we don’t have time to stay a while.

The night is a non event as we can’t find anywhere to eat and order a pizza from a neighbouring town. The beer and pubs are good but very quiet as its midweek.

Day 4 – Sieradz to Kolo (aptly translated Kolo means wheel!) 24th July

In the morning I find a friendly bike shop in the town who tell me my bike is ok and that they cannot really improve on my repairs to the wheel. We have a chat whilst they fix David’s pedal before setting off at 10.30. As we cycle out of the town we ponder as to why there are dozens of learner drivers “milling” around town. Do all Polish people come here to learn to drive? The weather has taken a turn for the worse and the wind and rain hit us as we leave on an extremely poor road out of Sieradz towards Warta. The rain stops at Warta but we are very wet and glad when the sun comes out when we get to the large lake. From Dobra through Psary to Kolo the roads are great with quality tarmac, flat, little traffic and pleasant to ride. We cross a major motorway at Janow which isn’t on our map (must be a recent EU funded road) and pass a strange “space ship” looking structure. We “roll” into Kolo still fairly fresh. We wanted to get closer to Torun today but decide to stop as it looks a nice place to stay. David and Lukasz look forward to a good night out but after an excellent spaghetti Bolognese and Pizza, life in the town dies very quickly to nothing. A group of local girls tell Lukasz that they normally sit outside Biedronka (Polish equivalent of a SPAR shop) for entertainment. I retire to my very nice room in the 2 Star Hotel Sara, which is more like a UK 3 or 4 star and only £15 a night with a couple of beers (minus the one I drop in the corridor).

Day 5 – Kolo to Torun – 25th July

The forecast for the day is not too good as we set off in light rain. It clears after an hour or so but wind is strong and partly against us (N/NW). Roads are fairly good and very quiet and flat but then end abruptly with only a dirt track ahead, so much for the map. A farmer says its okay ahead and eventually the road does return. Sompolno has an excellent by pass but it takes us East with the wind and then West against it. Then we encounter one of the longest and straight roads ever (17km without a bend) to Piotr Kujawski. The wind helps us to Radiejow where I cause a disturbance amongst the local drunks outside the cake shop over the best route to Gdansk. It then gets very hard against the strong wind and we are also pelted by loose chippings on a “new improved” section of road which makes us think about catching a train at Serocki until we see the line goes through a sweetcorn field.

At Sluzewo a “nice” local tells us the road through the forest south of Torun is okay and its only 17km to the city. Oh what a laugh he must have had sending a bunch of cyclists through Poland’s largest military firing range. The driver of the stolen Fiat 126 with the beer bottle in his lap also tells us its okay! Seven miles into the forest and numerous bomb and tank signs we spot the first military lorry carrying lots of armed soldiers. We pretend to ignore them, already planning in our minds our “I don’t understand I am a foreigner” excuses. Then we see the muddy tank trails crossing our path and really start to worry that the signs which translated means “enter at your own risk and you may die” may have some truth. I hope the craters in the road are nothing more sinister than the regulation Polish road potholes. David is riding up front for a change in his red coat so we should find out soon!

Luckily we don’t encounter any serious hostilities or get arrested and we arrive safely at the outskirts of Torun. As usual Lukasz is 15 minutes negotiating a “good deal” with the pretty hotel receptionist whilst me and David sit outside with the bikes. We eat a good chicken shoarma meal at the Spinks restaurant but encounter the grumpiest waiter in Poland. The normally mild mannered Lukasz puts him suitably in his place. Try a few bars and clubs and have a late one on the beer, absinthe and whisky.

Day 6 – Torun to Kwidzyn - 26th July 2007

After Lukasz washes the pink rash off his arm (apparently the lipstick left from the telephone number of a female acquaintance last night) and recovers from the shock of the weather forecast map, we set off to try to find a quiet route out of Torun. However, after more than half an hour and only half a mile we fail miserably and take the polish equivalent of the M1 out of town. It really is traffic hell and dangerous but it is also very fast and we get to Chelmza in double quick time, partly because of the terror induced adrenalin in our blood.

Taking a more direct route than planned to Grudziadz turns out to be a good thing as the roads from Chelmza are quiet and mostly good quality where we can average 15 – 20mph all the way to Debieniec. At a toilet stop in a field I loose David & Lukasz who continue on ahead. I change in the big gears and really pedal flat out trying to catch them up. Having stopped to wait for me at a shop, David sees me fly past them without stopping, and by the time they realise it was me and shout I am past them and out of earshot (oops) and its 5 miles before they catch me up. I set an excellent pace and after 2 or 3 miles start to wonder why I am not catching them. Eventually I glance behind to see them frantically trying to catch me up. I continue to pretend I hadn’t seen them until the next junction as I have all the maps. Together again, we descend a big downhill at Piaski where the roads deteriorate but are no-where as bad as those to come.

We have an excellent lunch of schabowy and chips at Grudziadz before we push on to Kwidzyn. The A55 is an excellent quality fast road but too narrow for both us and the bloody large lorries. Decide to take the minor road to Wlk Welcz but at Mokry a crap road becomes really really crap and slows us down to 5pm! After a big hill (“that one wasn’t on the map was it Dad!”) the road gets better but then disappears completely to be replaced by a black dirt track at Okragla. Asphalt roads return after a couple of miles and the weather is good, we feel fit and David puts his IPOD on speaker and “under my Umbrella” propels us along at 20mph and we even have a few races along the deserted roads. The final few miles are a bit of a drag as we run out of drink and it gets very hot. The final hill into Kwidzyn isn’t too bad and we settle into a large old hotel called Kaskada near the station having been given a full run down of the town by a friendly local. As usual Lukasz chats up the receptionist but when he returns after his shower she has been replaced by the bosses son. For once I replace David on the night out as he decides on an early night. Just a pity Kwidzyn is closed.

Day 7 – Kwidzyn – Gdansk – 27th July

Following the directions from yesterdays “tourist guide” its good riding for many miles and David leads the way at 20mph+. We are flying along, and all is well when ……..you guessed it we hit a more crap roads this time it’s cobblestones – which is a new one! Over 5km later our average drops to 13mph but spirits are still high as the weather is good and we should get to Gdansk today. Roads vary from excellent to hell at regular intervals but are always quiet of traffic. We arrive at the Wisla which is the third time we will have crossed this mighty river since Krakow.

We cross the main road south of Tczew hoping that the large old bridge across the Wisla in the distance is still open. It is open although a little worse for wear and roads north of Tczew are good and we are really going well with our average rising up to near 15mph. Then at Mokry Dwor, fearing the traffic on the busy main road we choose a quiet back road into Gdansk. BIG MISTAKE as its the worst of the ride – 10km of concrete blocks 6 foot wide, lined up side by side with a 2 inch gap between each one and 2 inch holes for traction. It’s like riding over a train track. By the time we arrive in Orunia our arms and hands are numb and Lukasz is ready to fight anyone who tries to nick our wheels. A torrential downpour fails to dispirit us and photos in Dluga Street are taken by the prettiest girl Lukasz could find. I ask Lukasz what a round road sign with a cyclist and a thick red line across it means, but he just smiles before we race up the Armi Krajewska dual carriageway to Irena’s house.

Day 8 – Gdansk to Hel – 9th August

After a weeks rest in Kopalino, we set of from Gdansk (minus Lukasz) for the last lap of our ride across Poland. The ride through Gdansk is good for a large city as the cycle tracks are very good.

Web link - Ride through Gdansk

 

British planners please take notice. Once at the Baltic it’s a bike trail all the way to Sopot where David gets our first puncture of the trip outside the Grand Hotel…incredible really that it took so long considering some of the roads we encountered. Puncture fixed the bike trail comes to a dead end at the sea and we have to climb up a steep embankment before joining a main road into Gdynia. Lost in the Chylonia shipyard area David gets his second puncture and we stop in Pogorze for a Pizza and repairs. So much for the bad weather that was forecast as it’s hot and dry all day.

