Trace Afon Hafren on a late summer adventure leading to both the source and mouth of the UK's longest natural waterway.
A pretty route designed for Randonnuer wanting to experience stunning Cambrian mountain range, numerous river valleys, deserted lanes. Controls are experienced handling AUK events, and plenty of other establishments along the route to re-fuel if required. Optional commercial rest facilities available en-route, should you so require, these may require pre-booking.
The ride leaves Tewkesbury to quickly make it's way through rural Worcestershire and Herefordshire for breakfast at Shobdon airfield. Passing through villages along the rolling Welsh Marches and Cambrian range to the quiet town of Llanidloes, here there are various cafes, the preferred are well versed in handling auks. Here you will again cross Afon Hafren soon after leaving the control, and making progress towards it's source. Near to one of the highest points you cross the Hafren where it's a mere clear stream. You progress westward along the A44 and soon turn onto quiet roads, passing through Pontarnyfach, Ponyrhydygroes, Tregaron. Leaving the Teifi valley and crossing to the Tywi valley and the control at Llandovery. The team at The West End Cafe will look after you. Now the ride heads East soon riding down along the Usk valley all the way to the control st Abergavenny. Here you have a free control, (realisticly the 24hr Esso services, as you might arrive after hours). Continueing broadly along the Usk valley you make your way towards Chepstow. You cross the Hafren (now known as the Severn) as you pedal over The Old Severn Bridge, one of the largest estuaries in the land - a far cry from the stream when you last crossed the river. The Severn view motel is at the end of the bridge, if you pre-booked - here's your rest for a few hours. The final trek up the Severn Vale is initially lanes and quiet roads, then a stretch up the A38 towards Gloucester - the road is fairly quiet, thanks to the parallel M5 taking most traffic. Passing through Gloucedter virtually traffic free, you will soon pick-up the A38 (again) for a quiet ride to arrivee in Tewkesbury. Postal finish, get a receipt from one of the various ATMs available in Tewkesbury, or if finishing after 06.00, there are various shops available- retain receipt.