THE GOLDEN LANES OF MONMOUTHSHIRE

16.04.11

Another warm Saturday morning heralded our trip to the classic cycling paths of northern Gwent. Our usual route to Usk through New Inn and Monkswood was quickly traversed. After stocking up with supplies in Usk, we copied last week's journey past the gliding club. The climb up to Pen-y-Clawdd, although cycled many times before, has always been one I have been indifferent to, but it has now become one of my favourite sections of this route. Away from the traffic the birds were singing and the sun shining and then a forest descent down to the old A40, this is what cycling is all about! Monmouth arrived, the birthplace of Henry V  of Agincourt, here we stopped for a large cup of coffee. From Monmouth our route took us to Osbaston on the outskirts of the town and then outward on to uncharted territory on a lane that follows the east side of the river Monnow. This very quiet lane snakes and weaves it's way past old houses, vineyards and cider orchards before arriving at Skenfrith. Here lunch was eaten in the afternoon Sun by the small castle near the border with England. The country roads in this area are truly the finest. This is classic cycle touring area and there was no exception as the lanes took us past Hilston Park and on to Newcastle. Near here, the lane passes Llangattock-Vibon-Avel, the ancestral home of the Rolls family, there is a church here where Charles Rolls, of Rolls-Royce car fame is buried, he was unfortunately killed in an aircraft crash at the age of 32. The winding sweet smelling lanes that amble their way toward Raglan were cycled in the afternoon sun. Eventually the enchanted land of the north of Gwent was left, our ride continued to Usk and then on the incense smelling road through Monkswood, Glascoed and New Inn to arrive in Croesyceiliog via the old abandoned road....54 miles.

Click an image to see larger version

Bike-Brothers home