Posts tagged Gloucestershire
Hanging Hill: South Gloucestershire High Point

Hanging Hill summit is by the transmitter at Avon Fire and Rescue Service Southwest Command Development Centre

Start & Finish: Layby near Sir Bevil Grenville's Monument, Cotswold Way, Bath, BA1 9DD
Distance: 2.2 km (1.4 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 28m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Cotswolds Way
Other routes touched (cycle): N/A
Pubs / Cafes on route: None
Map: Bristol & Bath Map | Keynsham & Marshfield | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 155
Links: Bevil Granville, Sir Bevil Grenville's Monument, Battle of Lansdowne

Significance: High Point for the Unitary Authority of South Gloucestershire
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Beacon Batch
Nearest Higher Neighbour: Niver Hill
Historic County: Gloucestershire (of which Cleeve Hill is the County Top).
Elevation: 237m
Date “climbed”: December 30th 2023
Coordinates: 51° 25' 51'' N, 2° 24' 31'' W
OS Trig Pillar: TP3599 - Hanging Hill
Links: Wikipedia (South Gloucestershire), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

Hanging Hill is the High Point of the Unitary Authority of South Gloucestershire which was created after the abolition of the Ceremonial County of Avon. Having bagged 2 of of the 4 high points of the ex-Avon Unitary Authorities on a trip to the Mendips I was keen to get this one on the way back home. The 4th one, Dundry Hill, will have to wait for a future trip.

This high point can be bagged either on a short out-and-back or, as I did, a short circular. There’s free but limited parking off for the Sir Bevil Grenville's Monument on the road leading north from Landsdown. There were a lot of cars even on a cold winter day when when we arrived.

From the parking space follow the Cotswolds Way in a westerly direction along Beeches Cottages Road to the Avon Fire and Rescue Centre. The actual highpoint is in the grounds of the Fire and Rescue Centre, presumably under the large transmitter. The Centre was closed when I was there but you can get very close to it as the Cotswolds Way runs along side the perimeter fence.

Continue along the Cotswolds Way for another 500m to reach the Hanging Hill Trig Pillar. Along the way you’ll pass flags and information boards marking the site of the Battle of Lansdowne in 1643. After the Trig Pillar continue along the Cotswolds Way as it takes a sharp turn to the left now heading in a south/south-easterly direction. After another 500m you’ll reach the end of the field and the edge of some woods where you can leave the Cotswolds Way following a path through the woods back towards the main road. Take the path that cuts diagonally across the field heading north back to the parking area.

Richard gowerTrek, UK County Tops, Trig Pillar, National Trails, Gloucestershire, EnglandComment
Completing all Gloucestershire parkruns
Gloucestershire Flag.jpg

There are 22 parkrun events in the Historic County of Gloucestershire, of which I have completed 4. Two of these events: Blaise Castle and Eastville are now in the Ceremonial County and Unitary Authority of Bristol. Three events: Thornbury, Chipping Sodbury and Pomphrey Hill are in the Unitary Authority of South Gloucestershire.

Severn Bridge gets a special mention as most of the course is in Gloucestershire but the start and end are in Monmouthshire, Wales.

The county’s first parkrun event was Forest of Dean, whose inaugural was on April 24th 2010. The newest event is Blaise Castle which started on May 6th 2023.

The interactive maps below take you to the approximate location for the course, typically the centre of the park. See the course instructions in the parkrun page for each event for specific directions to the start. Course maps show the route at the time that I ran it and may have changed since then.

Berkeley Green

 

Blaise Castle

  • not yet completed

  • Time: to follow once I’ve completed this event

  • Other routes touched: to follow once I’ve completed this event

  • https://www.parkrun.org.uk/blaisecastle/

  • In the Ceremonial County & Unitary Authority of: Bristol

  • Inaugural: May 6th 2023

 

Cheltenham

 
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Chipping Sodbury

 

Cirencester

 

Eastville

  • not yet completed

  • Time: to follow once I’ve completed this event

  • Other routes touched: to follow once I’ve completed this event

  • http://www.parkrun.org.uk/Eastville/

  • In the Ceremonial County & Unitary Authority of: Bristol

  • Inaugural: November 18th 2017

 

Forest of Dean

 

Gloucester City

 

Gloucester North

 

King George V Playing Field

 

Kingsway, Gloucester

  • not yet completed

  • Time: to follow once I’ve completed this event

  • Other routes touched: to follow once I’ve completed this event

  • http://www.parkrun.org.uk/Kingsway/

  • Inaugural: June 6th 2015

 

Lydney

  • not yet completed

  • Time: to follow once I’ve completed this event

  • Other routes touched: to follow once I’ve completed this event

  • http://www.parkrun.org.uk/Lydney/

  • Inaugural: January 2nd 2016

 

Mallards Pike

  • not yet completed

  • Time: to follow once I’ve completed this event

  • Other routes touched: to follow once I’ve completed this event

  • http://www.parkrun.org.uk/MallardsPike/

  • Inaugural: August 31st 2019

 

Newent

  • not yet completed

  • Time: to follow once I’ve completed this event

  • Other routes touched: to follow once I’ve completed this event

  • http://www.parkrun.org.uk/Newent/

  • Inaugural: March 9th 2013

 

Pomphrey Hill

 

Severn Bridge

Most of the course is in Gloucestershire but the start and end are in Monmouthshire, Wales.

