Lizard Point to Avonmouth Bridges
Wed 1st May
Getting there.
Not a lot to say here really. We travelled the 450 miles or so to Helston where we were booked into a Premier Inn for the night. The journey went without a hitch in spite of heavy traffic encountered on the way down. Our friend 'Mal' accompanied us to take the van back home and to act as back up in case of an emergency and to be a stand by in case there was a problem with our lift home.
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Thur 2nd May
Lizard Point to Indian Queens
Daily Distance 43.9
Total Distance 43.9
Daily Ascent 3,039
Total Ascent 3,039
Weather Bright intervals. becoming cooler as the day wore on
Difficulty Moderate with some long climbs
Total Distance 43.9
Daily Ascent 3,039
Total Ascent 3,039
Weather Bright intervals. becoming cooler as the day wore on
Difficulty Moderate with some long climbs
As soon as we started planning our end to end ride, several people advised us that the first three days were probably the hardest part of the entire journey. They may well be right but I have to say that although it is definitely hilly and some of the hills seem to go on forever, we found that by simply selecting low gears in plenty of time and not pushing on too hard we had little trouble in that department in spite of the weight the bikes were carrying. (my bike was carrying 266 lb with me and my gear on board while Johns was heavier still.)
We decided to steer clear of some of the more touristy areas and selected a route which kept us on country lanes and avoided main roads wherever possible, but this had one or two drawbacks. Refreshments were more difficult to come by as many hamlets and villages are now without a shop or pub and we did sometimes travel quite long distances between stops. Fortunately, Truro was on our route and ideally placed for our lunch break where I tried a Cornish Pastie from a local bakers which sadly was a little disappointing with a lot of crust and a tasteless filling. The local pigeons enjoyed it though so perhaps I was missing something.
After lunch we carried on a little longer to where we had noted a couple of campsites on the map, one at Fraddon and one at Indian Queens. On enquiring we were told that the Fraddon site had closed some time previously and nobody seemed to know anything at all about the other site at Indian Queens. We started to continue on our way when just as we were leaving the village we came to a wide driveway on the left marked by a huge nicely painted sign proclaiming that this was the Gnome World Holiday Park. Neither John or myself could understand why the locals seemed to know nothing about it. When we booked in, the lady refused any payment because we were End to Ender's which we thought was nice of her. The site was well kept but we had an awful job keeping the gnomes out of the tents.
Indian Queens is sometimes thought to have acquired its name because Pocahontas stayed there, but it is more likely to have taken the name of an Inn which once stood here.
We decided to steer clear of some of the more touristy areas and selected a route which kept us on country lanes and avoided main roads wherever possible, but this had one or two drawbacks. Refreshments were more difficult to come by as many hamlets and villages are now without a shop or pub and we did sometimes travel quite long distances between stops. Fortunately, Truro was on our route and ideally placed for our lunch break where I tried a Cornish Pastie from a local bakers which sadly was a little disappointing with a lot of crust and a tasteless filling. The local pigeons enjoyed it though so perhaps I was missing something.
After lunch we carried on a little longer to where we had noted a couple of campsites on the map, one at Fraddon and one at Indian Queens. On enquiring we were told that the Fraddon site had closed some time previously and nobody seemed to know anything at all about the other site at Indian Queens. We started to continue on our way when just as we were leaving the village we came to a wide driveway on the left marked by a huge nicely painted sign proclaiming that this was the Gnome World Holiday Park. Neither John or myself could understand why the locals seemed to know nothing about it. When we booked in, the lady refused any payment because we were End to Ender's which we thought was nice of her. The site was well kept but we had an awful job keeping the gnomes out of the tents.
Indian Queens is sometimes thought to have acquired its name because Pocahontas stayed there, but it is more likely to have taken the name of an Inn which once stood here.
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Friday 3rd May
Indian Queens to Chelsfield Holiday Park, Boyton.