The route today has a few decent sized hills but we get to Wladyslawowo early and then really enjoy the flat road to Hel. A couple of local girls decide to flash their “tattoos” to David and the flies have followed him up from Zakopane. The new cycle track is great and by slipstreaming each other at intervals we fly along averaging 20mph for over 10 miles between two towns on the long peninsula. Then we see it… the sign for Hel. Unfortunately the actual town is another 9km further on which is immensely disappointing to David who takes out his frustration on a particularly rude motorist. I really enjoy the last few miles into the town on a good road and we quickly book onto the 8.00pm ferry to Gdansk. We then enjoy a great cod and chips at the chippie overlooking the fishing harbour and watch the town’s festivities of the war re-enactment entitled Medal of Honour. The Polish appear to be giving the Germans a good beating and enjoying it but I don’t know what the German tourists make of it.

We wave goodbye to Hel and sail to Gdansk where the shipyard sky is lit up by the night shift welders at work on the ships. In Gdansk the city is bustling with tourists and the walk up Dluga street is alive with the summers festivities.

Another bimble is over – it’s a pity you couldn’t make it Dave.

Derek Goode

 

Accommodation:

Overall, places to stay in Poland are very good quality and exceptional value for money compared to the UK. Most rooms are en suite and with B&B only around £12 per person per night. We had no problems anywhere we stayed, and the only issue turned out to be where we could keep the bikes. Some were happy to let us take it to the room whilst others kept them in a locked room near reception. (Stats to follow later...)

 

Taff Trail Challenge

Never before has an event attracted so many sober Ponty Wobblers. Call it old age, call it learning from past mistakes. Either way, an early to bed Saturday night did wonders for the overall stamina, pre-event retching and awareness of that 7am alarm clock on the morrow of the Ty Hafan sponsored Taff Trail Challenge. Now if only every trip was this well organised. Eh Gordon?

 

The day began with Aled Jones (whose no singer) dismantling a spare bike for Scunthorpe Dave and sticking it in the boot, before loading the other 3 bikes onto the rack eagerly watched by Mark “always time for a cuppa” Davies. I would have helped but I was busy eating a full Welsh breakie of sausages, bacon, two eggs, beans, bread and juice (cue drunk Ken, Ynysybwl RFC, pre RWC a few years ago, in Sarah and Keith's house before they went to Australia to live) in order that at least one of the team of 9 ish had some calories en route.

Anyway, to Brecon we went. Arriving at the Theatre starting point we were informed by Sian that the Bobinogs played here once… hmm? The big time it was then! Suitably signed in and no-one laughing at my jokes we set off, tee-shirt on and £8 down.

Setting a lightning pace we soon reached Llanfrynach, where I used to work at the Salmon Hatcheries, and realised we were, to coin a phrase, “too old for this shit!” Only 50 miles to go…

Already miles behind, me and Mark were in need of a Lucozade and a Wagon Wheel to spur us on up the 4 or 5 mile long hill by Tal-y-Bont and this we got courtesy of our first pit stop Marshalls who didn’t like my non-pc joke about sweating... But at least the weather was better than the Abergavenny trip though – where cycling up this hill was easier than cycling down it last time!

Next Marshall point and Derek (known to one and all Pythons as “Bicycle Repair Man”) stopped to help some other teams fix a puncture and mend a chain which gave me and Mark a head start to the next stage. Then disaster struck as Aled’s brand new £1000+ Giant super-duper bike (that’s a technical term in case any non-mountain biking people are reading this) exploded. Ok, it didn’t exactly explode but it was dead (another techie term). Not even young David’s grandfather with his oxy-acetylene welding kit could fix the snapped frame and gears on AJ’s silver machine. Suitably disheartened it was a long push to the Red Cow and mobile phone reception before Sian could be woken from her Sunday slumber to drive back to Brecon to pick up poor Aled and his piece of £1000 scrap.

After this setback onwards we pedalled past banjo country to Cefn and the Station Inn where Derek’s sandwiches came in handy but not his Polish, as the barmaid from the last trip was gone.

Pushing on towards Aberfan, Scunthorpe Dave came a cropper and left his knee behind on a barrier. And then we had the toughest part of the trip psychologically as we had to cycle past Ponty! Funny to torture yourself for so long only to see your nice warm house and even warmer shower disappear as fast as it appeared. Anyway, past Tesco and on to Nantgarw for a welcome Lucozade, a Wagon Wheel and a Club this time (well worth the £8 now as glucose depletion became limiting).

Onwards, downhill to the big city, no silly Castell Coch hills (phew) and only the leisurely winding lanes of South Glamorgan, our third county in a day, to endure now. Reaching the Bay amid a ticker tape parade we passed up the chance of a massage (for obvious reasons of a hardened nature) and headed to the Terra Nova pub for a couple of Brains Smooths in the drizzle. Ah, heaven. Until next year as they say. Lets hope my piles are better and there’s a curtain around the massage table.

 

P.S. Disappointed that no-one asked us why we were called the Ponty Wobblers... it's the cycling shorts mun!!!

External links:

Taff Trail website

Sustrans

Ponty to Abergavenny...
... and back again.

It sounded like a bit of fun. A short cycle from the hangover of a Full Ponty festival to the small market town of Brecon along the picturesque Taff Trail over the Whitsun break, but unfortunately for us someone had booked all the B&B’s in Brecon.

 

Ok, no problem we thought, we’ll just go that extra couple of miles to Abergavenny, weather should be nice anyway, especially with global warming and everything…so after a glorious month of above average temperatures and plenty of sunshine in May we phoned Jenny’s place to put us up.

 

Little did we know it was the steam tractor festival in town and there was no room at the Inn’s which served nice warm ale. We also failed to appreciate just how cold the top of the pass above Tal-y-Bont could be in May! And as pp planning and preparation goes, an extra 15+ miles along the bumpy canal does not do wonders for the piles – opps.

The weather forecast wasn’t good. We knew the BBC gets it completely wrong every day but somehow even a little bit wrong might still mean a lot of rain and headwinds for us. They did and we did too. Setting off after a full breakie and small bacon buttie for late arrivals Warren and Andy we could only imagine how cold it would get. Things started well with a good pace for 4 miles before we stopped to admire Alun’s new decking and have a well deserved cuppa. Only 46 miles to go then.

The rain wasn’t heavy at this stage and we plodded on to Merthyr with our Lucozades and chocolate bars making light work of topping up the glycogen stores. Through Cefn Coed, lost and found Derek and David, and uphill through some heavy rain we decided to stop for a beer and some hot chips at the Abermorlais pub where we were met in addition to service with a snarl (probably ‘cos we weren’t from Royston Vaisey) two local gentlemen who offered to sell us some brand new authentic genuine honest gov’ polo shirts with Diesel or Ralph Lauren labels biro’d on. We declined their offer telling them we were all members of Glamorgan Trading Standards on a charity cycle ride and settled for a ham roll for a very unacceptable £1.50. Andy did ask what real ales were available to the weary traveller and was told by the barmaid to go and have a look himself – such friendly service in these here parts!

Ah, well, ale’d up off we set off into the wind and rain and on past reservoir and railway before pushing up the steep hill which froze my testicles to my thin shorts. Luckily I’d now lost the feeling in my hands and so couldn’t have done much to revive them if indeed the need or opportunity had arisen on top of the mountain (no sheep jokes please) and so on we pushed down the bumpy off road track high above Tal-y-Bont lake. I did stop to urinate at one point and even contemplated wee’ing over my hands to try to warm them up but ignored the thought as the prospect of a nice cold pint of lumpy Scrumpie in The Star spurred me on.

Miles of ball bouncing fun later Warren, Andy, Aled and myself (Mountain bikes) met up again with Derek and David (Road bikes) who were busy eating a choc ice and chatting up the ice-cream lady. Ok, I’m kidding it wasn’t choc ices but hot chocolate but seeing as I couldn’t feel most of my body now nor matter my extremities I thought it prudent to push on to the warmth of a country pub.