 
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route-37413027-map-full - Severn Bridge.png

Stonehouse

  • not yet completed

  • Time: to follow once I’ve completed this event

  • Other routes touched: to follow once I’ve completed this event

  • http://www.parkrun.org.uk/Stonehouse/

  • Inaugural: July 23rd 2016

 

Stratford Park, Stroud

 

Tetbury Goods Shed

  • Completed: August 17th 2019

  • Time: 28:54

  • Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 48

  • http://www.parkrun.org.uk/TetburyGoodsShed/

  • Inaugural: May 18th 2019

 
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Tewkesbury

  • not yet completed

  • Time: to follow once I’ve completed this event

  • Other routes touched: to follow once I’ve completed this event

  • http://www.parkrun.org.uk/Tewkesbury/

  • Inaugural: July 4th 2015

 

Thornbury

 

Wotton

  • not yet completed

  • Time: to follow once I’ve completed this event

  • Other routes touched: to follow once I’ve completed this event

  • http://www.parkrun.org.uk/Wotton/

  • Inaugural: October 22nd 2016

 

More parkrun posts

parkruns are free, weekly, community 5k events all around the world. I started in December 2012 and have been obsessive about it ever since. See my parkrun Collection page for details.

Featured and popular parkrun posts:

Richard gowerRun, parkrun, Gloucestershire, England Comments
Buscot Red Walk
Buscot Weir

Buscot Weir

Start & Finish: Buscot National Trust Car Park, Buscot, Faringdon, SN7 8BY
Distance: 5.8 km (3.6 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 23m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Thames Path
Other routes touched (cycle): None
Pubs / Cafes on route: Buscot National Trust Tea Room
Map: OS Explorer Map (169) Cirencester and Swindon, Fairford and Cricklade
Links: National Trust Buscot and Coleshill Estates, Buscot

This is a pleasant, easy to navigate walk on National Trust land near Lechlade.

Start at the NT Cark Park (free to members) and walk north to the weir. Cross over the weir to the north side of the Thames and follow the Thames Path east until you reach the next footbridge. Look out for the two WW2 Pill Boxes along the path. On the south side of the Thames you’ll pass a small white building that was once an Inn and now a boat club. From here follow the red NT roundels on paths through fields in a south/south-westerly direction back to the weir. Retrace your steps to the car park.

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Richard gowerTrek, Thames, Cotswolds, National Trust, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, EnglandComment
Walks Along The Thames Path National Trail
Maidenhead Bridge

Maidenhead Bridge

I’ve spent a lot of my life living close to the Thames and have done countless walks, runs and rides along it. It’s also the first National Trail that I’ve completed end to end. That was a cycle trip and, as my blog post on it describes, it’s best discovered on foot.

More recently I’ve been returning to the trail to do shorter circular walks containing stretches of the Thames Path. So far it’s been mostly focused on the Chilterns section, but I’ll extend towards the outer ends later. Here’s the links to the walks that I’ve done so far. They’re in order of closest to the source first.

From The Source to The Chilterns: Kemble to Wallingford

Circular Walks including the Thames Path

The Chilterns Section: Wallingford to Staines-upon-Thames


Circular Walks including the Thames Path

The London Section: Staines-upon-Thames to The Thames Barrier

Walks Crossing or Ending at The Thames Path

Richard gowerTrek, Thames, Chilterns, Colne Valley, National Trust, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey, Middlesex, London, EnglandComment
Cycling The NCN Route 4

ConnectING Routes

Richard gowerCycle, NCN, Canal, Disused Railway, Thames, Glamorganshire, Monmouthshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Surrey, Middlesex, London, Wales, EnglandComment
Cycling The Thames and Severn Canal
Bowbridge

Bowbridge

Start: Gloucester Railway Station, Bruton Way, Gloucester GL1 1DE, UK
Finish: Kemble Railway Station, Kemble, Cirencester GL7 6AU, UK
Distance: 48.5 km (30 miles)
Elevation Change: +313m / -221 m / Net -92m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (Cycle): NCN 41, 45
Other Routes Touched (Walk): Gloucester & Sharpness Canal Towpath, Wysis Way, Glevum Way, Stroudwater Navigation Towpath, Thames & Severn Way, Cotswolds Way, Macmillan Way, The Monarch’s Way, Thames Path
Maps:
- OS Explorer 179 Gloucester, Cheltenham & Stroud
- OS Explorer OL14 Wye Valley & Forest of Dean
- OS Explorer 168 Stroud, Tetbury & Malmesbury
Links: : Gloucester & Sharpness Canal, Thames & Severn Canal, Gloucester, Stroud, Kemble

This was a short cycle ride that was 22 years in the making. Back in 1997 my mate Charles and I visited Kemble in Gloucestershire to kick off our 3-day Thames Path Adventure. With some time to kill on the evening before the ride we explored the area around the source. Just behind the stone that marks the source we found an abandoned canal and followed it for a mile and a half until reaching a tunnel. I made a mental note to find out more about it and follow it to the end one day.

