## Route Overview Distance| 5.3 miles ---|--- Surface| The route surface is unsealed, but rideable all year round. Difficulty| Easy Child-Friendliness| ✅ Very child-friendly Suitable Bikes| Anything (including trikes) Barriers| There are no barriers, but the gates to the tunnel are locked ajar, to reduce wind through the tunnel. The gap left is only 1.2 metres wide. Café / Food| There are several cafés in Chepstow, and one at the far end of the route, but nothing in between. Train Access| Chepstow is the nearest train station, and it's fairly close to the start of the route. Parking| There is parking at Wyedean School, as well as at Tintern Wireworks bridge, on the other end of the greenway. During term time, on week days, please avoid using the school's main car park. The Wye Valley Greenway is a stunning, 5 mile route that is not only useable by trikes, cargo bikes and more, but is also wheelchair-friendly. Do note though that the kilometre-long Tidenham tunnel is only open between the 1st of April to the 30th of September, and closed at night. There is a signed, on-road diversion, for then the tunnel is closed. The tunnel is normally open during the following times: 1 April – 30 April: 8am-6pm 1 May – 15 Aug: 7am-7pm 16 Aug – 30 Sep: 8am-6pm Beneath the interactive map for the main greenway route, there’s a second map, for the tunnel bypass route. Please note that the bypass route includes cycling on the usually fairly busy B 4228, followed by some rough forest track cycling, entirely unsuitable for road bikes, and most trikes, or cargo bikes. The Tidenham Tunnel is closed at night, and during winter, to protect the bats that live in it. When cycling through, please don’t shine lights up towards the roof? The tunnel has built-in, low-level lighting, which should be sufficient for you to see where you’re going. **Wye Valley Greenway overall rating:** (Colour explanation: blue = good, yellow indicates some warning, and red indicates issues to be aware of) ## Surface on the route Roughly a third of the route has a fairly good, sealed surface, while the remainder is unsealer. The unsealed surface can get a bit muddy after rain, but should be fine to cycle all year round. ## Refreshments There are several cafés and shops in Chepstow, and a café at the Tintern end, but nothing in between. ## Bikes Provided the tunnel is open, you can use any type of bicycle on the Wye Valley Greenway. ## Toilets As with refreshment stops, there are toilets at the start and end of the route, but nothing in between. ## Hilliness Overall, the Wye Valley Greenway is relatiely flat, with the steepest gradient of just 4%. ## Safety from traffic The entire route is completely traffic-free. The grading system I use is explained here. ## Points of Interest The gothic architecture of the ruins of Tintern Abbey impresses to this day. Also consider visiting the mighty Chepstow Castle. ## Routes in Wales * Wye Valley Greenway * Taff Trail traffic-free cycle route ## Barriers While there are none of the dreaded A-frame barriers along this route, the gates to the tunnel are left ajar (to reduce the draft through the tunnel). The gap is only 1.2 metres wide though, so do measure your trike, or cargo bike before riding this route. ## Cycle Hire You can hire bicycles from Pedal A Bike Away. ## Child friendliness Provided the tunnel is open, the route is very suitable for even young kids. ## Social safety Parts of the route can be very isolated. ## Weather forecast for the Wye Valley Greenway ## What the Wye Valley Greenway looks like Wye Valley Greenway – geograph-7128579-by-Roy-Parkhouse Wye Valley Greenway – geograph-7128603-by-Roy-Parkhouse Wye Valley Greenway – geograph-7808606-by-Jeremy-Bolwell Wye Valley Greenway – geograph-7809139-by-Jeremy-Bolwell ## Getting to the Wye Valley Greenway You can get to Chepstow by train, if you wanted to take your bicycle on the train. As ever, read my Bikes On Trains guide for useful and helpful tips for taking your bike on the train. ## Parking near the Wye Valley Greenway There is parking at Wyedean School, as well as at Tintern Wireworks bridge, on the other end of the greenway. During term time, on week days, please avoid using the school’s main car park. ## More Routes To find more routes, click this link. ## DayCycle DayCycle routes are routes that can can easily be cycled by most people in a day, or part of a day. Do have a look at all the other DayCycle routes available on WillCycle. ## Wye Valley Greenway interactive map You can download the GPX file from the map below, simply by clicking the GPX button. Hovering over the elevation profile will show the elevation for that point along the route, in both metres and feet. It will also show the gradient. If viewing the map on your phone, you will also see a Find Me, Navigate and Record Route button, below the map. WillCycle Supporters can have voice turn-by-turn navigation of the route. <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
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 **Wye Valley Greenway** Easy 2.0 Calculating stats... Cafés Pubs Bike Shops 💧 Water 🚻 Toilets Rainfall Slow (8-10 mph): Calculating... Medium (10-12 mph): Calculating... Fast (12+ mph): Calculating... ⬇ GPX 🖨 Print 📥 Offline ⇄ Reverse __LIVE Find Me 🧭 Navigate Recorded: 0.00 mi <3% 3-6% 6-9% >9% 🚲 Ride this route with the WillCycle app Turn-by-turn navigation, offline maps and live sharing, on your phone. The Android app is nearly ready. Create a free account and I'll let you know the moment it lands. Create a free accountAlready a member? Log in The route on the map below is for the Tidenham Tunnel bypass, in case the tunnel is closed. <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
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 **Wye_Valley_Greenway_-_Tidenham_Tunnel_Bypass.gpx** Calculating stats... Cafés Pubs Bike Shops 💧 Water 🚻 Toilets Rainfall Slow (8-10 mph): Calculating... Medium (10-12 mph): Calculating... Fast (12+ mph): Calculating... ⬇ GPX 🖨 Print 📥 Offline ⇄ Reverse __LIVE Find Me 🧭 Navigate Recorded: 0.00 mi <3% 3-6% 6-9% >9% 🚲 Ride this route with the WillCycle app Turn-by-turn navigation, offline maps and live sharing, on your phone. The Android app is nearly ready. Create a free account and I'll let you know the moment it lands. Create a free accountAlready a member? Log in ## And finally… If this route guide was of use to you, it will be of use to others, too. Don’t keep it secret! Share it with everyone, on social media, in Facebook Groups, on chat forums, and elsewhere. * Share on Mastodon (Opens in new window)Mastodon * Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window)Bluesky * Share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Facebook * Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)WhatsApp * Share on Threads (Opens in new window)Threads * Share on X (Opens in new window)X ### Share this: * Share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon * Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook * Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp * Share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor * Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit * Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email * Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads * Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky * More * * Print (Opens in new window) Print * Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn * Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr * Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest * ### _Related_