Hot coffee and whisky chasers were just the order of the day now, although they’d stopped doing food as all great British pubs seem to do just when you need food most - in order to not die of exposure on a mountain. They’d even let the fire go out! Crisps for calories it was then, followed by half an hour with my hands under hot water and the hot air dryer. There was no such relief for our sodden socks and freezing feet though. Bloody Ranulph Fiennes has it easy I reckon.

Next up was the knowledge that a lovely smooth 7 miles into a nice cosy warm Brecon hostelry had now been replaced by God knows what or how far to Abergavenny. It was also at this point that Warren enquired as to where exactly our digs were to which I replied “I’m sure I had a map somewhere in the house”.

“No surprises here then” said Andy.

So onward we bimbled, along a beautiful canal bank through the cold rain and now even colder wind, although it must be said the trees did offer some protection.

Guesses at our distance travelled varied wildly as Derek’s odometer got misted up by the rain and Warren’s PMA was working overtime. “It can’t be more than a few hundred yards now!” he said.

Andy’s knee decided to leave his otherwise perfect working body and catch the last taxi home without telling him. Meanwhile I kept a sober head and decided it was about 16 miles to go. Aled pee’d in the hedge and got arrested by the British Waterways police. Ok, I lied about that last bit.

Eventually we past Llangattock and Gilwern before leaving the safety of the canal towpath and venturing onto the main road at Llanfoist. A couple of miles downhill and we were heading up into the town centre and asking directions to “The Guesthouse” in a local pub. Luckily the mad women in there didn’t deter a great old bloke who did manage to give me directions. Thinking the others had also heard it was past the pub on the corner and assuming they were right behind me and Aled set off like men possessed in search of a hot shower and warm welcome in our pre-booked B&B.

The door opened and there was lovely Jenny who welcomed us with the traditional British greeting when faced with a 6ft soaking wet bloke in a cycling helmet “Jesus f***** Christ, you poor b*******!!!”

“Don’t drip on my floor” was followed by “You must be f***** mad” but at least we got our clothes dried on the radiators overnight.

“Now it’s two twins and a single luv’” said Jenny.
“Nope, it’s three twins” I said.
“For f**** sake, I’ve had a f***** guts full this weekend” came the friendly reply.

But before we could jump into a hot shower we had to find the boys. We thought they were just behind us but after 20 minutes realised that Derek had taken too long taking a photo of a Chinese takeaway sign that looked Polish and they were lost. We tried to phone but he wasn’t answering it even though he’d phoned us 6 times! Eventually they found us and Jenny announced “You can’t get the f***** guests these days”.

I wondered what all the fuss was about really. I did say it was called “The Guesthouse”. They thought I was just saying the guesthouse though… ah confusion – the essence of Min-ex past.

Anyway, with a hot shower and camp bed between Derek and Warren it was glad rags on and a kindly lift into town for the six of us, all set for the big nosh, beer, nightclub, drugs, oodles of naked Scandinavian women in the Jacuzzi and all night orgies that has become the norm on our bimbling trips…

“He can’t come in” said the bouncer to David (aged 17) on the door of Wetherspoons. Ah well, curry house early then.

At this point the group split – one section heading for the kebab house and another for the very expensive Balti at the bottom of the hill – lovely Cobra on draught and lovely half eaten curry came to £63 for three!!! We were also a bit slow when they came to take away the dishes as no one thought to keep the Nan bread to use as a hat for it was still raining persistently outside.

Limping to the Hen and Chickens we arrived just in time to meet the boys and stop tap. Mmm.

Derek took baby David to bed while us real men went back to Wetherspoons. Two pints later it shut.
“What a shit hole” said Warren. But I think he was being a bit unkind. It was Sunday after all and we were knackered and it was raining on a Bank Holiday and we were wet again and the steam engine enthusiasts had probably all left by now and compared to a night in Swansea it was always asking a lot…
“Who organised this trip?” someone said.

Sleep.

Early riser and weather enthusiast Derek was greeted over breakie with “Before you ask, you’ll have what your f***** well given!” by Jenny. It was an excellent breakfast I must say though – plenty of calories for the return journey even if we were to be one less as Andy’s knee had not returned.

So off we rode, stocking up on chocolate at the garage on a nice sunny morning. The BBC weather had said showers and a Northerly wind of 20 mph. But as usual they were wrong and we had a headwind for most of the day (that was a Southerly in case you wondered). The canal was lovely, bumps aside, and the views good. Warren managed to chuck up some egg but me and Aled kept ours down.

Splitting up again and then meeting up at The White Hart (we like to spread our patronage around) we forgo a beer and opt for the sugar of Coca Cola. A brief hot pastie at the Spar (where the guy serving even waited for a penny so times must be tough in rural villages) and on we went.

‘99’s all round at the ice cream van and Derek’s girlfriend took a nice picture of us all (minus Andy) although she didn’t want the favour returned unless we could Photoshop Pamela Anderson’s body on her.

Severe glycogen depletion and dehydration was the order of the day now as my liver tried to tell me to glucose up. Eventually we reached the big hill and zoomed down to Mrs Miggins OK Tea rooms with spooky ethereal music for a lovely snack of Carrot & Parsnip soup and beans on toast washed down by a pot of hot tea – just what the doctor ordered. Warren was scared we were in a scene from Dusk ‘till Dawn when he heard Lord of the Rings come on but we managed to escape in time for a sweep around Pontsticill and coast downhill to the Station Hotel and a pint of Whoosh served up by a Polish waitress in Cefn – weird.

 

Raining.

Suitably cold again we pushed on past Merthyr, bumped down steps under the A470 and on past Alun’s house before more rain came down.

Then the rain came down. I guess it was too much to ask to keep dry the whole day and literally on the last few hundred yards it emptied down with lovely hailstones too. We said our goodbyes to the Church Village contingent and headed for the shower.

Warren managed to stay awake all the way to Gower, Aled is still soaking in the bath two days later and me and Sue (fish feeder and dog walker on this trip) headed to the Chinkie for a very hot Singapore curry. Happy days. Until next time…

“No, he’s not going to Amsterdam!” said Sue.

Meanwhile Nicola was sorting out the sack. But that's another story.

External links:
The Guesthouse - "Jenny's place"

 

Wobble 2006

 

This non competitive event, the annual Real Ale Wobble, is held in conjunction with the Mid Wales Beer festival and takes place around Llanwrtyd Wells, the smallest town in Britain. There are a choice of 15, 25 or 40 mile routes waymarked with little pink stickers but don't expect anyone to know which route is where! For those who have paid £20 to register there are 4 beer tokens which can be used en-route to buy half pints of real ale at two checkpoints as long as the beer lasts (which it didn't for us!) Excellent routes 95% off road, using farm and forest tracks, paths, open land, wild and desolate mountain terrain. Our advice - just turn up and do it, but don't get ripped off paying for it.

With a new Claude Butler mountain bike (from Extreme Culture, Ponty) and some new bimblers, some as far afield as Ammanford and St Clears, we set off for Llandovery in the winter of 2006. Finding accommodation in Llanwrtyd Wells was a nightmare so we stayed a £20 one-way taxi ride away in good ole Llandovery - home of Llewellyn, last Prince of Wales.

People on Bimble: Dave, Aled, Derek & Ninja riding out of the Ponty stable (Mark was ill and Alun opted for the slightly safer option of a family weekend in Disneyland) and Warren, Andy, Midge, Bobbie & Chris from the Penclawdd stable.

 

Accommodation:
The Bunkhouse, Llandovery - a fantastic barn, with 11 dorm beds (4+4+3), kitchen, two bathrooms, safe parking, bike lock-up and hose pipe (don't ask if you don't know) about 2+ miles down a very winding country lane. Cracking breakfast (although I missed my beans the second morning) and comfy digs at a great price - £12 a night plus £5 for the breakie. They also do trekking expeditions to Nepal (photos all over the rooms) but we haven't booked that yet.