I quickly forgot about the canal and only remembered it a few months ago. With a bit of web research I found out that we had stumbled across the Thames and Severn Canal. It was completed in 1789 to connect the 2 rivers but abandoned in 1927 and fell into disrepair. With some further research I discovered an interesting 50k point-to-point trip along the both the Gloucester & Sharpness and Thames & Severn canals.

After the obligatory Saturday morning parkrun at Tetbury Goods Shed we parked at Kemble railway station. From here we took the bikes on the train for a 40 minute trip to Gloucester station. The Gloucester and Sharpness Canal basin is 1 km from the station via the High Street. The basin is a good start point for a few different adventures. The Severn Way runs through it and you can take it north through Wales to Plynlimon or South to Bristol. We headed South along the NCN 41/45 following the canal.

The Gloucester and Sharpness runs for 16 miles from Gloucester basin to Sharpness Docks. I had visited the Southern end of it a few years ago to see the old barges at Purton. The towpath from Gloucester to the junction with the Thames and Severn at Saul is well maintained and good for cycling. The NCN follows the towpath for 2.5 miles before diverting to the West. Here you have a choice of continuing along the towpath (as we did) or following the NCN and rejoining the canal at Saul Junction.

At Saul Junction you need to dismount and walk the bikes 500 metres to Whitminster Lane. Here you rejoin the NCN 45 which follows a parallel course to the North of the Stroudwater Navigation. After ~10km / 6 miles, the NCN diverts South following the Nailsworth Stream. Instead, turn left / North to Dudbridge and pick up the Stroudwater Navigation east into Stroud.

The Upper Lock Cafe is a great place to stop for a rest. From here the route is now called the Thames and Severn Canal Towpath. You can follow this without significant diversion all the way to Sapperton. The path gets quite narrow after Stroud but it's easily cycled if you keep your eyes peeled for root branches and steep cambers. There's many places where the canal disappears completely having been covered by abandoned industrial units and dense vegetation.

The Daneway Inn at Sapperton is the next obvious place to stop for a drink. Check out the cross-section diagram of the tunnel and hill on the wall near the main door. From here, navigation is trickier as the canal disappears into the tunnel and the cycle route diverts up and over the hill. There's a steep climb from the Inn to Sapperton Village, so make sure that you're well rested.

You'll now be following the Wysis Way all the way to the Source of Thames. Its primarily a footpath, but easy enough for passing and no styles to prevent cycling. Just remember to go slow and dismount for the very occasional walker coming the other way. Even in the height of Summer we only passed a handful of walkers on the whole trip.

The Source of The Thames is marked by a large stone next to a wooden National Trail sign pointing 184 miles away to London. Part of me wanted to carry on, but the main part of me (and all of Charlie) was happy just to cycle the final couple of miles back to Kemble Station.

On most adventures I miss a sense of completion as they always inspire at least 2 new trips. This was different as it closed the circle on an idea I had 22 years ago. Yes, I do want to explore the Severn Way and the rest of the Wysis, but they can wait. This adventure is done.

Start: Gloucester Railway Station

 

End: Kemble Railway Station

 
Richard gowerCycle, NCN, Canal, Railway, Cotswolds, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, EnglandComment
Race To The Tower Ultra Marathon
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When: June 8th 2019
From: Bird In Hand Farm, Whiteshill, Stroud
To: Broadway Tower, Middle Hill, Broadway, WR12 7LB
Distance: 84.5 km (52.5 miles)
Elevation Change: +1,939m / -1,880m. Net +59m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Bruce Trail Friendship Trail, Wysis Way, Gustaf Holst Way, Gloucestershire Way, Cheltenham Circular Footpath, Wynchcombe Way, Isbourne Way, Warden’s Way, Wychavon Way (old), Windrush Way, Donnington Way, Wyche Way
Other routes touched (cycle): None
Maps: OS Explorer OL45 The Cotswold Map and OS Explorer 179 Gloucester, Cheltenham & Stroud
Guidebook: The Cotswold Way National Trail Guidebook & Map Booklet - Cicerone
Trig Pillars: The Ring Trig Pillar on Trigpointing, Haresfield Beacon Trig Pillar on Trigpointing
Finish time: 14 hours 47 minutes
Links: Cotswold Way, Cotswolds AONB, Stroud, Painswick, Great Witcombe, Cleeve Hill Common, Winchcombe, Broadway, Broadway Tower

I wasn’t really up for this one. On previous Ultras I’d been mentally in top form, over excited and raring to go. I’d done my usual zero training, so no change there. What was different this time was that I also didn’t feel that I’d got enough rest or nutrition. Those were both my “keys to success” and I’d done neither. The problem was that Tower is renowned as being the toughest of the Race To The series.

Race To The Tower is 10 miles shorter than the Race to the Stones but it's significantly hillier. I got a reminder of this as my train pulled into Stroud through a steep valley. It was raining too. Booking a hotel right next to the train station was too tempting. I could just get on the first train back in the morning and not worry about it.

The thing is: that’s not me. I love Ultras and I never give up. It was still drizzling in the morning, but I woke up with my normal sense of puppy-like excitement. This would be an awesome day.

It was.