Daily Distance 39.4
Total Distance 83.3
Daily Ascent 2589 ft
Total Ascent 5628 ft
Weather Overcast & quite cool.
Difficulty Moderate
After a cold night during which, a light frost formed on the tents we had an early start heading for the Camel trail which we expected to join at Nanstallon. Unfortunately we encountered a little more traffic than we expected, firstly at Goss Moor just after we started, then later, in the lanes around Nanstallon where we got caught up with diverted traffic from somewhere or other and somehow, in spite of using my Garmin we managed to go a mile or two off our route but eventually we found the Camel trail and could enjoy some peace and tranquillity for a while. We found the surface reasonably good as we progressed through woodland in which wild flowers (mainly bluebells) grew in abundance on the edge of the track. After about seven miles or so we arrived at the Snails Pace Cafe where we breakfasted on a bacon butty provided by a couple of friendly ladies at what we thought to be a very reasonable cost.
After our breakfast we left the camel trail and followed the sustrans route over Bodmin Moor (we never saw the beast though) then past Davidstow Airfield. A few miles more and the weight of our bikes was beginning to tell and so we started to look for a campsite for the night, that was when we realised that our route had one major drawback. riding on quiet, out of the way country lanes means that there are usually fewer shops & campsites along the way, but suddenly we came across Chelsfield Farm Shop & Holiday village where we decided to stop for the night. The site was run by a very friendly couple who made us feel very welcome, and told us that there was to be a BBQ that evening so that did away with the need to warm up a tin of beans for our meal. There was also a bar where they sold some very good ale which I believe they brew themselves so by the time we toddled off to bed, we were two very happy campers.
Sat 4th May
Chelsfield Holiday Park toYeatheridge Farm
Daily distance 44 miles
Total Distance 127.3 miles
Daily Ascent 3116 ft
Total ascent 8744 ft
Weather Cold & damp
Difficulty Moderate
After a night of drizzle we had to pack wet tents but fortunately the rest of our gear was dry so other than the extra weight of the wet tents it caused us little difficulty. Our route today took us along more back lanes and although it was still hilly, the hills were no longer as fierce as they had been but we still achieved over 3000 ft of climbing. The weather was not too bad but it was cool with a north wind in our face all day long. As on the previous day we had a little difficulty finding a camp site but eventually we were directed to Yeatheridge Farm. Don't let the name fool you, it wasn't a farm at all, it was a large holiday village with all the trappings. After we had eaten, John and I wandered over to the bar for a quite drink before settling down for the night.
Total Distance 127.3 miles
Daily Ascent 3116 ft
Total ascent 8744 ft
Weather Cold & damp
Difficulty Moderate
After a night of drizzle we had to pack wet tents but fortunately the rest of our gear was dry so other than the extra weight of the wet tents it caused us little difficulty. Our route today took us along more back lanes and although it was still hilly, the hills were no longer as fierce as they had been but we still achieved over 3000 ft of climbing. The weather was not too bad but it was cool with a north wind in our face all day long. As on the previous day we had a little difficulty finding a camp site but eventually we were directed to Yeatheridge Farm. Don't let the name fool you, it wasn't a farm at all, it was a large holiday village with all the trappings. After we had eaten, John and I wandered over to the bar for a quite drink before settling down for the night.
Sunday 5th May
Yeatheridge Farm to Mill Farm nr Bridgwater
Daily distance 60 miles
Total distance 187.3 miles
Daily ascent 2500 ft
Total ascent 11244
Weather Brighter, but still cool
Difficulty Easy to moderate
Another cold night, when I looked out there had been a light frost which helped explain why I had to put an extra layer on through the night. The sky was clear with only a wisp of cloud here and there and a promise of a spectacular sunrise. Once packed we were soon on our way again and found that we were beginning to leave the hills behind us making going a lot easier as we began to eat up the miles looking for a breakfast stop. This we found at Ivans, near Halburton, (near Tiverton I think) where we ordered a breakfast and thankfully sank into a lovley comfortable chair while we waited. Ivans is very bike friendly and we found Ivan, if it was him, very sociable. The breakfast was good too and it set us up for the rest of the day.