My bike is a 2016 Genesis CdA 20. It started life as a gravel bike, but I’ve made extensive modifications, to turn it into a touring bike. I don’t treat the bike with kid gloves, and I ride on all sorts or terrain, some of it quite rough. As a result, my bike’s taken a beating over the years, in addition to several crashes. ## Why not simply N+1? As I’m sure you know, there’s this popular formula to calculate the “correct” number of bicycles to own, expressed as N+1. The value of N is (obviously) the number of bikes you already own. Effectively, N+1 is simply an excuse to buy a new bicycle. And why not? Everyone loves a new bicycle, right? Only, I have an issue with N+1. Well, several issues, actually. That begins with the fact that I really like my bike. It’s, by an enormous margin, the nicest bike I ever rode. Alongside that is the fact that climate change is real, and accelerating. Climate change is to a huge degree driven by rampant overconsumption. Fun fact, the top 10% of earners are responsible for almost half of all CO emitted in 2021. Now, before you start getting too gleeful, if you earn £40 000 or more per year, then _you_ are in that top 10%. To combat climate change, we all have to consume less. N+1 is a great strategy if you’re in bicycle sales. From any other perspective, it’s simply rampant consumerism. That is the single biggest reason why I opted to rebuild my bicycle, instead of replace it. ## The mechanical problems Around 6 months ago, I asked a guy who lives in the same village as me to replace the bottom bracket on my bike. He asked if he should replace the brake pads, and cables at the same time, to which I agreed. And then he butchered my bike. The bike was much in need of some TLC. However, he broke an Avid BB7 disk brake (and those are near-enough bullet-proof!) then replaced it with an awful and cheap Clarks unit. He fitted the cheapest and nastiest cables. He shortened the chain too, for some obscure reason. When I took the bike for a test ride, and shifted onto the big ring (big-big combo), the chain wasn’t long enough. It sheared off the rear derailleur, snapped, and bent the front derailleur. In the end, I had to buy and fit a new BB7 brake calliper, replace all the cables again, replace the chain and cassette, and fit two new derailleurs. That man man shouldn’t be permitted to touch a paper clip, let alone a bicycle. ## The BB problem My bike has a Sora crankset, which uses a bog-standard hollotech bottom bracket (BB). When I got it back from him, the crank shaft could slide left-to-right through the BB. That was because he didn’t fit the left crank properly! But worst was yet to be revealed: the bottom-bracket started making noise, after only six months. They should last MUCH longer. Because I since bought the BB tool, when I unscrewed the BB cups, I could see why: he mis-threaded it when he fitted it. As a result, the threads in the frame were badly damaged, and one BB cup was screwed in at a slight angle. Clearly, my poor bike needed some careful surgery, so I booked it in at The Bike Cellar, in Plymouth. They assured me they’ll try their best with the threads. In a worst-case scenario, they’d fit a frame-saving BB, although that would mean changing to a square-taper BB. ## The plan My overall plan is simple, and remains simple, even with the BB complication thrown in. It looks like this: 1. Strip the bike right down to frameset only 2) Clean it up, then sand it down 3) Respray it 4) Have the BB fixed 5) Rebuild it 6) Enjoy an almost new bike I started with Step 1, and stripped the bike down. I modded my bike to be a touring bike, and it’s been years since I last saw it without mudguards and a rack. Once I fully stripped it down, the messy work started: sanding the frame down. I carefully removed the alloy Genesis head-tube badge, as I _may_ re-use it. My real plan is to replace it with a bespoke head-tube badge that is the old CTC flying wheel logo. I avoided sanding down to bare metal in most places, as keeping the factory paint as an undercoat offers serious benefits. However, in a few places, where chips in the paint expose the aluminium, I had to sand down more. ## The paint I’m now at the stage where I’m awaiting the paint to arrive. The colour I chose is stunning. Probably more important than the colour is the brand of paint I went for. Not all paints are equal, and I did quite a bit of research, before deciding on paint from Specialist Paints. I chose Blue Grape, from **Specialist Paints’ Kustom Canz range**. Any type of rattle-can paint _can_ look good for a short while, but I wanted paint that would also prove to be durable. With my research done, I contacted Specialist Paints, confident their paint met all my requirements. Calum from Specialist Paints kindly offered for them to sponsor the paint for the project. I absolutely can’t wait to start painting the frame. The particular colour I opted for requires a white undercoat, but Specialist Paints were happy to provide help and suggestions. The next post in this series will focus on the respraying process. ### Share this: * Share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon * Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook * Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp * Share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor * Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit * Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email * Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads * Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky * More * * Print (Opens in new window) Print * Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn * Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr * Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest * ### _Related_

My bike is, as I’m writing this, eight years old, and has carried me over many thousands of miles. As you’d expect, it took a battering over that time, including a few crashes. Most cyclists know the supposed formula of N+1 to determine the ideal number of bikes to own. In that formula, N equals the number of bikes you currently own. As a joke, it works really well, and from a bicycle manufacturer’s point of view, getting people to believe in that formula translates into increased sales, and therefore increased profits. However, it _really_ doesn’t fit in with trying to reduce the lifestyle of overconsumption we’ve become so used to, especially in the Global North. Climate change is real, and we all need to consume less. And yes, buying a new bike _is_ extra consumption. ## Upgrade what you have My bike has seen several upgrades over the years. It started off as having two chainrings, but now has triple chainrings. That also required changing the shifters. It started life as just a gravel bike, but I added dynamo lights, full mudguards, a rack, and I even changed the saddle. I rebuilt the front wheel around a dynamo hub, but that wheel was destroyed in a crash, and I replaced it with a new dynamo hub wheel. The rear wheel’s bearings acted up while I was cycling the bottom half of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, and I had that wheel replaced, too. Of the original bike, what’s left is the frame and forks, the seat post, the stem and the handlebars. Quite literally, over the years I replaced every single other part, either because it was worn out or damaged, or because I needed the upgrade (eg 2 chainrings to a triple, so I’d have a wider range of gears). ## Upgrading _again?_ My bike’s a tad tired at the moment, so yes, it’s in for some replacement parts soon. Ideally, I want to strip the frame down, and respray it, at the same time. After that, it needs a new front derailleur, two new chainrings, a new chain and cassette, new headset bearings, and new bar tape, plus a major service. I seriously considered buying a new bike, but then ended up wondering what I’d do with my current bike. A new bike simply seemed so _wasteful_. Another bonus is that I can replace multiple parts for the fraction of the cost of a new bike. Aside from the savings, upgrading my existing bike also fits better with me intentions of leading a less wasteful life, and consuming less. After the upgrade, my bike will mostly look and feel like a new bike. ## Upgrade is the new N+1 If you _need_ a new bike, and you can afford it, by all means go ahead and buy it. However, consider instead upgrading your current bike. You will save money, and if you don’t do the work yourself, will help your LBS stay in business. You will also reduce your CO2 footprint, compared to buying a new bike. The world desperately needs all of us to consume less. Stop listening to what the marketing agencies tell you to do, and instead upgrade your current bike. After all, upgrading is the new N+1! ### Share this: * Share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon * Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook * Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp * Share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor * Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit * Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email * Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads * Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky * More * * Print (Opens in new window) Print * Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn * Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr * Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest * ### _Related_

The Meon Valley Trail runs 11 miles from West Meon down to Wickham, along the track bed of the old Meon Valley Railway that once carried livestock and produce between Fareham and Alton. It’s your easiest way into the South Downs National Park on two wheels, and links up with the South Downs Way, if ... Read more The post Meon Valley Trail first appeared on WillCycle.