In the taxi ride to the start line I remembered my first Ultra. Back then I had absolutely no idea whether I could go that distance. It didn’t help that everyone I spoke to was on their 5th or more Ultra. The biggest tip that one of them told me that day was to run your own race. Don't change your plan on the day just because you’ve heard that someone else does it differently. Don’t worry about how fast, slow or gracefully other people are running. Just do your thing. I’ve always remembered that and it always works.

I was feeling good that I was now one of those that had done 5 Ultras. Then I met Gobi Man. Not only was this one of a long chain of Ultras, he’d also done several multi-day runs abroad. He’d done Marathon de Sables, a Peruvian Amazon Rain Forest Run and this race was just a warm up for a seven day Gobi race. I made a note of the company that runs these events (don’t tell my wife).

Suddenly it was race time and I snuck into an earlier wave to get off 10 minutes earlier. As usual I’d prepared a spreadsheet with detailed minutes-per-mile and checkpoint locations. After a few years of over-optimistic planning I’d refined my pace and stuck to 12 minute miles for the first half-marathon distance. After that I would drop a minute per mile every 10 miles.

As with previous Ultras, Timi (the wife) and my mum were my Support Crew. They drove to the Cotswolds late morning to meet me half-way. By then I was already an hour ahead of plan so we met further along the route. By then the damp start and a few misjudged puddles had soaked my trainers so my feet needed some attention. As much as Timi complains about the madness of the big runs, she does an outstanding job of patching me up and feeding me. It’s always a massive motivation to see both of them in the tough final stages.

The Cotswolds Way is stunning. Ultras tend to be in interesting areas but this was exceptionally beautiful. I love the UK National Trails and an Ultra is a great way to fully experience them. The varying terrain keeps you focused and helps you to be fully present in the environment in a way that road running often can’t. I did listen to some podcasts along the way, but for the majority of the 15 hours out there I was in "The Zone", fully present in the race.

I was surprised to see Gobi Man when I overtook him at mile 40. He’d started in the Wave before me and I’d assumed that he’d already be a couple of hours ahead. It turned out that he’d taken a wrong junction and gone 2km in the wrong direction. After that he’d lost his mojo and was having a tougher race. I felt bad for him but it secretly made me feel good about my own efforts.

In stark contrast to the evening before I felt on top form throughout the race. Even the long lonely twilight stretches were fine. These are the bits that can wear you down. Runners are now well spaced-out and you can go for a long time without seeing anyone. The long flat section towards Broadway was actually a bit of a slog. I could see Broadway Tower in the far distance from about 8 miles out. It didn’t seem too far but the final part was a curve into the town so it didn’t get closer for a few miles.

By Broadway it was fully dark and running through the High Street was a highlight. It’s a pretty village in daylight and magical when lit up at night. It was a warm Summer evening and the outside dining areas were packed. The claps and cheers of encouragement were much needed.

Just past the High Street it got quiet and dark again. The route turned right off the road and into fields again. This was the final mile and it was a bastard. There was no gentle finish, just a seemingly endless climb up to the top of the hill. Timi and mum had been there for half an hour. I was still 45 minutes ahead of time but slowing down. Finally, at the top of the hill and through the trees, the Broadway Tower appeared, lit up in lime green and marking the end of the double marathon. Timi was there at the final 100 metres and joined me to cross the finish line.

It’s a very different feeling crossing finish lines now. I used to get a wave of emotion about finishing something I didn’t think I could do. Now it’s not about proving anything so the feeling is more about satisfaction, enjoyment, excitement and just a bit of being absolutely bloody knackered.

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Start: Bird In Hand Farm

 

End: Broadway Tower

 
Richard gowerRun, Ultramarathon, Cotswolds, Trig Pillar, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, EnglandComment
Bristol Half Marathon

When: September 25th 2016
Where: Bristol City Centre and Avon Gorge, UK
Course: Nice flat course leading under the Clifton Suspension Bridge west along the Avon Gorge then the last 5 miles around the city. Had all sorts of weather from bright sunshine to wind and showers. Good start to the Autumn running season.
Other routes touched (walk): River Avon Trail, Bristol Triangular City Walk, Severn Way,
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 3, 4, 33, 41
Finish time: 1:53  

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Richard gowerRun, Half Marathon, Gloucestershire, EnglandComment
Cycling from Land's End To John O'Groats
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The Land’s End To John O’Groats (LEJOG) cycle trip had been on my back burner for a very long time. It started 21 years ago when I was planning my Queen’s Scout Award. The Award was similar to the Duke Of Edinburgh Award and required a big expedition. I chose to do a cycling trip and needed to find a route greater than the 200 mile minimum requirement. Andrew, my expedition partner, and I briefly considered LEJOG but the distance was way more than required and, at the time, seemed like a bit too much effort. Maidenhead, our hometown, to Lands End at 350 miles was more like it.

1993: Maidenhead to Land's End

That summer was amazing. The years have probably erased all memories of the tough spots and any bad weather, so all I remember now is endless sunny days and pleasant glides through the South-West countryside. We cycled 60 miles a day, stayed in Youth Hostels and survived on Diet Coke and White Chocolate Magnum ice-creams. The 6 day trip to Land’s End was my first big adventure and it definitely wasn't going to be the last. Ever since then the full Land’s End To John O’Groats trip was something I had to do ... just not right now.

