Day 4

I have been looking forward to this days cycling as the route picks its way first across the River Avon and
then the Severn into Wales.

We had stopped overnight at my house in Axbridge and left home in clean clothes and on clean bikes following the cycle path to Clevedon. Much of this route is constructed on the old Strawberry Railway line, so called as it collected all the strawberry crops grown on the Mendip hills before everyone started buying them from the local supermarkets. As a cycle route it delivered a very relaxed start to the day.

Cycle path on the Avon Bridge

After Clevedon a lane is taken to Pill on the bank of the Avon. I tried to convince Steve that Pill was worth a visit but he only had eyes for the dramatic Avon bridge crossing and it did not disappoint.

The cycle path runs alongside the motorway the full span of the bridge,  affording great views along the Avon.

Lunch stop Northwick, just south ofChepstow bridge

The route from the Avon to the old Severn Bridge is accomplished almost entirely by cycle paths, visiting some pretty obscure locations.  The route is inevitably a little convoluted but we found a fine hostelry for lunch before making our way to  the Severn crossing which rewarded us with our second dramatic crossing.     Built in 1966 the car toll was only supposed to be charged until the bridge was paid for but the last time I drove across it the price was a hefty £6.20. Free for bikes though. ..

Monmouth

The ride up the Wye Valley was everything expected. A stop for a pot of tea at the ruins of Tintern Abbey before  the final 10 miles to Monmouth.  At the top of the valley we cross a bridge markef "Weak crossing"  but it wasn't too clear what one was supposed to do with this information.  Breath in?

Arrived in Monmouth with plenty of time for a look around. An attractive town centre but not at it liveliest late on a Bank holiday Monday...

Miles covered 62
Accomodation;  The Kings Head (wetherspoons) Monmouth centre