In 1983, the head teacher of a posh girl’s school in Suffolk was on holiday in India. Out the window of the tour bus, she saw a cyclist, and instantly decided that she wanted to cycle not only across India, but around the world. This was Anne Mustoe. In 1988, she finally quit her job, then got on her bicycle. By her own admission, Mustoe wasn’t athletic, wasn’t a cyclist, didn’t know how to mend a puncture, and was overweight. This book tells the story of that adventure. ## Not your average cyclist Mustoe wasn’t an experienced cyclist, nor was she fit. She did however have a goal, and she was utterly committed to achieving it. Mustoe decided on a theme for her bike ride: first, she would try and stick to ancient Roman roads, then she would (mostly) follow the route taken by Alexander the Great. After that, Mustoe would follow the Moghuls into India, and the British Raj from India to Singapore. Finally, she would reverse the route taken by settlers in the USA, before returning to the UK. Mustoe spoke several languages (including Classic Greek), and while I wouldn’t describe her as fearless, she was certainly a very brave person, by anyone’s standards. ## Not your average round-the-world adventure Mustoe cycled round the world in a time before always-on data connections, digital navigation, and mobile phones. She kept in touch via letters in the mail, and received mail from various American Express branches, in different countries. The world was a different place in 1988, and Mustoe simply took it all in her stride. Her frankly encyclopaedic knowledge of the world made her journey far more insightful, and the theme to her journey certainly added to the adventure. Mustoe wasn’t in the slightest interested in how long her journey would take. Instead, she would divert to visit sites of antiquity, or take “holidays” in between the cycling. That simply made her adventure so much better than that of someone chasing a record. ## Not your average person I wish I could have had met Mustoe, as she comes across as quite a fascinating person. Sadly, she passed away in 2009. She must’ve been formidable as a head teacher, and as a magistrate, but she also displayed enormous insight into the human psyche, and had immense sympathy with the human suffering she encountered along her adventure. ## Not your average book The title of her book, A Bike Ride, indicates how Mustoe was the very opposite of boastful. The book is extremely well-written, and while reading it you will learn things about our world you probably never knew before. However, it’s not a history book, nor (like all the best cycle touring books) is it a book about cycling. Like many others, Mustoe realised the benefits of travelling by bicycle meant that she’d travel as a human pace. Especially in less developed parts of the world, arriving by bicycle allows you an intimate bond with the local people that would be impossible if travelling by motorised transport. This is, and will remain one of my most-favourite cycle touring books, and I have no doubt that you would enjoy it just as much. Her book was originally published in 1992, but is still in print. You can get your copy here, or from any good book store. ### Share this: * Share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon * Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook * Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp * Share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor * Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit * Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email * Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads * Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky * More * * Print (Opens in new window) Print * Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn * Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr * Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest * ### _Related_

In a nutshell, The Life Cycle tells the story of Rawles’ 8 000 miles ride along the length of South America. However, that’s only a fraction of what the book is about. As a dedicated environmentalist, Rawles’ bike ride was more than a sigh-seeing trip. Along the way, she diverted regularly to meet local people involved in all sorts of projects to protect the environment. ## Stories within a story Rawles is undoubtedly a tough, mentally resilient explorer. Add to that the fact that she lives by the values she asks others to try and live by, and the story becomes way more interesting. Starting with the fact that Rawles hand built the bamboo bike she cycled on, and refused to fly to Colombia. Instead, she crossed the Atlantic by freight ship – an adventure in itself. Through her adventure, Rawles visited various projects, organisations, and even individuals, who are all trying desperately to protect biodiversity, and nature in general around them. The stories of these people are retold in Rawles’ words, and we learn how progress is being made in ensuring sustainable lifestyles are being built. Some of the stories are quite harrowing, but there are victories against giant conglomerates in between it all. While Rawles certainly doesn’t mince her words, the book is not all doom and gloom. In fact, much of it gives hope for a better future. Rawles teaches us of a different mindset in South America, sometimes referred to as _cosmovision_ , which includes the concept of _buen vivir_ – good living, but perhaps better translated as harmonious living. The harmony in that springs from living in harmony with nature, as well as the greater community. ## Factual The book is full of fascinating facts – did you know Colombia alone has more species of bird than all of Europe and the USA combined? As you’d expect from someone with a foundation in science, all the facts and references Rawles refer to in the book are well researched, with more detail in the regular footnotes. But don’t for a moment think it’s a dull and boring text book! Oh no – Rawles is a very gifted writer, who tells her own story, and the stories of those she meets along the way, with a casual ease. Her writing style means the book is a really easy read, even if a sobering one. I certainly found it difficult to put it down. If you enjoy cycle touring books, then you will love this book from that perspective alone. Of course, like all the best cycle adventure books, though the writer cycled an enormous distance, and obviously cycling features heavily in the book, it’s not a _cycling_ book. People who aren’t interested in cycle will enjoy the book just as much. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this book. You can get a copy at all good book store, or directly from here ### Share this: * Share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon * Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook * Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp * Share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor * Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit * Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email * Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads * Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky * More * * Print (Opens in new window) Print * Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn * Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr * Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest * ### _Related_

This challenge is aimed at people who don’t cycle commute, and the principle is very simple: commute to work at least once per month, every month. ## Habits Science tells us it takes most people 66 days to form a new habit, though some can do it in as little as 21 days. Clearly, cycle commuting just one day per month won’t become a habit for a long time, but it’s a great start. Instead of looking at this as forming a new habit, I’d suggest a different perspective. Start by seeing it as a challenge. Because it’s only one day per month, you’re free to choose days with the best weather. ## All year round, including winter? Well, yes! Most people who start cycle commuting (however often per month) do so in summer. When autumn starts, the bikes go back in the shed, where they might end up staying for years. Let’s try and avoid that! Winter commuting is certainly different from summer commuting. For starters, winters in the UK tend to be wet. When you add in the cold, and the fact that you’ll probably commute in the dark, most people give up quickly. But wait – this is a **challenge** , remember? Also, nobody is saying you have to commute the full distance to work. After my second run-in with Covid, I struggled a great deal trying to recover my fitness. My full commute is roughly 15 very hilly miles each way, and there was simply no way I was able to ride that. As a result, at first, I drove most of the way, then cycled the last two or three miles. From that point, I gradually increased the cycling distance, and decreased the driving distance, till I was once again capable of cycling the whole way. ## Cold weather commuting Winter commutes _are_ different, but they’re also rewarding. The challenge with cold weather commutes is to maintain your body temperature. I have some excellent tips in my Cycle Commuting For Beginners article, with more info on staying warm in this article. Different people handle cold differently, but here is some general advice: 1) Invest in neoprene overshoes. Your toes will thank you! I prefer Sealskinz, but other brands are available. 2) Invest in neoprene gloves. These are the ones I use, but be warned – they need washing regularly. 3) Invest in a merino wool base layer. 4) Consider a heated gilet, if you _really_ suffer with the cold. ## Warm weather commuting When it’s warm, it’s a bunch easier. However, you also need to ensure you remain hydrated. Don’t forget about sunscreen in summer. In summer, there are more insects about. Horseflies particularly like me, and seem to hunt me out in a crowd, so I carry antihistamine, which counters any reaction to their bites. Unrelated, but very interesting nonetheless, there’s startling new scientific evidence showing that taking H1 antihistamine daily can vastly reduce your risk of catching Covid! ## Hygiene Nobody wants to work with someone smelly, and personal hygiene is important. He simplest way to avoid being a sweaty mess is to cycle far slower. On long commutes, that’s less of an option though. However, do apply anti-perspirant _before_ setting off. If you can’t shower at work, consider using biodegradable wipes to wipe your body down, before getting changed into fresh clothes. ## Physical safety I’m not talking about road safety here, no matter how important that is. I wrote about physical safety when cycle touring before, and much of that applies to commuting. Especially if you’re a woman, choose a route that won’t leave you isolated. On dark winter commutes, this is even more important. As a man, all I can say is I’m genuinely sorry that is men are such a threat to women. Men, let’s always call out other men when their behaviour makes women feel unsafe, or threatened. ## Safety in numbers Starting any challenge is always easier when you’re not alone in doing so, and there’s comfort in knowing others are doing it, too. Let others know that you’re doing this challenge, by tagging posts on your favourite social media with the **#12x12ride hashtag**. ### Share this: * Share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon * Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook * Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp * Share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor * Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit * Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email * Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads * Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky * More * * Print (Opens in new window) Print * Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn * Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr * Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest * ### _Related_