Right after that trip I started working for Mars and the next few years was all about work and socialising. 4 years living abroad was a whole different adventure in itself and the LEJOG idea sunk into the very back of my mind. It was only in my mid-30s that I started to get back into the outdoors in a big way. After the Kilimanjaro trek in 2013 I started planning my next big trip and the LEJOG idea started to bubble up again. Two more things then happened to bring it right to the front. The first was turning 40 and thoughts around finishing off things that I wanted to do. The second was planning the Growlerthon, my fundraising year in memory of my dad who was diagnosed with lung cancer shortly after Kili. Back burner no more .... I had to do LEJOG.

Putting the team together was relatively easy. Slobby did the trip 2 years before and was up for doing it again. Brian, my Kili buddy, was also an easy “yes”. Brian recruited the rest of the team: Martyn and Ray, both from our office and both with different personal charity and fitness goals, and Reggie, Brian's brother. By early January we had the team together and the next few months was all about training and route planning.

We had all heard of different routes, from the 41 hours record to a very sedate month-long LEJOG pub crawl. 2 weeks seemed the most obvious duration as it was about as much time as we could get off work and the 75 mile average day was very manageable. This plan meant we could stay off the busy A roads as much as possible and get as much scenery in as possible. By the time we all met up in Penzance the evening before the start, we had reached a peak of excitement. We had done all we could to prepare, train and fundraise. Now all we had to do was cycle.

We took Day 1 easy, just 35 miles to Falmouth. A little hilly, but nothing to complain about and a good dose of coastal route scenery. It was the next 2 days, Falmouth to Exford, that were the real test. Most people assume that Scotland is the toughest section for hills, but its actually Devon and Cornwall. This is part of the reason to start at Lands-End so that you can knock off the coastal hills while your legs are fresh. This would have been fine, except that I was still getting used to my new road-bike and I still wasn’t used to the gears. There were several points on the first few days when I thought I’d broken my bike by changing to the wrong gear at the wrong time up a hill.

By Day 4 we’d got into a flow, having got used to being together as a team and perfecting the routine of every day on the road. Each day we would get up at around 7:30, have breakfast, kit-up and tackle the first 15 to 20 miles. Then would come morning break, usually coffee and carrot cake, followed by another 20 miles before lunch. The afternoons were similar: 20 miles, then coffee and cake and the final push through to wherever we were staying that evening. We even got the evenings down to a fine art with some of us sorting out payment for the hostel, some sorting out clothes washing whilst the others showered.

Whilst a lot of the process of doing the trip became routine, the adventure was in the route itself. England, Wales and Scotland unfolded before us, showing us some of the best parts of the countryside. Towards the end of the trip we about our favourite parts but there were too many to bring it down to a short-list. Often we would post on Facebook about that day having been the best of the trip, only for the next day to be just a enjoyable or even better. My video of the highlights is probably the best way to explain how amazing the trip was.

One special moment for me was the evening in Wick, our final overnight stop after our longest day at 105 miles. We were less than 2 cycling hours from John O’Groats so there was already a feeling of celebration. We’d already been spared punctures or major injuries so getting to the end was inevitable, even if we had to walk. Wick really has a sense of being at the end of the country. It was fairly bleak, even in summer, and we wondered what people did there. Over a few pints a a curry we talked about the hilly South-West from 2 weeks ago, the exhilarating downhill rides into Exford, the Strawberry Line to Bristol, crossing the Severn Bridge, The Wye Valley, the ferry across the Mersey, the Lake District, Gretna, Arran, the Great Glenn and the Scottish coast. All very different experiences and even more special to have been able to join them up in one self-powered adventure.

After all of that, the final was a bit of an anti-climax. From Wick, we only had 17 miles to go, normally the distance till our first carrot cake stop. This 17 miles contained the most rain we'd had apart from the Lake District. John O’Groats quickly came and we were greeted by Martyn's family and friends who had followed us since Arran. The next part was ultra efficient, disassembling and boxing up the bikes, driving to Inverness airport and boarding the plane to Gatwick. After 2 weeks of being very present and fully focused on the trip, suddenly it was all over. I’d had a nice sense of completion for the adventure that I'd had in my mind for 21 years, but it didn't feel like an end, more the inspiration for something new. From John O’Groats, there's 2 ways to go, North by boat to Orkney or carry on West to Dunnet Head, the mainland’s most northerly point, then the wild Scottish coast. I'm sure I'll be back for both, but a lot sooner than 21 years.