 

Event:
The "Real Ale" Wobble should perhaps be renamed the "Pay me £20 and I'll give you 4 bits of plastic you can't spend anywhere other than at two checkpoints en route (one of which doesn't have beer left at 3pm!) Wobble". A huge marquee back in town selling real ale didn't take the tokens so we ended up with loads of the things we'd paid for but couldn't spend! Best advice is to just turn up, don't pay, do the Wobble and have a laugh with the boys.

 

After watching Wales thump Canada in the crowded Bear Inn, Llandovery we taxi'd to LW for a rather heavy session on the "Viper's Tooth" and some ear popping live music. We then used Diane's taxi (the only one on the island so book early) to return to our digs in deepest Llandovery over the Sugar Loaf by 1am in readiness for the bike ride on the morrow. It should be noted that such dedication to fitness is rarely seen these days even amongst the most devout of athletes. Anyway, up early for breakie (7:30am) log on, wretch and a few adjustments to the cycling shorts and we were off. Queued for ages to get a crappy unreadable map and a sticky band (bargain at £20) and set off...

Up above the streets and houses rainbow flying high, some nice gentle farm tracks before Andy (who said "Trust me") suggested we hurtle downhill through mud and water - for a laugh. After the fear subsided - I guess it was. Lots of hills, ball bumpy miles and pink stickers later we arrived at our first checkpoint to pinch a real ale - bloody awful it was too with a hangover and not helped by the recycled "Pumpkin soup" that Gordon obviously had left over from Halloween and just scraped the green bits off the top. I settled for a Mars bar and left the cawl to the Smarteenies.

Not at all impressed with the organisation - mainly 'cos there wasn't any - the idea, i.e. the gathering of like minded nutters and a fantastic bit of Wales meant we loved it and will probably return next year for another go.

Serious bit:
Apart from Aled's three tumbles there was one other fatality - that of Ninja's car, which we assume will not be with us next year unless it grows a new clutch (thanks to Bobbie for expert diagnosis).

 

Overall:
A great weekend, a couple of good pubs and fantastic live music (he may be only 15 years old but what a great future he has!), beer tents (don't drink the "Old Rosie" scrumpie, 7.2% otherwise you'll grow a 2ft head and start taking size 18 shoes, drive a tractor and marry your sister - thanks Aled) and some great company and all in all the Wobble comes highly recommended.

Oh, almost forgot, some great mountain biking through one of the most picturesque parts of Wales. Here's a picture of Derek enjoying the stunning Welsh scenery or maybe he's just dreaming about why he missed the last Ponty Curry Club do.

 

We'll be back next year :) Maybe...

External links:
Llanwrtyd Wells (town website)
Accommodation (Llandovery)
Virtual Bike (reviews)

 

 

End to End

 

After frantically scribbling last minute preparations onto the back of our worn out beer mat we racked the bikes and headed for Cornwall. The challenge - to test our prostrates over a gruelling two week course dressed only in lycra and a spare pair of socks, just in case we needed to impress any ladies en-route. I did the t-shirts (the really tough job) and Derek was left the easy task of sorting through maps, weather reports, hill profiles, alternative routes, accommodation lists, bike shops, corner shops, shops not on corners and the daily Ceefax wind directions. Starting at Land's End, Cornwall and finishing up at John O'Groats, Caithness we covered 969 miles (not including Derek's return to Gloucester 'cos he forgot his helmet). We raised approx. £750 for Ty-Hafan - the children's hospice.

 

Planning:
Route - we mainly followed the "Bike Britain" route by Paul Slater, although Derek found a few detours in order to miss some big hills and take in different scenery.

 

Bike - I bought a Dawes Discovery 701 for £600. Great bike as long as you get the wheels with lots of spokes, not the sporty ones I had!  Derek went for the trusty (or should that be rusty?) 10 year old second hand Raleigh with the only adaptations being a 36 tooth gear set for the hills kindly donated by Mr Eddie Woodman of Maesycoed and a rear pannier rack from his father.

Digs - This was our biggest expense as "rip-off" Britain is so bad for accommodation. It would have been nice if people offered us a discount on B&B but no-one did. We did get a £10 sponsorship from the Kellsboro Hotel in Newquay though - which was very nice!

Pre-ride training - We did a 44 mile ride around Brecon the other day and boy was my bum sore! Now I know how Edward II felt (OK, maybe not). Other than that I did nothing.

 

Lifts - Sue dropped us off at Cornwall and Alun & Mark picked us up in Scotland with a hire car kindly donated by Europcar. This did mean carrying all kit with us which did slow us down.

Charity - We decided to give it a go for Ty-Hafan and raised £750 in total. We had a Disco at Clwb-Y-Bont on June 18th and raised nearly £200.

 

External links - click here.

Our Sponsors:
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R.H. Jeffs & Rowe

Alun / Mark

Debbie Davies

Maesycoed Motors

Clwb-Y-Bont

Richard Holland

Cil Con Club

All bike shops (en route)

 

Friday 1st July - Pontypridd to Penzance (by car)

We began our expedition in the year of our lord 2005, in the summer month of July, about dinner-time, after literally minutes of serious training and rigorous preparation. We'd already completed a 44 mile trip around Brecon over two weeks ago and had enjoyed a 6 pint binge with curry nightcap last evening in order to fully relax us for the safari ahead. The weather was the usual mix of rain and heavy rain with some light drizzle thrown in for good measure as we set off from Ponty for Penzance. We found the backpackers at 6:30pm and were checked in by Stuart, a young, old Rhodie who informed us that he'd never died and then sang a song about when we was Rhodesia everything worked and... anyway, myself, Sue and little one were given a dorm for £41 (without breakfast) to which I screamed "I hate rip-off Britain - it's shit!" Wandered along seafront, had an overpriced meal and overpriced pint at the Dolphin Tavern and tucked ourselves in as Derek moaned about his dodgy belly.

Saturday 2nd July - Land's End to Newquay

Woke at 5am in anticipation to heavy drizzle. We had no where to lock our bikes up last night so were amazed that they were still there but that didn't put us off. Drove to Land's End to find a grey, miserable tacky touristy place with no famous signpost in site? We were told the man who owns it doesn't get up until 10am - lazy bugger. So no inspiring photo to set us on our journey only rain and wind. Eventually on road at 9:00am. "I hate rip-off Britain - it's shit!" someone said. A theme that was to echo across vale and dale for two weeks... We cycled to St Just, St Ives and a few other saintly places before watching the surfers at Portreath during a Mars bar and Lucozade break. Pushed on to St Agnes and stopped off at a Tesco to use some of our Lucozade vouchers. This was where our troubles started, because as every top athlete knows dehydration is a serious problem. But after several buy one get one free's we were in danger of over hydrating and we resolved to push onto Newquay and do some serious isotonic restoration via a few real ales. Eventually got to the pretty seaside town that shares it's name with a much nicer seaside town in West Wales but not before one of my spokes started pinging - crappy Dawes bike that I had - buy Japanese I say!

Arrived to find the town centre awash with stag and hen do's and not a real surfer in site. Got some advice from guys in bike shop (start counting them now) and on to the Kellsboro Hotel where we had a dip in the pool! Good first day's cycling - 57 miles and 14 hills, already the furthest I'd ever been on a bike in one day!

Got £5 sponsorship from Paul - the man with the bouncy castle (Black widow Services) and proceeded to restore fluid levels with Guinness in pub next to hotel. After food I was exhausted and dreading the days ahead so Sue kept me awake singing along to Robbie bloody Williams at Live8. And if I ever meet Robbie bloody Williams...