I haven’t posted anything new on WillCycle for what feels like an eternity. I haven’t been slacking though. No, I’ve been _extremely_ busy on the back-end of the site. ## New features WillCycle now has what I can honestly describe as a superb mapping system. It started off as an idea, quite some time ago, to make my life less dependent on US tech. All the maps on WillCycle were done using the brilliant RideWithGPS. I remain as full of praise for RideWithGPS as ever – it’s a fantastic tool, from a fantastic team. However, they are US-based, and that’s increasingly becoming a problem. Initially, all I planned on doing was to have native WillCycle digital maps for my traffic-free route guides. That started with the route browser (or what I refer to as the multi-map, as it shows multiple routes at once, on the same map). Next, each route had it’s own route map, with elevation profile. Job done, right? ## Navigation See, once you can plot a route on a map, and you can use GPS to show a phone’s position on the map, it becomes easier to implement a navigation system, and the maps on traffic-free route guides all include that functionality, when visited from a mobile device. It works, but there’s a catch: the navigation stops as soon as your phone’s screen is turned off. Especially on longer routes, that’s a big problem, as the screen is the biggest battery drain. I needed a way around that, and the only way around it is to stop relying on the web browser, and instead write a native app. ## The WillCycle app Currently, the app exists, but isn’t generally available yet. It took months of what at times felt like wasted hours to get it to the stage where it is now, and I have to say I’m rather happy with it. So, why is it not on the Google Play Store yet? And yes, I’m painfully aware Google is a US company! The app itself is basically ready, but I have a few more back-end bits to complete on the site. Remember, the app and the site are extremely tightly integrated. Here’s what the app currently support: * Route recording * Navigation, with turn-by-turn voice guidance, and weather-aware features * Intelligent screen control: let Android switch the screen off as per normal, but the app will switch it back on when you’re nearing a junction * Live-sharing your position, with privacy controls * Browsing all traffic-free routes on the site * Integrated Touring Routes support – any multi-day routes you purchased on here, or built yourself, are supported * Cycling games I’m hoping to have the app generally available by the end of August 2026. ## Rain Radar and wind data WillCycle now has support for rain radar. There’s the actual rain radar map, and a rain overlay for all traffic-free routes. The app takes that to a whole new level though: it will warn you of when you’re expected to encounter rain on a ride, based on the wind speed, your route and your speed. There’s simply no other app that does that (but of course, plenty will copy me). ## GPS Art My GPS Art tool makes it really easy to create cycling routes that allow you to draw pictures, or do writing, while out on your bike, in the real world. You should deffo go try it out! ## Cycling Games I’m not sure people quite understand the cycling games, and if so, that’s my failure to describe it well. One of the games are reminiscent of the strategy needed in the Tron lightcycle races: a group of riders are each assigned a different colour by the game, and the game organiser sets four, or more waypoints. The game is a race, and the winner is the rider who visits all the waypoints in the fastest time. The catch? Each rider sees all the other riders’ position on the map, in near real-time. Each player leaves a coloured trail on the map, and each time any rider crosses the trail of another rider, they incur a time penalty. Strategy becomes more important than raw speed, and riders are free to visit the waypoints in any order. Another game, Territories, overlays the map with hex cells. Whenever you cycle through a cell, it changes colour to whatever colour the game assigned to you. The rider who “owns” most cells at the end of the game wins. To steal a cell from another player, simply cycle through it, but remember, they can steal it back! ## The future… I’m not done with the development work I’m doing on WillCycle, but I’ve come a phenomenal way in a very short space of time. To be clear, I have zero interest in WillCycle becoming remotely what Strava is. I’ll also quite openly state that RideWithGPS’ route builder interface is considerably better than my own. Again, I’m not trying to be RideWithGPS. WillCycle is unique. NOBODY else does traffic-free route guides like I do. NOBODY else has maps with the same functionality that I have. And NOBODY else (at this moment) does weather-aware navigation, or support for Touring Routes. I have many further enhancements planned there. When you join WillCycle, either with a free Community account, or a premium WillCycler account, you will get real value. And the level of value will continue to rise. The future for WillCycle is looking very bright. I think you deserve to be part of that, so join us today. ### Share this: * Share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon * Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook * Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp * Share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor * Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit * Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email * Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads * Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky * More * * Print (Opens in new window) Print * Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn * Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr * Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest * ### _Related_

The Lighthouse Trail cycle route overall rating: (Colour explanation: blue = good, yellow indicates some warning, and red indicates issues to be aware of) The Lighthouse Trail is a stunning 13 mile ride along the very scenic North East coast, passing a total of seven lighthouses, as it follows the coast south. Almost all the route is along traffic free paths, except a short section along the fish quay in North Shields, which is a 20mph zone and quiet. The route is mainly flat with no large […]

I have a confession to make: I don’t like all those Red Bull extreme cycling videos. The reason for that is really simple: real people get hurt doing ever more extreme things, as marketing for a company. ## Arms race Think about it for a minute. You’re watching a Red Bull video showing someone doing a double backflip on a bicycle, and – because you’re human – in time you will adjust to such videos as _normal_. As a result, they will start losing their _edginess_ over time. The only way to counter that, is to get someone to do a triple backflip, or perhaps a double backflip over a pit of crocodiles, while passing through a ring of flames. And once that becomes old hat, what’s the next level of escalation? And who will suffer life-changing injuries, if something went wrong? Not Red Bull, that’s for sure. They’ll simply replace the injured riders with other riders, and move on. The image above is a still from the official Red Bull Rampage 2025 video. Do go watch the video. Once the excitement wore off, ask yourself why there are are no mentions of the severe injuries suffered by Adolf Silva. He sustained paralysing spinal injuries after a double backflip crash, yet all the video tells you is that he’s alert, talking to his family, and being taken to hospital for further treatment. Also not a word about any of the other riders severely injured during the event. Can’t let very real broken human bodies interfere with the marketing hype, now can we? ## Cycle tourers are sometimes guilty, too Cycle touring can suffer from the same. Most cycle tourers , like Andrew Sykes, do it right. However, there are some that feel the need to _be first_. Now someone needs to be first, but if racing the clock is your primary motivation, then I absolutely guarantee you will miss out on so much along the way. ## Machismo There’s far too much machismo in cycling. One cycling club near me used to use the slogan of “No falls, no balls”, which pretty much sums up toxic masculinity. Cyclists talk about “attacking” a climb, or “conquering” a mountain. Look, if you want to challenge yourself, by all means go for it. That can be quite healthy. But can you do so with less military phrasing? Cycling’s not supposed to be a war! Ask your average female cyclist what she thinks of cycling clubs, then see if you can work out why so many women dislike male-dominated cycling clubs. Next, _honestly_ examine your own behaviour, and truthfully evaluate where you fit it. ## Sometimes, less is more If you’re always going full speed, at hardest levels of effort, while staring at your computer, to check your heart rate, cadence and speed is where you want it to be, try doing something different. Try going for a ride with your computer in a jersey pocket. Ignore what speed you’re going at, and instead focus on what’s around you. Did you see that young stoat in the hedge? Can you identify the smells along the way? What do those cloud shapes remind you of? And would the view be better if you stop at that gap in the hedge? And can you identify those crops in the field? ## Sometimes, even Red Bull gets it right Have you ever watched the Red Bull soapbox races? Ordinary people building all sorts of weird and wonderful soapbox cars, then test them down a downhill track filled with obstacles. While inevitably someone tries to be the winner, most probably just try and complete the course. And suddenly, machismo disappears. People are smiling – competitors and onlookers alike – and enjoying themselves. Your cycling can be similar. It’s entirely possible to ride to a café at a sedate pace, not because you’re incapable of going faster, but because you chose to slow down, and immerse yourself in the journey. Go try it. I suspect you’ll agree with me. ### Share this: * Share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon * Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook * Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp * Share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor * Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit * Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email * Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads * Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky * More * * Print (Opens in new window) Print * Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn * Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr * Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest * ### _Related_