Day 1: Land’s End to Falmouth

Date: July 6th 2015
Start: Land’s End Visitors Centre, Sennen, Penzance TR19 7AA
Finish: Falmouth Lodge Backpackers Hostel, 9 Gyllyngvase Terrace, Falmouth, TR11 4DL
Distance: 60.4 km (37.5 miles)
Elevation change: +757m / - 798 m / Net -41m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (Cycle): NCN 3
Other Routes Touched (Walk): South West Coast Path

Day 2: Falmouth to Tintagel

Date: July 7th 2015
Start: Falmouth Lodge Backpackers Hostel, 9 Gyllyngvase Terrace, Falmouth, TR11 4DL
Finish: YHA Tintagel, Dunderhole Point, Tintagel PL34 0DW
Distance: 88.8 km (55.2 miles)
Elevation Change: +1,333m / - 1,289 m / Net +44m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (Cycle): NCN 3, 32
Other Routes Touched (Walk): South West Coast Path

Day 3: Tintagel to Exford

Date: July 8th 2015
Start: YHA Tintagel, Dunderhole Point, Tintagel PL34 0DW
Finish: Exford Hostel, Exemead Stables, Exford, Minehead TA24 7PU
Distance: 118.6 km (73.7 miles)
Elevation change: : +1,641m / - 1,457 m / Net -184m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (Cycle): NCN 27, 277, 3, 33
Other Routes Touched (Walk): South West Coast Path, Tarka Trail, Macmillan Way West, Two Moors Way, Exe Valley Way

Day 4: Exford to Bristol

Date: July 9th 2015
Start: Exford Hostel, Exemead Stables, Exford, Minehead, TA24 7PU
Finish: YHA Bristol, 14 Narrow Quay, Avon, Bristol BS1 4QA
Distance: 122 km (76 miles)
Elevation change: : +875m / - 1,120 m / Net -245m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (Cycle): NCN 26 (The Strawberry Line), 3, 33, 334, 41, 410
Other Routes Touched (Walk): Exe Valley Way, Coleridge Way, Macmillan Way West, River Parrett Trail, The Mendip Trail, West Mendip Way, Round Yatton Walk, River Avon Trail,

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Day 5: Bristol to Hereford

Date: July 10th 2015
Start: YHA Bristol, 14 Narrow Quay, Avon, Bristol BS1 4QA
Finish: East Friars B&B, 33 Greyfriars Avenue, Hereford, HR4 0BE
Distance: 84 km (52.2 miles)
Elevation change: +1,047m / - 1,007 m / Net +40m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (Cycle): NCN 4, 41, 410, 42, 423, 46,
Other Routes Touched (Walk): Bristol Triangular City Walk, Severn Way, Wales Coast Path, Wye Valley Walk, Offa’s Dyke Path, Gloucestershire Way, Herefordshire Trail,

Day 6: Hereford to Chester

Date: July 11th 2015
Start: East Friars B&B, 33 Greyfriars Avenue, Hereford, HR4 0BE
Finish: Grotty hotel in Chester City Centre, CH1 3DU
Distance: 149.4 km (92.8 miles)
Elevation change: +1,035m / - 1,066 m / Net -31m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (Cycle): NCN 44, 45, 455, 81,
Other Routes Touched (Walk): Herefordshire Trail, Shropshire Way, Jack Mytton Way, Severn Way, Llangolen Canal Towpath, Maelor Way, Marches Way, Baker Way, Two Saints Way, Shropshire Union Canal Towpath,

Day 7: Chester to Morecambe

Date: July 12th 2015
Start: Grotty hotel in Chester City Centre, CH1 3DU
Finish: The Morecambe Bay Hotel, 317-318 Marine Rd Central, Morecambe LA4 5AA
Distance: 122.9 km (76.4 miles)
Elevation change: +627m / - 642 m / Net -15m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (Cycle): NCN 56, 568, 6, 62, 622, 69, 810,
Other Routes Touched (Walk): Shropshire Union Canal Towpath, Longster Trail, North Cheshire Way, Ribble Way, Lancaster Canal Towpath,

Day 8: Morecambe to Carlisle

Date: July 13th 2015
Start: The Morecambe Bay Hotel, 317-318 Marine Rd Central, Morecambe LA4 5AA
Finish: YHA Carlisle (now permanently closed), Bridge Ln, Carlisle CA2 5SR
Distance: 123.2 km (76.5 miles)
Elevation change: +1,172m / - 1,161 m / Net +11m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (Cycle): NCN 10, 6, 69, 7, 70, 71, 700
Other Routes Touched (Walk): Lancashire Coastal Way, Cumbria Coastal Way, Coast To Coast Walk, Cumbria Way,

Day 9: Carlisle to New Cumnock

Date: July 14th 2015
Start: YHA Carlisle (now permanently closed), Bridge Ln, Carlisle CA2 5SR
Finish: Old School B&B, Dalleagles, New Cumnock, East Ayrshire, KA18 4QW
Distance: 126.5 km (78.6 miles)
Elevation change: +921m / - 707 m / Net -214m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (Cycle): NCN 10, 7, 72
Other Routes Touched (Walk): Hadrian’s Wall Path, Annandale Way, Southern Upland Way,

Day 10: New Cumnock to Lochgilphead

Date: July 15th 2015
Start: Old School B&B, Dalleagles, New Cumnock, East Ayrshire, KA18 4QW
Finish: Empire Lodge B&B, Union St Lochgilphead, Lochgilphead, PA31 8JS,
Distance: 131.8 km (81.9 miles)
Elevation change: +1,213m / -1,437 m / Net -224m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (Cycle): NCN 7, 73, 78
Other Routes Touched (Walk): River Ayr Way, New Town Trail, Arran Coastal Way, Kyntire Way

elevation_profile Day 10C.jpg

Day 11: Lochgilphead to Fort William

Date: July 16th 2015
Start: Empire Lodge B&B, Union St Lochgilphead, Lochgilphead, PA31 8JS,
Finish: Glen Nevis Youth Hostel, Glen Nevis, Fort William PH33 6SY
Elevation change: 135.6 km (84.3 miles)
Ascent: +1,554m / -1,535 m / Net -19m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (Cycle): NCN 78
Other Routes Touched (Walk): Great Glen Way, West Highland Way