Sunday 3rd July - Newquay to Okehampton

Up at 7:00am and after £10 sponsorship from owners of hotel and a scrummy breakfast we were off with just a hint of sunshine. Plenty of big hills and got a bit of speed up going down into Wadebridge. Tore up first map near Camelford but didn't see any knights sat at our round table in the beer garden. Then disaster struck! Well, I got a puncture. Derek, who from now on shall be known as "bicycle repair man" got us back on the road and we made it to Devon - our first county photo. Big climbs and nice views of Dartmoor. Then we got sucked down a black hole into Okehampton, a lovely town though. Stayed at my favourite place on the whole trip - an old boys school. Upcott House is set in it's own gardens and is lovely. Great day and covered 63 miles and another 14 hills - another record for me.

Went to Feather of Plumes for a huge slap up feed washed down by 2 pints of Guinness. Then on to Plymouth Inn, which is just like the Llanover where we had more Guinness bought for us by a friendly Scottish builder from Devon who'd worked in Ponty and Beddau! Then the night took a sinister twist as two vampire Alsatian dogs started sucking the blood from a cut on Derek's leg. I hope he doesn't turn into a bat on Dartmoor I thought.

Monday 4th July - Okehampton to Glastonbury

Woke at 5:00am again - I really should shut the curtains in summer. Up at 7:00am, breakie and off. Made the Spar at Bow before the rain started. Next disaster was on a 30mph downhill when my pannier came off and lodged in my brake. Luckily it missed the spokes and we made Crediton (The Bikeshed) and our second bike shop. Lots of hills before a welcome respite at Bradninch (ski) to admire view of local Latvian blonde. Downhill to Cullompton, saw deer and impala of all things in grounds of some fancy estate. Derek managed to find a river to watch trout in and I laughed 'cos at last something went wrong with Derek's bike as one of his panniers broke. Riding on we discovered Somerset and made Wellington. Not quite Columbus territory but then again America had been discovered before as well. We by-passed Taunton at rush hour (not nice) and then we realised I'd miscalculated the distance somewhere and we were still 10 miles short of our destination - oops. Kept going with sore bum, sore legs, sore wrists, sore bits and bobs and crawled into Glastonbury on our hands and pedals having covered an amazing 79 miles! My best ever. Quick wash at the King William Inn, a pint of Stella, scampi and chips and we partied like there was no tomorrow at a pagan, full moon, incensed-filled, open air, nightclub with 1000 naked virgins and then I was woken up by "Bob the builder" (local lad) who said we'd never make it over the Mendips, so we went to bed.
 

Tuesday 5th July - Glastonbury to Gloucester

Up early but no sign of bikes and everything locked. Was thinking of ringing Captain Kirk to scan for life forms when pub landlady got up and did us nice breakie. Good time to Wells, but as we took pictures of the big church thingie it started raining - serves me right for being a Buddhist I thought.

Then it rained some more. Then it really rained. Then it got cold, very cold. Up very big hill out of Wells in the rain. We stopped in a Co-op to get newspapers to stuff down our fronts to prevent pneumonia. I can see the headline now - "The Somerset Gazette saves another life in charity horror ride!" Downhill into Bath (looking like we'd just had one) but couldn't find launderette to dry out. Settled for a trendy Jazz Cafe, beans on toast and hot tea. Had funny looks from local man who wondered why I was directing hot air from the hand dryers down my cycling shorts, but at this point I was beyond caring. Shop owner gave us directions out of town and we managed to find lots more hills, country lanes and very posh houses as the "Bike Britain" route came into it's own and we became sopping in Sopworth. Great guy - John Sykes, who runs the PO in Luckington gave us directions to the biggest downhill in Gloucester, between Cockadilly and Frocester, which was nice. He also gave us free drinks and Turkish Delight - thanks very much! Derek nearly lost it as he skidded downhill and may have missed the great views of the Severn Valley. On target again with 69 miles done. Found a rip-off pub in centre for £30 a night (I shouted again). Ate my pie and chips while arguing about Olympic bid with a drunk in the Chinese. I said London will never get it in a million years! Couple of pints in hotel. Neither of us could sleep much due to the "Turkish bath" atmosphere our drying clothes created, the drunken idiots in the street and the noisy seagulls outside - Britain eh! Don't you just love it.
 

Wednesday 6th July - Gloucester to Church Stretton

A million years later we're off early for once but disaster strikes again about 3 miles away as Derek scratches his head only to notice he can. As in he doesn't have his helmet on. Back he goes and I push on into wind. Reunited at the M50 junction near Redmarley we reach Ledbury which looks nice. We re-stock with 8 Lucozades and a 10pack of KitKat (really!) and it all comes to a massive 69p (cheers Lucozade). After a day of colonic irrigation yesterday (no mudguards) my piles are back with a vengeance and we find an uphill at Bromyard on the supposedly flat day! Nice views of Hay Bluff in distance though. Downhill to Tenbury Wells and River Teme which Derek is particularly fond of so we stop and have strawberries while Derek tells tales of woe about when he used to pick them. He's now complaining I'm ahead of him on the diary writing but I say I didn't have to cycle back to Gloucester did I (tee hee). The two of us are coughing in stereo now as the lurgies bed in. Find more hills and disaster - my pile of shite Dawes Discovery 701 breaks a spoke and my pannier rack snaps! Two miles to Ludlow and the shops are shutting in 10 minutes! It's a race against the clock! But somehow with every bit of bad luck we get we also get a bit of good fortune too. At a pet shop we find the only man alive in England who can make a spoke! Fred of CWA Cycles actually made us one! The fact it was the wrong size and he charged me £5.50 is irrelevant - I was happy in my ignorance. Now for more of that luck... the rain was followed by a headwind. There was no way we'd make Shrewsbury so we headed for as far as the wind would allow us. I stopped to release some excess liquid from my bladder at a lay-by as a bus pulled in. The poor old lady looked like she'd had a heart attack as she was escorted away (oops). Anyway, the weather drew us into a place called Church Stretton which reminded me of the Stepford Wives. Everyone smiled and there was no mobile reception. Would we ever leave? It was like a moonie convention and the place was full of unsuspecting mountain bikers - weird. Sweet and sour chicken (short on the rice though!) and a Guinness after a very hard 65 miles indeed. Annoyed with ourselves for falling behind on schedule.

Thursday 7th July - Church Stretton to Speke

First good nights sleep, zonked until 6:30am. Measly breakfast (with no sausages) and we were on our way. Still no mobile reception to ring home, but soon realised why when we heard the news of the inevitable London bombings by Al Qaeda. Into Shrewsbury by 9am, and two more bike shops (none much good). Pee'd off with bike big time now. Cycled on to Wem, where we found the best bike shop in Britain (another spoke had broken on my brand new bike!). Mark Lancaster of Jack Davies Cycles fixed them (for free) and we were on to Whitchurch (lovely Roman clocks) and through Delemere Forest (lovely lake with ducks and fish etc.). Then hell on earth - Runcorn! What a shithole! People actually live here! Nearly mowed down by various lorries, vans, cars and trucks before crossing bridge and road to John Lennon Airport. Found Speke, which in contrast is quite nice, and very flat. Derek's bingo hall manager mate Sean then took us out for a tour of Strawberry Fields, Eleanor Rigby's grave and houses owned by Beatles before an expensive Chinese and a few beers. Feels good to be back on track after a hard 76 miles today.

Friday 8th July - Speke to Lancaster

After saying goodbye to our Milo and Bella wallpaper we set off again expecting the industrial north to engulf us but are very pleasantly surprised. Lovely flat roads, no pollution and a nice day as we headed off through Huyton, Prescott, St Helens, x2 Eccleston's (via free coke in pub) and Leyland (home of the truck). Next up was Preston bike shop (are you still counting?) who fixed our bikes for free (to support our charity) and on to Lancaster. Actually arrived early for once after 62 miles. Booked in pub and had pint of Black Sheep real ale to celebrate being on track again. Lovely fish and chips in Littern Tree pub, couple more pints and home to watch Christopher Lee and his nipple fight James Bond. Big thanks to local man in pub who did whip round for us and raised a few quid for our cause.