Looking for the top wild camping spots in England, are you? Somewhere secret, off the beaten path, but also stunning? Oh, I can assure you there are **plenty** of those about. But let’s not jump the gun here, shall we? ## The basics of wild camping in England Let’s start by clarifying some things. First off, wild camping is the term used to describe camping somewhere that’s not a formal camp site. Ask most people, and they will tell you that wild camping is illegal in both England and Wales, except for roughly half of Dartmoor. And most people would be wrong! The law says wild camping _without permission of the landowner_ is considered trespass. Trespass is a civil offence, and should not be conflated with aggravated trespass. Aggravated trespass is a criminal offence, for which you can be arrested. We’ll look at the difference in more detail later on. ## Permission Sometimes, the easiest thing is to simply ask permission. Most farmers wouldn’t object, especially if you take time to explain that you follow the Leave No Trace principle. And then be sure that you actually leave no trace! If you can’t get permission, or cannot find anyone to ask for permission, all is not lost. I often operate on the principle that it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than ask for permission. Most importantly, if you’re stealthy, you can mostly get away without permission. After all, if nobody knows you’re there, nobody will bother you. ## When is trespass a crime? Firstly, I’m not a lawyer. If you want qualified legal advice, go see a lawyer. However, because I wanted absolute clarity on this point, I sought answers. Specifically, I asked the National Police Chiefs Council, and I can share with you what they said. I trust that would clarify things for you. ## Where are the best wild camping spots in England? Did you actually expect me to give you an 8-figure grid reference to a list of wild camping spots? And did you expect such a list to be published openly on the Internet? Really??? Look, there are many thousands of great wild camping spots. However, when you find one, you **keep it a closely-guarded secret**! Why? Isn’t it obvious? You keep it a secret, so it doesn’t become overrun by people too lazy to scout for good wild camping spots themselves. **When a camping spot becomes well-known, it starts drawing in the wrong crowds**. You’d end up with people who make fires, and leave litter in their wake. You end up with exactly the sort of people who ruin it for everyone. As a result, you should **ALWAYS keep good wild camping spots secret**. However, most of Dartmoor offers great wild camping spots, as does the Peak District and indeed the Lake District. ## Leave No Trace! The Leave No Trace principle is sacrosanct. It means that, other than a patch of flattened grass, once you leave, there should be no trace that you ever camped there. That patch of grass should recover within a few days. This **absolutely** means no fires, no breaking any vegetation, no litter of any sort. Yes, even an apple core, or banana skin is litter. When you packed up, do a sweep of the entire camping spot, and collect ALL litter you find. Even if it’s not yours! Never camp on top of, or between planted crops. There will be an uncultivated narrow strip of land around cultivated fields – limit yourself to that. Do try to avoid fields with gates (especially closed gates) as a farmer may release an angry bull at 5am – farmers are early starters. Also avoid camping in enclosures with livestock. Farmers – quite understandably – don’t like that. ## How to find great wild camping spots Start off using a service like RideWithGPS to design your route. When done, use the Google Maps layer, and zoom right in. You are looking for places that are level (camping on a steep slope guarantees a sleepless night). You also want places sheltered from view by vegetation, or perhaps a rocky outcrop. A good spot is sheltered from the wind, and won’t get flooded if it rains. Next, use Streetview, and try to “look” at a possible camping spot from different angles. You’re trying to prove that you cannot be seen from any road. Consider using Google Earth, then see if from the chosen spot you can see any buildings within a mile or three. Remember, if you can see them, the people in or around them can see you. Obviously, the wilder, the better! A great wild camping spot also has fantastic views, and provided the weather cooperates, try pitching your tent so the door opens to the rising sun. That way, you can wake up to a stunning sunrise, over a breath-taking view. What are you waiting for? Go plan your wild camping experience now! ### Share this: * Share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon * Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook * Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp * Share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor * Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit * Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email * Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads * Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky * More * * Print (Opens in new window) Print * Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn * Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr * Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest * ### _Related_

Scientists tell us that _behaviourally_ modern humans existed for around 50 000 to 65 000 years. For the vast majority of that time, most humans lived in wild surroundings. Though some cities existed a few thousand years ago, by today’s standards, they were small, and most humans lived in a more rural setting. Then along came the Industrial Revolution, bringing with it urbanisation on a previously unprecedented scale. Roll along to today, and the vast majority of people in the UK live in urban areas. And why not? After all, you have that great little coffee shop around the corner, right next to a great artisan bakery. You have schools, doctors, shops (of every imaginable variety, it seems) surprisingly close by. But for that you had to sacrifice your connection with nature. Your connection with wild, that’s what! ## Where’s your wild? You didn’t evolve simply to get stuck in traffic. As a human being, you’re an immensely complex creature. Inside of you there’s over 60 000 _miles_ of blood vessels – enough to go around the world twice, and have some left over. Your brain constitutes only about 2% of your weight, but uses around 20% off all the energy available to your body. Even more mind-blowing, more than half of your body isn’t even human! Your body is made to move, and it **requires** nature around it. Don’t believe me? Studies found that you require a _minimum_ of 120 minutes per week immersed in nature. Those that meet (or exceed) that time are healthier and happier than those who don’t. Crucially, that 120 minutes include time spent in your local park. You don’t have to trek barefoot across Patagonia to benefit from this. I previously wrote about the documented benefits of green exercise, too. If you live in London, you will find a surprising variety of wildlife to be found in the Royal Parks. ## Green doesn’t always mean wild Sadly, the UK is one of the world’s most nature-depleted countries. Part of that is down to the crowd of deeply maladjusted people who think killing animals for sport is great fun. However, the rest of us aren’t off the hook! You see, when we talk about “nature-depleted”, we don’t simply mean foxes, hares, or various raptors. Our stupid insistence on borderline sterile, mono-culture and perfectly manicured lawns is part of the problem. And don’t get me started on fake lawns! Wild means exactly that – untamed! Manicured lawns are green, but not untamed! ## Go find the wild Wildness exists all around us, but you may need to adjust your focus before you can see it. Wildness is that dandelion growing through a crack in the pavement. It’s that one tree growing on top of a Dartmoor tor, despite all the odds. Wildness is that butterfly, or even that wasp that you see. It’s the spider that moves indoors, seeking warmth, as autumn continues. But wildness also exists inside of you. And no, I’m not referring to all the microbes that make up more than half of what you thought was your body. Wildness is mindset! ## Embrace your inner wild I’m not referring to “going wild at a party”. Out of the past 65 000 years, we mostly became urbanised only for around the past 200 years. And 200 years, in terms of human evolution, is a blink of an eye! If you plotted the past 65 000 years on a one-metre line, our urbanisation happened in the last 3 millimetres of that line. Put differently, if the past 65 000 years was an hour long, our urbanisation happened in the last 0.1 seconds! What this means is that you are wearing an extremely thin veneer of civilisation, and underneath is the _real_ you. Underneath all that is the person who can sleep outdoors, walk miles in the pouring rain, and still smile. All you have to do is figure out how to reconnect with your inner wild. Believe me, your life will be so much better when you do. ### Share this: * Share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon * Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook * Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp * Share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor * Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit * Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email * Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads * Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky * More * * Print (Opens in new window) Print * Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn * Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr * Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest * ### _Related_

UPDATE: Due to a landslip just before Tumble (roughly 10.5 miles into the route) the Swiss Valley Trail is partially closed. You can still cycle the 10 miles to the closure, but to continue beyond that will require some on-road cycling. This is a long-term closure. Mostly following the old Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr Mineral Railway, the 13 mile Swiss Valley Trail links the coastline at Lannelli with Cross Hands. This route forms part of National Cycle Network (NCN) route 47, and it's a […]