Day 12: Fort William to Inverness

Date: July 17th 2015
Start: Glen Nevis Youth Hostel, Glen Nevis, Fort William PH33 6SY
Finish: Inverness Youth Hostel, Victoria Dr, Inverness IV2 3QB
Elevation change: 107.9 km (67 miles)
Ascent: +1,197m / -1,206 m / Net -9m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (Cycle): NCN 1, 7, 78
Other Routes Touched (Walk): West Highland Way, East Highland Way, Great Glen Way

Day 13: Inverness to Wick

Date: July 18th 2015
Start: Inverness Youth Hostel, Victoria Dr, Inverness IV2 3QB
Finish: Harbour House B&B, 12 Harbour Terrace, Wick KW1 5HB
Distance: 167.1 km (103.8 miles)
Elevation change: +1,471m / - 1,486 m / Net -15m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (Cycle): NCN 1
Other Routes Touched (Walk): none

Day 14: Wick to John O’ Groats

Date: July 19th 2015
Start: Harbour House B&B, 12 Harbour Terrace, Wick KW1 5HB
Finish: John O’ Groats Visitors Centre, John O' Groats, Wick KW1 4YR
Distance: 27.6 km (17.1 miles)
Elevation change: +203m / - 213 m / Net -10m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (Cycle): NCN 1
Other Routes Touched (Walk): none

Richard gowerCycle, NCN, Canal, Disused Railway, England, Wales, Scotland, Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Monmouthshire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Cheshire, Lancashire, Westmorland, Cumberland, Dumfriesshire, Ayrshire, Bute, Argyll, Inverness-shire, Ross-shire, Sutherland, CaithnessComment
Cleeve Hill: Gloucestershire County Top
Cotswold Way junction near the summit.

Cotswold Way junction near the summit.

Significance: Highest peak in Gloucestershire (Historic CT), Cotswolds AONB High Point
Member of: Marilyn
Parent Peak: The Wrekin. NHN = Herefordshire Beacon
Elevation: 330m
Date climbed: 8th December 2013
Coordinates: 51.920°N 2.007°W   
Route Start / End: Rising Sun Hotel, Rising Sun Lane, Cleeve Hill, Cheltenham, GL52 3PX
Route Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Route Elevation Change: +/- 304m
Subsidiary tops on route: Cleeve Hill (317)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Cotswold Way, Winchcombe Way (West), Isbourne Way
Other routes touched (cycle): none
OS Trig Pillar: TP0007 - Cleeve Hill
Map: OS Explorer Map (179) Gloucester, Cheltenham and Stroud
Guidebook: The UK's County Tops (Jonny Muir), Walking the County High Points of England (David Bathurst)
Links: Wikipedia (Gloucestershire), Wikipedia (Cleeve Hill), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

OTHER HIGH POINT IN Gloucestershire

Richard gowerTrek, UK County Tops, Trig Pillar, Cotswolds, Gloucestershire, England, MountainComment
Cycling the NCN Route 4 from Cardiff to Bath
NCN $ from Bristol to Bath (obviously)

NCN $ from Bristol to Bath (obviously)

Start: The Celtic Ring, Cardiff, Wales
Finish: Pulteney Bridge, Bridge Street, Bath, BA2 4AT
Planned Distance: 140 km / 87 miles. Actual Distance: 148 km / 92 miles
Planned Elevation Change: +902m / - 883m / Net +19m. Actual Elevation Change: +1,937m / -1,786m / Net + 151m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (walk): Taff Trail, Rhymney Valley Ridgeway Walk, Rhymney River Circular, Usk Way, Wales Coast Path, Severn Way, Bristol Triangular City Walk, River Avon Trail, The Dramway, Monarch’s Way
Other Routes Touched (cycle): NCN 8, 41, 410, 42
Links: Sustrans: NCN 8, Sustrans NCN 4, Wikipedia: Newport transporter Bridge

This was meant to be an easy one. My mate Charlie and I had recently completed the NCN 8 from Holyhead to Cardiff plus the NCN 4 from Bath to London. The plan for this one was to connect those 2 previous adventures by completing the NCN 4 section from Cardiff to Bath. This was in the days before we had iPhones and GPS routes to follow. We were familiar with the great signage of the NCN routes, so it was highly unlikely that we would get lost. Right.

The plan was simple: start at Cardiff Harbour, take the NCN 8 North to Nantgarw then pick up the NCN 4 and follow it to Bath. What actually happened is that we found the NCN 4 junction but we took a wrong turn after only 1 km from Nantgarw and started heading South. I was convinced that if we continued heading East we would either find the cycle route again or come to a town where we could re-orientate ourselves. After 30 minutes we entered the outskirts of a large town. I was feeling that my plan was working as it must be Newport. It was only when I saw the roof of the Millennium Stadium that I realised that the plan had gone horribly wrong. We were back in Cardiff having spent a couple of hours on a futile 35 km loop.