Saturday 9th July - Lancaster to Carlisle

Not much sleep, up at 6:45am for great breakie - 2 eggs, 2 sausages, tom's, beans, bacon... cue: Ken Owen... On road by 8:00am and good speed to Kendal (that has a nice bridge but far too many tourists who can't drive). Saw deer, heron, rabbits and plenty of raptors. Wrote postcards in park by river as we had reached half way point! Bloody hell only half way! Set off for Shap hill, lovely views and got sunburnt for first time. Hills no bigger than Brecon though. Stopped for a pint in Shap town and downhill to Penrith where even more southern tourists can't drive to safe their lives! Talked to some Geordies about mountain biking across hills. Nice rolling hills to Carlisle and arrived about 6:00pm, (69 miles all day) but due to floods there was very little room at the Inn and it took us 30 minutes to find a B&B. At £25 each rip off Britain was back to haunt us and I screamed... Got a meatball bap in Subway and then had a couple of pints in various smoky pubs that would let us in with shorts and flipflops (our only change of clothes for two weeks). Home via the chippie and Derek sampled some local delicacy (a deep fried potato and onion ball in batter) while I went for the tried and tested pickled egg and chips. No prizes for guessing the smell in the B&B Sunday morning.
 

Sunday 10th July - Carlisle to Crawford

Up early but didn't get breakie 'till late. Slow start but nice road to Scotland (photo) and Gretna where Derek decided he didn't want to marry me after all. Found a great road straight north but then... yes you guessed it... my crappy Dawes bike snapped another spoke. Limped into Lockerbie but no help at hand on a Sunday. But just when we thought our trip might be over for good I flagged down a minibus of kindly forestry workers who were going to the beach with some tinnies and asked "Are you passing Dumfries butties?" So me and my wretched wheel headed West to Halfords where they didn't have spokes! Just as well I guess seeing as I bought a new wheel to fit which was much better than the rubbish Dawes had fitted. Just as I was about to try and thumb a lift back a very kind man indeed offered me a lift (wheel's and all) - 28 miles out of his way! A grand gesture by a fellow Celt that probably saved our journey! Cheers!!! Bicycle repair man (Derek) made good the new wheel in the Bluebell beer garden while we were watched by the South Sea Islander owner with a funny haircut and a high pitched voice (mmm?) and we were off again, albeit 3 hours late.
 

Deserted roads, on and on we went, this was real Doug McClure country! Stopped for lovely sandwich and chips at good pub in outback (Beattock) run by some Scousers on holiday and into a headwind that saw us pedalling to stand still (like in the U2 song).

Nothing for it but to stop at Crawford - a truckers stop and book a B&B&evening meal. Great three course meal with tumps of apple crumble like Nan used to make. Couple of pints and bed after a miserable 56 miles (our worst day). Nice red sky sunset about 10:30pm at night (still light - beautiful).

Monday 11th July - Crawford to Tarbet

Early rise, big breakie as you'd expect (although not up to the Albion Kebab House's standard). Beautiful morning all cold, blue and magnificent. Oystercatchers, lapwings, meadow pipits, rabbits everywhere. Hills to Douglas but about 10 miles outside Glasgow we had great views down into the city and this really cheered us up. Through Hamilton and down into town. The Gorbals looks much nicer these days and there is an air of optimism in the city. We covered 30 miles by 10:00am - the best ever. Had a coke and chatted to some locals who showed us the next bike shop on our tour and had spoke done on my spare wheel (I was carrying this strapped to the back of my panniers by now). Out of town to Dumbarton and saw Taff Trail ridealike which prevented heavy lorries from murdering us on main road. Saw a few Rab C Nesbit women in Alexandria Co-op as we re-stocked our Lucozades. Made Loch Lomond and had a pint of shandy at Duck Pool (the dearest pint in Britain according to Derek). Sat in shade and gazed at water that was inviting us in! Wanted to stay but had to push on to Tarbet. B&B's all full but eventually found one on a hill with great Loch Lomond views run by nice Austrian lady (Mrs Mary McDonald) who left chocolates on our pillows. Out to church for a few pints and a rip-off Britain meal of bangers and mash for £8. Game of pool in Tarbet Hotel to avoid Scottish dancers who seem to be stuck in a timewarp as we saw them about 14 years ago when I last stayed here. Derek discovered what midge bites feel like. Great cycling day and we covered nearly 82 miles!

Tuesday 12th July - Tarbet to Fort William

Bad road surface and bit of a headwind as we past big Ben's and many Munro's. Beautiful scenery, great for walking but hard cycling into a wind. Managed to get up the hills OK but an absolute nightmare pedalling downhill against wind in lowest gear just to keep moving! Worst winds of trip resulted in a long, hard slog downhill believe it or not. We even stopped halfway down a hill to rest. Did get some speed up as we passed road works and weaved in and out of cars at traffic lights (don't you just hate it when you're driving and bikes do that?).

Eventually made it to Glencoe knackered. Replenished fluids and sat by loch watching seagulls drop crabs onto the stones from a height which took me back to my optimal foraging essays at University - amazing to see it live!

Pushed on to Fort William and the welcome sight of a thousand B&B signs. So how come we picked the duff one? A good 70 miles done. Out for a few well deserved pints at Nevis pub (see Three Peaks photos) and Grub & Gruel but no curry house or chip shop (weird local council) sees us share half a bar of Snickers (Marathon to us oldies) for supper.
 

Wednesday 13th July - Fort William to Dingwall

No early breakie so we help ourselves to a couple of apples and head off early. For once the wind is with us (as is the drizzle). We glide effortlessly past loch after loch reaching nearly 400mph at some points. OK, that was the Tornado's practicing. Stop for breakie at Spean Bridge Hotel - a lovely place but rip-off Britain is back on our cases and we get charged £6 for hardly anything. On to Fort Augustus where tourists (must be Yanks?) queue up to watch boats go through a lock - strange people. On to Loch Ness but the monster is hiding or something. Lovely scenery and sunny for most of day. I ask lady in tourist shop for a postcard of Nessie but they seem to have run out. Stopped at Invermorriston to look at waterfall and lovely old Thomas Telford bridge. Push bikes up a very, very steep hill but it's worth it as we get 8 miles of downhill the other side as we coast to Beauly in record time, reaching 38mph, although some clown who didn't stop for me to beat the shit out of him yelled out of his van window nearly giving me and Derek a cardiac! Decide to go on to Dingwall (the drug capital of the North we're told). As if. It's a lovely place although for some reason the government has dumped a load of Kurdish refugees there in a hotel? Why they can't go back now is a mystery to me as it's safe now isn't it? Anyway, we find the best little B&B in town with really lovely owners, who even oil our bikes in the morning. A cracking 75 miles today. Out for a beer we find a weird kind of discount in the chinkies on my sausages, gravy and chips and head for The Mallard pub as it's pub quiz night. Weird thing was they have their beer garden actually on the train station platform which must have caused a few accidents over the years.
 

Thursday 14th July - Dingwall to Tongue

A lie in for once. Breakie very good and on the road into the drizzle with knees and bum sore. A good Westerly wind sees us whizz past the oil rigs at Cromaty Firth before we head inland to Ardgay for a tea and sticky cake. Dinner at Lairg (Nipp Inn) - lovely burger and chips and we're out into the wilderness. The best bit of the whole trip so far as we sail along with the wind. Uphill, downhill effortlessly (almost). Huge mountains and excellent bimbling territory for walking. We stop at the Crask Inn for a cuppa and soon after at Loch Loyal I spot a black Water Vole (quite rare and a great spot), although I think our host at Tongue didn't believe me. Perhaps I should have told him I was a zoologist? As clouds close in and weather starts to turn we see the village of Tongue below us and breathe a sigh of relief at making it. A good 80 mile ride. Stay at an old manse (lovely) but Englishman charges us £5 for lift into town which I thought a bit steep seeing as we're doing this ride for charity etc. Anyway, a few pints and some venison sausages later we're safely tucked up in bed contemplating the end of our journey tomorrow.