Shortly after breakfast we joined a canal towpath which was a totally new experience for me. The only complaint I have is that some of the bridges seem a little awkward to negotiate at first, the path seemed to be too close to the waters edge and the arch of the bridge made me feel as though I had to crouch down to avoid to avoid bashing my head on the brickwork. of course, this was probably an illusion and I soon got used to it. We saw and enjoyed quite a bit of wildlife and were thankful for the absolutely flat towpaths that we encountered.
As we approached Taunton we became entangled with a ciderthon, an event in which the competitors, all in fancy dress, ran a half marathon, sampling a glass of cider every half mile or so. as you can imagine the atmosphere was very jovial and I enjoyed the few minute that I spent riding along with them. I even managed a taster myself.
We had hoped to camp near Bridgwater for the night but found ourselves riding over 8 miles in the wrong direction to Mill Farm, which was another large holiday village. Our quiet pint at the end of the day was spoilt by a rather large lady cavorting all over the stage as she entertained the children, who admittedly enjoyed her act immensely, but it was not for us. I had rather fancied a fish supper that evening but when I saw the price they wanted for what looked remarkably like firelighters, dripping grease all over the place, I quickly lost my appetite.
Total distance 187.3 miles
Daily ascent 2500 ft
Total ascent 11244
Weather Brighter, but still cool
Difficulty Easy to moderate
Another cold night, when I looked out there had been a light frost which helped explain why I had to put an extra layer on through the night. The sky was clear with only a wisp of cloud here and there and a promise of a spectacular sunrise. Once packed we were soon on our way again and found that we were beginning to leave the hills behind us making going a lot easier as we began to eat up the miles looking for a breakfast stop. This we found at Ivans, near Halburton, (near Tiverton I think) where we ordered a breakfast and thankfully sank into a lovley comfortable chair while we waited. Ivans is very bike friendly and we found Ivan, if it was him, very sociable. The breakfast was good too and it set us up for the rest of the day.
Shortly after breakfast we joined a canal towpath which was a totally new experience for me. The only complaint I have is that some of the bridges seem a little awkward to negotiate at first, the path seemed to be too close to the waters edge and the arch of the bridge made me feel as though I had to crouch down to avoid to avoid bashing my head on the brickwork. of course, this was probably an illusion and I soon got used to it. We saw and enjoyed quite a bit of wildlife and were thankful for the absolutely flat towpaths that we encountered.
As we approached Taunton we became entangled with a ciderthon, an event in which the competitors, all in fancy dress, ran a half marathon, sampling a glass of cider every half mile or so. as you can imagine the atmosphere was very jovial and I enjoyed the few minute that I spent riding along with them. I even managed a taster myself.
We had hoped to camp near Bridgwater for the night but found ourselves riding over 8 miles in the wrong direction to Mill Farm, which was another large holiday village. Our quiet pint at the end of the day was spoilt by a rather large lady cavorting all over the stage as she entertained the children, who admittedly enjoyed her act immensely, but it was not for us. I had rather fancied a fish supper that evening but when I saw the price they wanted for what looked remarkably like firelighters, dripping grease all over the place, I quickly lost my appetite.
Monday 6th May
Mill Farm to Yatton
Daily Distance 40.2
Total Distance 227.5
Daily Ascent 2500 ft
Total Ascent 13744 ft
Weather Overcast at first but less cold, fresh westerly wind.
Difficulty Easy
Yet another cool night with with a ground frost to start the day. When we started out we had the eight miles to make up before we were back on our route and then somehow, we lost our way in Bridgwater and had to spend a little time trying to extricate ourselves. Once clear of Bridgwater we began to make good time across the Somerset levels, stopping for an excellent breakfast at a cider factory of all places.