Having wasted 2 hours and now back at the start with the whole trip ahead of us we needed a Plan B. Rather than heading back up to the NCN 4 via the 8 we took busy main roads East from Cardiff. It wasn't pretty but it was easy and fast cycling. We picked up the NCN 4 in Maeglas near Newport and we were back on track. This turned out to be a good place to rejoin as we could visit the Newport Transporter Bridge.

The rest of the trip was much more straightforward. The NCN 4 signage is great and we managed to follow it without screwing up like earlier in the day. This is an excellent route with the Severn Bridge crossing and the Bristol& Bath Railway Path as particular highlights.

Planned Route

Actual Route

map+-+NCN+4+Cardiff+To+Bath+-+Fail.jpg
Richard gowerCycle, NCN, Wales, England, Disused Railway, Glamorganshire, Monmouthshire, Gloucestershire, SomersetComment
Cycling The Thames Path

Windsor

The most important thing to say about cycling the Thames Path is “don’t cycle the Thames Path”. This was one of my first long distance cycle rides and, back in 1997, I didn’t put a lot of thought into it. Nowadays I put a lot of planning into trips to make sure that I use cycle-friendly paths. These were the pre-internet, pre-GPX days. Back then we just got a lift to the source and started cycling. If I was to do the Thames Path now I definitely wouldn’t cycle any of the first section to Oxford and I’d be choosy about parts of the middle section too.

Don’t just take my work for it though: from visitthames.co.uk: “Most of the Thames Path is a public footpath on which cyclists have no legal right to ride unless they have permission from the landowners - cycling without permission is a trespass offence against landowners. If you choose to cycle by the river, please be aware it is a potentially dangerous activity”.

The Thames Path is a magnificent National Trail and I highly recommend giving it a go. The easiest advice is to Walk to Maidenhead then cycle the rest. The reality is probably more nuanced though and I’m sure I’ll return to update the routes one day. In the meantime, here’s the sections as I did them in ‘97. Please use the comment box below if you have any more recent advice on cycling on the Thames path.

Part 1: Source To Oxford

Start: Thames Head Inn, Tetbury Rd, Cirencester GL7 6NZ (alternative = Kemble Railway Station)
Finish: Oxford YHA, 2A Botley Rd, Oxford OX2 0AB
Distance: 86 km (53 miles)
Elevation change: +96m / - 254 m / Net -158m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (Walk): Thames Path, Wysis Way, Oxford Green Belt Way, Shakespeare’s Way
Other Routes Touched (Cycle): NCN 45
OS Map(s):
- OS Explorer 168 Stroud, Tetbury & Malmesbury
- OS Explorer 169 Cirencester & Swindon
- OS Explorer 170 Abingdon, Wantage & Vale of White Horse
- OS Explorer 180 Oxford, Witney & Woodstock 

elevation_profile - Thames Path 1.jpg

Part 2: Oxford To Hurley Lock

Start: Oxford YHA, 2A Botley Rd, Oxford OX2 0AB
Finish: Hurley Lock, Mill Ln, Hurley, Maidenhead SL6 5ND
Distance: 57 miles / 91 km
Elevation change: +312m / - 339 m / Net -27m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (Walk): Thames Path, Shakespeare’s Way, Oxford Green Belt Way, European Walk E2: UK South East England, The Ridgeway, The Chiltern Way Berkshire Loop
Other Routes Touched (Cycle): NCN 4, 5, Chilterns Cycleway
OS Map(s):
- OS Explorer 180 Oxford, Witney & Woodstock
- OS Explorer 170 Abingdon, Wantage & Vale of White Horse 
- OS Explorer Map 171 Chiltern Hills West, Henley-on-Thames and Wallingford
- OS Explorer Map (172) Chiltern Hills East

elevation_profile - Thames Path 2.jpg

Part 3: Hurley Lock to Thames Barrier

Start: Hurley Lock, Mill Ln, Hurley, Maidenhead SL6 5ND
Finish: Thames Barrier, Eastmoor St, Greenwich Peninsula, London SE7 8LX
Distance: 72 miles / 116 km
Elevation change: +435m / - 463 m / Net -28m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (Walk): Thames Path, Shakespeare’s Way, The Chiltern Way Berkshire Loop, Maidenhead Boundary Walk, London Loop, Capital Ring, Jubilee Walkway, Jubilee Greenway
Other Routes Touched (Cycle): NCN 1, 4, 61
OS Map(s):
- OS Explorer Map (172) Chiltern Hills East
- OS Explorer Map (160) Windsor, Weybridge & Bracknell
- OS Explorer Map (161) London South, Westminster, Greenwich, Croydon, Esher & Twickenham
- OS Explorer Map (173) London North, The City, West End, Enfield, Ealing, Harrow & Watford

map - Thames Path 3.JPG

The complete route

Related Blog Posts:

Richard gowerNCN, London, Thames, Chilterns, Cycle, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey, England, Colne Valley Comments