Welsh Weekend – 2011

Dave made a great job of organising this event.  He has sent me the report below.

"At the hotel were Eddy and Gloria, John and Judith, Geoff and Jo, George and Janet, Keith and Jan, Geoff and Debbie, Steve and Maxine, Dave Davies, Mick Pegg, Alan Brittain and myself.

10 members and 1 guests left the start at Henley for the annual pilgrimage to Wales . We were met at Monkland by Geoff and Jo and visited by Maurice T and Colin Wood.

After excellent coffee and cake we headed to Llanidloes for lunch at the Royal Head Pub. The scenic route then started in earnest! A lovely road up and past Llyn Clywedog, through Staylittle to Llanbrynmair. We then joined the A470 to Dinas Mawdwy. Twelve stayed on A470 whilst four of us took the route up high and down to Llanuwchllyn. It was very misty but better than those big scary yellow roads. Visibility improved low down to take on the gated road through to Trawsfynydd. Then on to Beddgelert turning right to go past Snowdon (lost in the mist) to arrive at Cobdens Hotel at about 5pm. Settled in and then rewarded with a jolly good meal and fine service.

Sunday was dry and bright for the return journey. Off down the A5, right in Cerrigydrudion into Bala and soon right on unclassified road to Lake Vyrnwy . This road is without doubt the best road I have ridden for many moons; steep pasture, barren purple moorland and enclosed forest section – wet leaves but excellent surface.  B road next and a short section on A49 into Tenbury Wells for a stop at Burford Gardens (thanks for arranging that Keith). Everyone then left by various routes to head for home.

Not the best weather we have had in Wales but I avoided waterproofs and all but my light thin gloves remained dry. As Gill says, if the rain didn’t water the Welsh landscapes, it wouldn’t be half as beautiful.

Thank you all very much for joining in again.

Yours, David S."

Gloria and I really enjoyed this event.  The routes we followed were interesting and provided great scenic views most of the time.  We started out in quite good weather and it was nice enough for everyone to sit outside at the “Cheese Shop” coffee stop.  A welcome surprise was to see Ann and Maurice T and Colin W who had a run out to join us for a drink.  The good weather stayed with us until we were deep into Wales.  The evening meal at the hotel was most convivial and next morning we arose refreshed and enjoyed a hearty breakfast before starting our return trip.  We filled the Rapide’s petrol tank at Betws-y-Coed and continued along the A5 before taking minor roads through superb countryside to the visitor’s centre at Lake Vyrnwy .  We decided to take a short break in the café.  The short break became extended as Alan, Dave D, Geoff, Judith, John, Mick and Steve provided engaging conversation.  Judith handed around some Welsh cakes and the short break was in danger of becoming a long enjoyable social session.  We had to be home early to get ready for another appointment so we selected “Home” on the GPS and were rewarded by some more fine riding before we eventually rejoined the A5 much closer to home.  The last few miles we ran into a little rain but this didn’t dampen what had been a really good weekend.  Eddy. 

A few pictures below of the coffee stop at "The Cheese Shop" and looking out over Lake Vyrnwy on the return trip.  Maybe more photographs as and when people send them.

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