We’ve all been there: you planned a glorious route for a bike ride. You checked OS Maps and confirmed it’s a bridleway that you may legally use. You planned a 50 mile loop, using that bridleway to avoid a nasty, busy A-road. Then you arrive, and that “legal right of way” is a chest-high sea of nettles or a bog that would swallow a tank. How can you avoid a repeat? The truth is, no single mapping tool tells the whole story. To plan a route that actually works on a Sunday morning, you need the Hybrid Scout method: a three-way cross-reference between the Law (OS Maps), the Community (OSM), and the Reality (Google). ### **The Route Planning Matrix** Below is how these tools stack up when you’re sitting at your desk trying to decide if a track is “Any-Bike” friendly or a “Gravel-Bike” nightmare. Feature| OS Maps (The Law)| OpenStreetMap (The Community)| Google Earth (The View) ---|---|---|--- **Legal Status**| Definitive Bridleway/Byway status.| Crowdsourced; usually right, but not legal proof.| None. Doesn’t distinguish between a driveway and a path. **Surface Detail**| “Track” or “Path” (Very vague).| Excellent “Tags” (e.g., Asphalt vs. Unpaved).| Visual confirmation of ruts, mud, or loose rock. **Amenities**| Public toilets and pubs only.| **Repair stations, bike racks, and taps.**| Can see if a cafe actually has outdoor seating. **Obstacles**| Shows “FB” or “Gate” symbols.| Often tags “Stile” or “Cattle Grid.”| **3D Tilt** shows the height of the hills and gate types. ## 1. The OS Map: Your Legal Shield If you aren’t using the **1:25k Explorer** layer, you’re guessing. This is the only tool that tells you where you are legally allowed to be. For cycle touring, we are looking for those long green or pink dashes. Having said that, when wild camping, I effectively trespass, so I contacted the National Police Chiefs Council for legal clarification. I really suggest you go read what they had to say. **The WillCycle Tip:** Just because it’s a Bridleway doesn’t mean it’s been maintained since the 1970s. This is where the next few tools come in. ## 2. OpenStreetMap (OSM): Crowdsourced knowledge OSM is the “Wikipedia of Maps.” Layers like **CyclOSM** or **OpenCycleMap** are a revelation. * **The “Smoothness” Tag:** Many OSM-based apps (like RideWithGPS) pull data that tells you if a path is “Excellent” (Tarmac) or “Very Horrible” (Big rocks). * **The PINS:** Need a bike pump in the middle of nowhere? OSM users frequently mark “Fix-it” stations and water troughs that the Ordnance Survey ignores. Brilliant as the Open Street Map is, it isn’t perfect, and sometimes contains inaccuracies. This is where **you** come in: anybody can, and _should_ edit the map. The easiest way to do so is to simply visit this link, and add what you need to the map. ## 3. Google Earth: The reality check This is your final check. * **The Rut Test:** Zoom into that Bridleway. If you see two dark parallel lines with green in the middle, it’s a farm track. In winter, that’s a mud bath. If it’s a solid light-grey line, it’s likely compacted stone—go for it. * **The Street View “Peek”:** If the trail crosses a road, drop the little yellow man onto the road. Turn around and look at the trail entrance. Is there a “No Cycling” sign? Is there a kissing gate too narrow for your panniers? Ten seconds of Street View can save ten miles of backtracking. ## The bonus: RideWithGPS I tend to design routes using the superb RideWithGPS site. In addition to allowing me to seamlessly switch between maps, and even drop into StreetView, RideWithGPS brings another enormous advantage: heat maps! Heat maps indicate how heavily-used, and therefore how popular with other cyclists, a route is. After all, if _nobody_ else is using a particular route segment, it’s a safe bet that you’d be physically prevented from using that segment, or it’s a very scary road to ride. ## The Verdict Don’t trust, verify. Use **OS Maps** to find the legal path, **OSM** and the heat maps on **RideWithGPS** to see if other cyclists actually use it, and **Google Earth** to see if you’ll be carrying your bike over a metre-deep puddle. **Planning a ride this weekend?** Check out my DayCycle Routes! ### Share this: * Share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon * Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook * Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp * Share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor * Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit * Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email * Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads * Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky * More * * Print (Opens in new window) Print * Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn * Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr * Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest * ### _Related_

18 Castles is a multi-day cycle touring route guide, and if old, or ancient buildings are your thing, then you will _love_ this route. Even if you’re not into castles that much, this route showcases some of the best riding Devon has to offer. Set entirely within Devon, as is usual for my GoCycle routes, it’s a circular route. The route starts, and ends in Plymouth, but you can just as easily start and end in Exeter. At 163 miles, you can ride it over three, or four days, but I have to warn you from the outset that there are some very steep climbs. ## So, 18 castles along the route? Well, yes. But also no! I’m using the word “castle” quite generically here. You see, a castle is (or was) also a residence, usually of some or the other lord, or royalty. However, on this route I also include military forts, which strictly speaking aren’t castles. In addition, the castles on the route vary from in excellent state of repair, to being in ruins. One castle only has part of one of an original four towers left. Some castles are open to the public, despite being privately owned, some are owned by English Heritage, and some by the National Trust. Some castles are privately owned, and not open to the public. ## The castles * Crownhill Fort * Lydford Castle * Okehampton Castle * Castle Drogo * Exeter Castle * Powderham Castle * Bonus hillfort * Compton Castle * Berry Pomeroy Castle * Berry Head * Kingswear Castle * Millbay Fort * Bayard's Cove Fort * Dartmouth Castle * Totnes Castle * Plympton Castle * Plymouth Castle * Royal Citadel * English Heritage #### Crownhill Fort Crownhill Fort is the first stop on the route. The fort is in excellent state of repair, and if you really wanted to, you could stay there overnight. Click here for more details about the fort. #### Lydford Castle The next one is Lydford Castle. The castle is actually an old prison, and even for its time, apparently an exceptionally brutal one. It retained the “castle” name, as the prison was built on the remains of an older castle. The castle is owned by English Heritage. Lydford is at one end of the Granite Way, with Okehampton at the other end. #### Okehampton Castle After Lydford, you’ll ride to Okehampton Castle. Partly in ruins, it is supposedly one of the most haunted places in the UK. Having said that, when I camped overnight, there were no signs of ghosts! English Heritage owns this castle. #### Castle Drogo Castle Drogo is next on the list, and it’s the new kid on the block. Despite it’s very old appearance, construction only started in 1910. The National Trust owns and manages Castle Drogo. Not officially part of the route, but quite close to Castle Drogo there is Prestonbury Castle, and Wooston Castle. These are the remains of two iron age hillforts, but there’s a brutal hill to get to them. #### Exeter Castle Exeter Castle is next, but with limited access. Today, the castle is a wedding venue, amongst other things, and it’s in good shape. #### Powderham Castle Nearby is Powderham Castle. Seat of the Earl of Devon, the castle grounds are open to the public. The castle is in excellent condition. #### Bonus hillfort Another unofficial bonus is Castle Dyke, also the remains of an iron age hillfort. This one is circular in shape, though all that remains are undulating remains of the earth walls and the surrounding ditch. #### Compton Castle Compton Castle is your next destination. Owned by The National Trust, the castle is in great condition, and is open to the public. #### Berry Pomeroy Castle Berry Pomeroy Castle is the next stop. The castle is in ruins, but the walls are mostly intact. Ironically, the existence of Berry Pomeroy Castle made the nearby Totnes Castle less desirable as a residence. #### Berry Head Berry Head is not a castle, but actually two military forts. You’ll be visiting the Northern Fort, with the Southern Fort nearby, as an extra option. Each fort was capable of functioning independently, and even had it’s own well. #### Kingswear Castle Kingswear Castle compliments the defences of Dartmouth Castle, and despite the name was really a fort. Its owned by the same organisation who owns Crownhill Fort, and it’s available to book as a private holiday residence. It is not open to the public, and cycling along the access lane (a private road) is forbidden. #### Millbay Fort Very close to Kingswear Castle you will find Millbay Fort, which is a substantial ruin. Public access is permitted along the lane leading to it, but cycling is explicitly forbidden. There is no public access to the fort itself, following recent work to stabilise it. #### Bayard’s Cove Fort Across the river Dart, you will visit Bayard’s Cove fort. It’s open to the public, but has no roof. English Heritage owns and manages the fort, with free access. #### Dartmouth Castle Nearby is the 600 year old Dartmouth Castle. Again, despite the name, the castle was a military fortification. With superb estuary views, English Heritage owns the castle, and it is open to the public. #### Totnes Castle Totnes Castle is a traditional Norman motte and bailey castle. English Heritage owns and operates this castle, too. It’s open to the public, and the views from the ramparts, on a clear day, are breath-taking. #### Plympton Castle Plympton Castle is another Normal motte and baily castle, though significantly smaller than Totnes Castle. It dates from the time when the manor of Plymton was an important town, while Plymouth was a simple fishing village. #### Plymouth Castle The remains of Plymouth Castle is the following stop. Once an impressive four-tower structure, all that remains is the outside of one of the towers. If you asked the average Plymothian where Plymouth Castle was, they’re most likely to point you to the Royal Citadel instead! #### Royal Citadel The last stop is the Royal Citadel. This is a large fortress, built originally to the (by then) well-established five-pointed star shape. The fortress was extended, and it remains a functioning military base. Occasionally, limited access tours are permitted, but mostly it is off-limits to the public. ## English Heritage This route visits a significant number of castles managed by English Heritage. At most of those, you will need to pay admission, but English Heritage members gain free entry. As a result, it might be worth your while considering joining English Heritage. ### Share this: * Share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon * Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook * Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp * Share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor * Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit * Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email * Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads * Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky * More * * Print (Opens in new window) Print * Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn * Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr * Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest * ### _Related_