A few mile more and near Axbridge we joined the Strawberry Line, which was another old railway track now used as a cycleway & walking route. We must have seen literally hundreds of people using this route which actually enhanced the experience for us. there were the usual local dog walkers of course together with more serious ramblers. Lots of cyclists too with many family groups compete with youngsters wobbling along on their little bikes which all helped to create a friendly atmosphere for the whole route.
By the time we reached Yatton the weather had taken a turn for the better so we decided to find a campsite and dry out some of our gear which had got a little damp but could only find a caravan site at Oak Farm. Fortunately, the owner, Mr Sweet agreed to let us stay for the night, though he did point out that he doesn't usually accept tents. While we were at the site we also took the time to give the bikes a check over and lube before settling down.
Total Distance 227.5
Daily Ascent 2500 ft
Total Ascent 13744 ft
Weather Overcast at first but less cold, fresh westerly wind.
Difficulty Easy
Yet another cool night with with a ground frost to start the day. When we started out we had the eight miles to make up before we were back on our route and then somehow, we lost our way in Bridgwater and had to spend a little time trying to extricate ourselves. Once clear of Bridgwater we began to make good time across the Somerset levels, stopping for an excellent breakfast at a cider factory of all places.
A few mile more and near Axbridge we joined the Strawberry Line, which was another old railway track now used as a cycleway & walking route. We must have seen literally hundreds of people using this route which actually enhanced the experience for us. there were the usual local dog walkers of course together with more serious ramblers. Lots of cyclists too with many family groups compete with youngsters wobbling along on their little bikes which all helped to create a friendly atmosphere for the whole route.
By the time we reached Yatton the weather had taken a turn for the better so we decided to find a campsite and dry out some of our gear which had got a little damp but could only find a caravan site at Oak Farm. Fortunately, the owner, Mr Sweet agreed to let us stay for the night, though he did point out that he doesn't usually accept tents. While we were at the site we also took the time to give the bikes a check over and lube before settling down.
Tuesday 8th May
Yatton to Slimbridge
Daily Distance 49.9 miles
Total Distance 277.4 miles
Daily Ascent 1853 ft
Total Ascent 15597
Weather Bright but cool
Difficulty Fairly easy.
The weather was ideal for riding today, bright and not too warm with a gentle head wind. We crossed the Avon on the high level bridge which carries the M5 and this was another first for me. It is the first time that I have cycled, separated from motorway traffic by nothing more than a metal barrier which did absolutely nothing to deaden the noise of vehicles using the motorway. After that we had a large housing estate to pass through before regaining quieter country lanes.
We found a campsite at Slimbridge, right alongside the Goucester and Sharpness canal and I couldnt help but notice that the canal was much higher than the field we were camping in. We had a meal at the tents before making our way to the Tudor Inn for a nightcap and I have to say, the only thing the pub had in its favour was its location. Once back at the tents it began to rain and continued to do so non stop until around 8 am the following morning when it stopped long enough for us to pack our now soaking wet tents for the next stage of the journey.
Total Distance 277.4 miles
Daily Ascent 1853 ft
Total Ascent 15597
Weather Bright but cool
Difficulty Fairly easy.
The weather was ideal for riding today, bright and not too warm with a gentle head wind. We crossed the Avon on the high level bridge which carries the M5 and this was another first for me. It is the first time that I have cycled, separated from motorway traffic by nothing more than a metal barrier which did absolutely nothing to deaden the noise of vehicles using the motorway. After that we had a large housing estate to pass through before regaining quieter country lanes.
We found a campsite at Slimbridge, right alongside the Goucester and Sharpness canal and I couldnt help but notice that the canal was much higher than the field we were camping in. We had a meal at the tents before making our way to the Tudor Inn for a nightcap and I have to say, the only thing the pub had in its favour was its location. Once back at the tents it began to rain and continued to do so non stop until around 8 am the following morning when it stopped long enough for us to pack our now soaking wet tents for the next stage of the journey.