Friday 15th July - Tongue to John O'Groats

Our last day of cycling and the winds are with us (sort of, they're NW). Set off downhill, then up, then down, then up - it's like Cornwall again! Eventually flattens out and we stop for tea at Halledale Inn (pub with campsite) to miss rain. Cycle past Dounreay Nuclear power station and have shock of our lives when looking at a field full of sheep. Two of them are llamas! Could they just be llamas or are they the product of some government experiment? Guess we'll never know. We stop for a pint of lager in cold beer garden about 7 miles out and go over trip. Last bit is easy and we sweep into JoG to a hail of flash photography, there's even a BBC van there. Arrive at 5:00pm ish after 62 miles and who should walk across car park but Ponty Bimblers - Alun and Mark. A few photos at the signpost (which is still there). OK, pub time... The bar bill is £80+ (not including the pizza's at midnight). Derek wants to fight Mark for more whisky and play pool. But we persuade him it's best not to play pool seeing as he can't stand up or see. Bed at 2am with Mark snoring loudly on floor.
 

Saturday 16th July - John O'Groats to Glasgow (by car)

Awake at 4:00am (seagulls again) but lie in until 8:00am and breakie. Dismantle bikes and manage to cram them into boot of car. Alun & Mark take turns to drive us home from Scotland with a hire car kindly donated by Europcar. However a detour via mountains, deserted cottages and a hot soup at the Crask Inn means time is moving fast. We stop at "Nessie Centre" to buy postcard of her but they seem to have run out as well...? Long drive with Mark moaning "It's like the 470!" in between sharing his bowel motion stories. Alun gets good at giving hand signals to caravans that hog the road doing 40mph and we only just make Glasgow by 9:00pm. "It's a big place this Scotland" says Mark. Check in to Travel Inn and out on town. Few nice pubs and some takeaways later we're so tired we even pass up the luxury of a lap dancing bar opposite the hotel to fall fast asleep.

Up early Sunday and drive back to Ponty for a brai and some beers out the back.

Dave Lewis

 

We had good days and bad days although no day could be described as easy. We lost miles on two days (Church Stretton & Crawford - due to a strong headwind and bike problems on both days). The hardest thing was cycling into the wind and Dave's crappy Dawes wheels. The best thing was Scotland's scenery and downhills as well as having the wind with us! We covered a total of 969.70 miles at an average speed of 11.06 mph. The fastest we went was 38.60 mph down quite a few hills. (Stats to follow later...)

 

 

Parapente - French Alps
Well to be honest we didn't so much plan this one but merely walked into the "Parapente" office and book it. If you are going to do this though, then the French Alps is the place to do it. These guys really take it seriously and do up to 9 jumps a day. At different times of the day you have to go off a different mountain due to wind and weather conditions. The "tandem" jump is when you are strapped to an instructor and you both walk, then run down a big slope on the top of a mountain.

 

Dave (being terrified of heights) and Mark (who couldn't care less) were the bimblers for this challenge, although Warren and Xav could have come but wimped out (due to wife pressure).Mark points to the man who will have his life in his hands. Good job this man has lived in France all his life and has never had a wife or girlfriend in Wales otherwise "The Claw" might have met his match!

I must admit that I was nearly sick in the minibus while driving up to the take-off point so this photo does not show the true picture as my life starts to pass before me a few minutes before launch. I'm not sure if the smile is false as I'm absolutely terrified of heights.

 

There are courses you can do and get qualified to go solo which sounds fun but we just did the late afternoon jump which lasted about 30mins? Great views, especially if you look down past your dangling feet ...

We used "Les Volatiles" who are Club Champions of France. Tel: 06 61169554 (when in the French Alps).

 

Flying
We floated up, up and away on our beautiful canopies above the summer resort of Les Saisies and got some pretty spectacular views as we circled on the thermals above the mountainside. My take-off was crap and Mark's landing was crap, but between us we managed a good take-off and a perfect landing.

 

If you're scared of heights I can't recommend this enough. OK, I'm kidding, but it is a fantastic experience well worth doing. And it doesn't take much effort either, unlike walking.

 

It's a bit weird 'cos you start off a few feet in the air and then your up about 10ft and all of a sudden you shoot up in the air and out and your 100's of feet up. We floated over some electricity cables, a forest or two, a busy road but no combine harvesters - the views were terrific!

 

I was torn between being scared shitless and really enjoying it. I'm still not sure which emotion won in the end but it was well worth the £50 or whatever it was to do. Opposite is a shot I took as we came in to land. If you look carefully you can see Mark just about to land in front (in the blue parachute). We took off at about 2000m (6,600ft) and landed at about 1200m (3,600ft) according to our instructor. It felt higher!

 

 

Welsh 3 Peaks

One cold winter's night in the snug of the Llan over a pint of Dylan's nitrogen infused excuse for a beer Dave and Mark decided that February in the Welsh mountains would be fun. So we press-ganged, sorry that should read, welcomed the brave new bimbler; Martyn, to our crew and off we went. Dave (as always) arranged a few places to stop and we set off for North Wales. It all began early Friday morning with a bacon buttie at Dave's house, but because Mark was late as usual we didn't get to Llanberis until mid-afternoon.

 

In Llanberis we stayed at "The Heights" - 74 High St, Tel: 01286 871179.

We shared a dorm (sleeps 8) which was basic but OK for £15 each (singles were about £25). Showers could do with a bit of work though. Breakfast good, especially as we were a bit late getting up for it. Good pub with lots of climbing photos on the walls etc.

 

Dolgellau we stayed at "The Royal Ship Hotel" - Tel: 01341 422209.

We had a single for £28 and a twin for £45 including breakie which was much better than in Llanberis. Comfortable enough but late bar wasn't really very late! Brecon we just passed through but there are plenty of places to stop if you want.

 

Walking
We used the OS Map 17 - Snowdon & Conwy Valley and bimbled off from the Pen-Y-Pass car park (£2 all day but free after 2pm ish). The wind was outrageous to quote Bob Dylan but with an extra layer we set off. It was hard for myself and Mark to keep up with Martyn's pace but somehow we managed.

Snowdon is one hell of a mountain and we love it. It would be nice to see it occasionally too. We took the easy route up the Pyg Track but with very high winds indeed it would have been foolish if not suicidal to have gone for the "knife-edge".

The summit stands at 1085m (3560ft) but it is the last bit that is really steep and the final drag up alongside the railway line that hurts. We had nice blue skies and then blinding snow. Before I could get my camera out for the sunshine it was raining or sleeting again though so not the best time of year to climb.

Once at the top we had to take the Rangers (Llanberis) Path back down as it was getting dark. We decided to stick to the railway line itself so as not to get lost in the dark and overall we must have walked about 9 - 10 miles.

Due to the bad weather on Snowdon and worse threatening on Cader Idris plus the fact that we had to do an afternoon raid on the Dolgellau Doggie Charity Shop to rescue poor old "Idris" we decided to abandon all attempts to kill ourselves on the other 2 mountains. Dave was also very ill, although didn't know it at the time. Pen-Y-Fan we have done many times but Cader Idris we shall return as they say in Hollywood and American history. We did manage to have a couple of beers though to celebrate the release of "Idris".

So I suppose we should really call it the 1 Peak. Mmmm?

 

Beers
Nothing like a quiet drive to Llanberis via second, late, breakie in Newtown to get the juices flowing. After a short dash up Wales (and England's) highest mountain it was time for Martyn to freeze his hands to the steel rail at the top by the cafe, Dave to be sick in the car park and Mark to say it's bloody cold up here, before all three of us jumped into the shower!