I don’t always start off a review with praise, but if you’re in the market for a rear radar tail light, **the Coospo TR70 is simply the biggest bargain out there**. To be honest, I was never convinced that I needed a rear radar, so I was somewhat sceptical when I received the TR70. In practice, it paired easily and seamlessly with my Coospo CS600 computer. Out on the road, there’s an audible beep when the radar detects vehicles behind, and you can see little dots along the left edge of the computer’s screen, showing how many vehicles are approaching. The TR70 can track up to eight approaching vehicles simultaneously. The radar range is stated to be up to 140 metres, which seems about right. On rural roads, I often found I could hear a car approaching, even before the radar alerted me. However, when there are multiple cars, you can usually only hear one. With the radar, I could see exactly how many vehicles were behind me, along with how far away they are. Importantly, I found that, when cycling on very windy days, I often couldn’t hear cars approaching, but the TR70 never failed to alert me. Some people say that rear radar is less useful in heavier traffic, but I found it to be extremely useful. Traffic noise usually means you won’t hear approaching vehicles from behind, and while there’s absolutely no substitute for doing life-saver checks over your shoulder, a quick glance at the Coospo CS600 head unit immediately tells me if I can even think about changing lanes at that exact moment. A colleague has a Garmin Varia, so we wheeled our bikes onto a pavement, alongside a busy road, to do a side-by-side comparison. I’m happy to say the TR70 at very least matched the Varia for detecting approaching traffic. The crucial difference is the TR70 costs significantly less than the Varia! In the box, you get the TR70, a charge cable, a seat-post mount (with rubber inserts for round seat posts, and aero seat posts) and the TR70 secures via a familiar mount, similar to what the head unit uses. It also comes with a safety lanyard, which handily is rather stretchy. I stretch that over my bike’s saddle, so it hangs down around the seat post. The seat post mount is sturdy, and I have no reason not to trust it, but nevertheless, I don’t want to risk losing the TR70. Pairing the TR70 with the CS600 was very quick and easy, and once paired, in the top-right corner of the CS600, there’s a visible indicator that the radar is active. Approaching vehicles are displayed as dots along the left of the screen, and I found it took some time to adjust, and get to know exactly when traffic would start passing me. On multi-lane roads, it will show overtaking traffic, even if that’s in a different lane. Also, you will find cars are already next to you, before the dot representing that car disappears. If a car is pacing you, close behind, after a while, the dot representing that car will disappear, similar to what a Garmin Varia does. The radar detects approaching traffic with speeds of between 3 to 128 km/h. Coospo has an app, which controls the settings of the TR70, and it works extremely well. You can adjust the brightness of the taillight, as well as whether to have it pulsing, steady, or “breathing”. Which option you choose will impact the TR70’s impressive battery life. When cars are approaching at speed, you can set the TR70 to start rapidly blinking, to get the driver’s attention. Speaking of battery life, if using radar-only, the TR70 has a claimed runtime of 50 hours, which is immensely impressive. Also, the TR70 has an emergency brake light feature, which activates when the unit detects you’re sharply braking, causing it to go to brightest light, for around 5 seconds. You can cycle between the different taillight modes by using the app, or simply using the power button on top. The sequence is low brightness, high brightness, breathing light, day flash, night flash, group ride, and radar-only. The Coospo TR70 is a very capable device, with a high-quality finish, delivering features that would cost lot more, if you had to go for a competitor’s product. The IPX7 rating means you don’t have to worry about using it even in the heaviest of rain (provided you properly closed the charge port cover). Full disclosure: I didn’t pay for this device, but it manage to completely change my mind. Before, I thought rear radar was a solution looking for a problem, but I very rapidly learnt to rely on the functionality it offers, and I’m now a big fan of rear radar. You can get yours here, for £57.99 (plus p&p) at the time I wrote this, compared to the £144.99 for a Garmin Varia. No contest! Get the Coospo TR70 instead! ### Share this: * Share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon * Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook * Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp * Share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor * Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit * Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email * Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads * Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky * More * * Print (Opens in new window) Print * Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn * Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr * Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest * ### _Related_

The world tells us that journeys need to be big to matter. That the real adventures start where maps start to fade, where days stretch long, and where you lose sight of home. But the humble five-minute ride – the trip to the shop, the detour to the post box, the spin around the block after your supper – has its own quiet kind of magic. It’s the smallest journey, and yet it can change how you see everything. ## Everyday escape A five-minute ride takes you out of the front door and into the weather. You feel the air immediately. Maybe sharp with cold, maybe damp, maybe the sweet smell of petrichor, and maybe the warm sun on your skin. Cycling demands a small act of commitment: shoes on, perhaps a jacket zipped up, ideally mitts or gloves on, and getting your bike out. And in that moment of setting off, you cross a threshold of sorts, even if only in your mind. Home fades behind you, and the world opens up. For those few minutes, you become part of your surroundings. Again. You notice the flower blossoming near the kerb, the slow crumble of a wall you’ve passed a hundred times, and the rhythm of someone hammering on a construction site. Five minutes is short enough that you’re not rushing, long enough to reconnect. ## The rhythm of small rides We often overthink cycling. We plan routes, calculate distances, talk about all the gear that’s supposedly “essential” for every specific type of ride. However, the five-minute ride cuts through all of that. It is cycling in its purest form. Purpose, mixed with pleasure. Movement, without measurement. It’s also habit-forming. Once you start taking these little journeys, they tend to multiply. The quick ride to the corner shop, to buy bread, becomes the way you check the morning air. The spin to a nearby park becomes a pause between tasks. It’s an everyday motion that slowly rewires how you experience distance and time, as well as the world around you. Five minutes on a bike is an antidote to a constantly-connected life, where everything is expected to be available on demand. You move under your own power, not because it’s faster or cheaper (though it is) but because it feels right. You move at a human pace, and you’re connected with the world around you with your senses, instead of a digital umbilical cord. ## Home again And then, before you’ve even built up a sweat, you’re home again. Bike leant against the wall, body slightly warmer, mind slightly clearer. Nothing dramatic. Just a small reset. You may not remember the route tomorrow. You may not even remember the ride itself, but you’ll carry the feeling with you, and that’s worth a lot. The world is always waiting, just outside the door. All _you_ need to do is go for a ride. ### Share this: * Share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon * Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook * Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp * Share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor * Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit * Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email * Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads * Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky * More * * Print (Opens in new window) Print * Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn * Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr * Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest * ### _Related_

