THE HOLLY AND MISTLETOE RUN

23.12.12

The Sunday morning after the winter solstice was a good chance for us to ride out into the countryside,to take advantage of the break in the weather. Quite mild but blustery, The Brothers cycled from Ashford Hall, Croesyceiliog, through New Inn, Glascoed and Monkswood. Along the main road to Usk a sprint took place against the manic, car-driving, holiday shoppers. The floods were still affecting this area badly as we viewed the old bridge in the town. I had brought some pork pies out with me and  a small amount of pickle. However this was not enough for Nick, as he devoured most of the pickle! This caused the necessity to buy another jar to feed Nick's craving for the stuff! From Usk there was a pleasant ride to Llandenny and Raglan. The maze of wintry, tree debris-strewn, lanes were tackled to Llantilio Croessenny. The old Offa's Dyke track to Whitecastle was in poor condition, it looked like there had been a raging torrent of water flowing down it, causing it to be covered in small rocks and muck. Unfortunately, we were not able to gain our usual free winter access to the castle, as it was closed for err.... refurbishment? On the way back the brothers cycled through the grounds of the 18th century Llanarth Court, which is now a psychiatric hospital. Originally built for the Jones family of Treowen it became home for 1st Baron Ivor Herbert whose family own much of the land in this area today. Cycling to Croes Llanfair and Goytre it was decided to head for the canal. There was a pleasant surprise here, the muddy tow path had been turned into Route 49 cycle track, with a very smooth gravel track, making for an excellent ride to New Inn and then home via the old abandoned road to Croesyceiliog....68km with 887metres of ascent.

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