 

With our rhetoric restored it was down to the bar in "The Heights". Absolutely packed it was! Couldn't move as can be seen below. A nice burger and chips and a few beers before the sexual gymnastics of the un-mixed dorm (who wrote this?). Only kidding. We did have second wind though and manage to down a few.

Early Saturday we were off to Caernarfon in the morning and suitably attired we set off. We saw the castle that the Greek's eldest hasn't come back to for ages, we nearly got swept into the sea and got invited to an all-day session by two friendly locals. The local barber couldn't fit me in for a trim so we moved on to Dolgellau.

Dolgellau - The Quickening ... if ever there was a "one horse town" where the horse galloped away then this was it! Not even Mark could score! (not that we were trying or anything) Martyn did, Idris was unavailable for comment though.

If you ever go to Dolgellau on a Saturday night be sure to go to Barmouth on the bus (everyone else did).

Brecon - We won't mention going to The Old Cognac for a cup of tea like three old farts. OK.

 

 

3 Peaks
 

We decided to do this back in May 1998 but instead of the boring old way (i.e. trying to do it in 20-24 hours etc.) we thought it would be much more fun to do it as slowly as possible and sample a few alehouses along the way. Mmmm? We planned the trip. I took my camera. We got some dull people to come along. We drank beer. Oh and climbed a few mountains. Great way to spend a weekend! Below is an account of our planning (if you can call it that).

 

Firstly, we arranged accommodation at or as near as possible to the mountains. You need to decide when you are going and book in somewhere before anything else. Once you've paid you have to go! Also a hot shower after a nice walk is essential. We stayed at the following hostels but I wouldn't recommend any of them! Our advice is look for some pubs.

Hostels & Comments:
Glen Nevis Youth Hostel, Fort William, Inverness, DH33 6ST
Tel: 01397 702336 Fax: 01286 704670

 

Arrived at 10.30am after an overnight drive and they said they couldn't allow us into our rooms as they weren't ready yet? When I asked what time I was told 1.30pm! Hostel was average, the dorms were crowded but the showers were excellent (and not crowded either), breakfast was a waste of time (stopped serving 9.00am) check-out was 9.30am (which seemed strange seeing as we weren't allowed in until 1.30pm?) Cost was £11.75 plus £1 for daily membership of SYHA. Only good point was that it was a good place to start the walk. Advice - find a nice pub to stay and drive to the hostel to start the climb.

Eskdale Youth Hostel, Boot, Holmrook, Cumbria, CA19 1TH
Tel: Don't bother 'cos there's no-one to answer the phone!

"Gulag 17" was nice and comfy with a good drying room, good setting, although miles from Wasdale Head but it closed from 10.00am to 5.00pm meaning we couldn't have a shower after climbing! The dorm we had was clean and comfortable but the doors shut and were locked at 11.00pm! Not a problem in the middle of nowhere but the pub down the road was open all night!!! Cost £9.15 but breakfast was £3.10 on top. Breakfast was quite good but the fact the hostel shut ruined any good points. We thought of climbing through an open window via a shimmied drainpipe but Sue told us not to. Advice - book a pub instead, there's quite a few nearer to Scarfell Pike, Stanton Bridge has a pub and campsite, Wasdale Head has the same. Ambleside looked very nice but we didn't manage it this time round.

We'd all recommend "The Woolpack Inn" at Boot which has bunkhouse accommodation and great food with friendly staff. Tel: 019467 23230

Llanberis Youth Hostel, Llwyn Celyn, Llanberis, Caernarfon, LL55 4SR

North Wales, always traditionally hospitable to us southerners was as we expected, poor lad had been up all day and night and didn't really want to check us in. 11.30pm and surprise surprise we were locked in again! Price £9.15. Bottles of bud in hand we had only a plague of gnats and some overworked spiders for company as we retired for the soberest night since records began. Breakfast wasn't included so we rose early and just left. We had a lovely big greasy Joe's in town - the full works plus chips for £3.90, tea with disinfectant to wash it down. Can't remember the name of the cafe but again service with a snarl, as we'd come to expect when travelling round UK. (The Woolpack Inn excluded) Advice - find a nice pub. 

Secondly, when to go and what to take?

We decided on the Whitsun bank holiday w/e because last year we did a bike ride over Easter and it snowed for 3 days out of 4 and when it wasn't snowing it was raining. The weather is important both for enjoyment of the scenery and also so as not to freeze your nads off! We didn't see the point of worrying too much though because once you decide to go... you just go anyway. If we did it again I think we'd go in mid summer to try and get some good photos, otherwise go in mid winter when it's snowing.

We took as little as possible because 4 of us were stuffed into Sian's untaxed VW Golf. We found that water bottles full of "Isotar" for the walk really helped with dehydration (especially after a beer or 6 the night before). The most important items after your clothing is to have OS maps and a compass. We all had cameras, small rucksack, waterproofs and fleecies, usual stuff really.

Boots are a good idea, if only 'cos 999 and the BBC would say you weren't properly equipped if they had to rescue you and you'd be embarrassed on national TV. There were 5 boys doing the walk and we had 2 girls (shopping, drinking and driving - not in that order) who were our support. It's a good idea to have someone in the pub, I mean on the ground, just in case you are late, lost etc. Ben Nevis is a big mountain and so is Scotland, which if you get lost you'll have months to wander round, so don't be silly. Read up and take advice before you go, and always have at least 3 of you. Never walk alone... (don't worry there's no audio link to Liverpool).

Thirdly, as for driving, use "Auto route" and a road atlas and you should be fine. 

Petrol is a consideration because the distances covered are quite big. It took us 11 hours to drive to Fort William from S. Wales. We drove up overnight to avoid traffic or road works, only problem is you're tired before you start but so what. We were lucky 'cos Sian had a brand new (well P reg) VW Golf, 1.9TDi, Purple! delivered that day so we gave it a test drive. A change of drivers is essential and so check you are all insured to drive the vehicle you take. Check oil and water of course, but also remember tyres and air pressure 'cos you'll be loaded up with kit and bodies. It's also a good idea to get your hair cut before you go at J'S Hair Salon... what? 

All expedition members had "Hair by J'S" 
(Probably not a great advertisement judging by the mess on most of us!)

Contact Sian at J'S salon, Ystrad Mynach, Tel: 01443 812493

Other useful addresses include:

Pen-Y-Pass Youth Hostel, Nant Gwynant, LL55 4NY. Tel: 01286 870428
Country Walking magazine, June 1999
Rough Guide - Britain / Wales 2000? Lots of good B+B addresses although they do seem to favour gay pubs?

 

Walking
Some idiot had the silly idea of doing the 3 Peaks, but it's much more fun done the alternative way with a few beers and a scenic route or two.

It's amazing how physical exercise can interfere with your drinking patterns. We drove up to Scotland from Wales on Thursday night and after half hour's doze began our first walk about 2.00pm Fri afternoon.

Ben Nevis lies within Glen Nevis, just two miles or so up the road from Fort William. The path we took was the normal "tourist route" from the Glen Nevis Youth Hostel, where we stayed. This is classed as the most practical short route, and involves a steep climb from the Youth Hostel, rather than the longer but shallower starting point from the path that starts behind the distillery on the A82 by Achintree. The path is very straight and safe if somewhat boring. Ben Nevis is 1344m (4409ft) high, and involves 1325m (4347ft) of climbing from the Hostel which is 30m above sea level. The route difficulty is regarded as intermediate to strenuous and the distance from the start to the summit is approximately 4.75 miles (7.6km).

Snow remains on the top of Ben Nevis well into the summer making it particularly hazardous. In low visibility conditions it is wise to use a map and compass. I would suggest that you do so because you will need them if the weather closes in as it did with us. Near the summit we found two paths, one covered in snow and therefore had to take a bearing which then lead us up to the top. The walk was OK, a bit steep to begin, but the main problem we had was that visibility w