Tom Watson has said ‘mob rule’ must not decide public contracts. Perhaps he should take a look at his new employer, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot

When I got back into cycling, it was because my kids - still little at the time - wanted to go riding further than just up and down the pavement in front of the house where we used to live. As a result, I got a really cheap mountain bike, which I absolutely loved! That led to me starting cycle commuting, and in time, I completely wore out that MTB. In its place, I got a flat-barred hybrid, with fairly chunky tyres. That was an eye-opener, as it was a noticeably faster bike, because I wasn't […]

I have a new love in my life: he's called Alfie, and he's the most adorable ball of fluff I've seen in a while. Alfie's a Shih Zu puppy, though I'm convinced there's another breed in there somewhere, too. I'm not a Kennel Club snob, and while I have nothing against "pure breed" dogs, I don't care about that at all. If anything, I tend to prefer dogs that are what some refer to as mongrels. After all, if I was a dog, people would call me that, too! Puppy cycling Alfie will be an adventure […]

Right from the outset, you need to know that this book isn't (directly) related to cycle touring. Alongside that, you need to understand that The Book Of Trespass, by Nick Hayes, is probably the most important book in the UK. That's a very bold claim, but once you read the book (and you really, really must read it!) you will understand why I said that. In simple terms, this book peels back the layers, one by one, and reveals clearly what was stolen from you! Wait, you're saying someone […]

The Longendale Trail is located in the Peak District National Park. It follows the track bed of the old Great Central Railway, starting in Hadfield, to finish almost 9 miles later in Salter's Brook. From the start, the trail starts heading uphill, but it's a gentle incline. However, after 7 miles, there's a steep uphill. Longendale Trail cycle route overall rating: Surface on the Longendale Trail The surface varies significantly. In places, it's cobbled, but mainly it's unsealed, and can […]

In the previous post, I explained the reasons why I decided to rebuild my bike. The big concern was the threads for the bottom bracket. With those having been damaged by the numpty I entrusted to replace the BB some 6 months ago, it was important to get it fixed by an expert. In practical terms, that simply mean tasking the people of The Bike Cellar, Plymouth, to fix it for me. They are – in my mind – the very best bike shop in Plymouth, and they really came through for me. Because I knew the frame could be saved, even if there was a risk if having to fit a square-taper “frame saver” BB, I went ahead and sprayed the frame. ## The respray As I said before, in the first Project Rebuild post, I got the paint I used from Specialist Paints. I heard great things about them before, and I was optimistic. The Blue Grape colour I was going to use works best on a white primer coat. After some final sanding down, cleaning and drying the frame (and forks) I gave it two coats of primer. I don’t have any particular views on the primer, but I do on the colour coat. You see, when spraying curved surfaces, it is more difficult to get a flawless finish everywhere. This is because overspray can cause a less-than-desirable finish. In addition, you also need to take care that the paint doesn’t run. On complex objects, like a bicycle frame, you can easily overspray one bit, while trying to spray a different bit. And when that happens, paint runs are almost inevitable. However, the paint I used was more forgiving than ANY paint I ever used before. In my life I resprayed a few cars, and several motorcycles, plus plenty of motorcycle helmets. For most of the motorcycles and helmets, I used rattle-can spray paint. I was gob-smacked when I discovered how the Specialist Paints paint behaved! If I used a less-forgiving paint, I _know_ I would have had paint runs. Yet, with the Blue Grape cans, I applied three coats, without any paint runs! The colour coverage is great, too, and as for the colour, all I can say is wow. Once the paint was dry, I added the new Genesis decals. Those had to be on the frame before the clear coat went on. This isn’t meant to be an ad for Specialist Paints – I’m genuinely just that impressed with their paint. ## The 2K clear coat Regardless how pretty a spray job might look, rattle-can paint tends to be quite thin, and that _can_ leave the paint vulnerable to scratches. However, Specialist Paints had a magic trick up their sleeve with the 2K clear coat they gave me. It’s NOT normal rattle-can gloss. The paint uses an in-can activation system. Before using it, there’s a pin underneath the can that needs to be pulled out and rotated, to start the activation. That’s a chemical process, and once activated, you have less than 12 hours to use the clear gloss. Importantly, you must also use a mask, and ideally eye protection, when using the clear coat. Like with their colour coat, the clear gloss is _very_ forgiving. It’s easy to spray, too. Because it’s automotive-grade paint, it hardens to a greater degree than the colour coat. That simply means the paint job will be stronger, and more resilient. Just remember, NO paint job is immune to scratches and damage, so you still need to be careful with the finished product. You’d expect a clear coat to be fairly shiny. Despite that, I was still expecting to have to buff the frame, once the clear coat dried. I’m well happy to say that’s not necessary – it’s smooth and shiny enough by itself. The photo at the top shows how shiny it ended up. ## The rebuild After the respray, I still didn’t have a bicycle. Instead, I had a bike frame, a set of forks, and an array of bike parts. To have a bicycle again, I needed to reassemble everything. I started by regreasing the headset bearings, then refitted those, along with fitting the forks to the frame. I also fitted the spacers and the stem, to keep the forks in place. Next came the wheels, which had a bit of a clean-up and make-over. With the wheels on, I removed the bike from the stand, and fitted the seat. That allowed me to clamp it again, around the seat post. Next was the crankset and derailleurs, followed by the chain. I then re-attached the bars, and refitted the shifters, before wrapping new bar tape. However, I don’t like the bar tape I bought. I wanted a blue that matches the frame colour, but the tape is far too pale. If I can’t get blue bar tape in the right colour, I might simply go back to black tape. I also refitted my aero bars, which I sprayed the same colour as the bike’s frame. After that, all I had to do was refit new brake and gear cables, and index the gears. ## The result I didn’t take a photo of the bike before I started stripping everything off, but the two images below allow you to see what the bike looked like before (and with some parts already removed) and after. As for why I did this – well, there are lots of reasons. My bike was tired-looking, needed a lot of work, and I loved the Blue Grape colour ever since I first saw it. ### Share this: * Share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon * Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook * Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp * Share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor * Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit * Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email * Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads * Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky * More * * Print (Opens in new window) Print * Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn * Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr * Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest * ### _Related_

In the Tour de France, the _Lanterne Rouge_ is the rider who finishes dead last. They are the survivor, the tail-light in the dark, and if we’re being honest, the person who probably had the most interesting day. While the hardcore roadies are busy staring at their power meters and sweating through their Lycra to shave two seconds off a Dartmoor climb, the rider on a _Lanterne Rouge Ride_ is busy noticing the way the light hits the East Dart River or deciding which pub would be best to stop at. This isn’t a guide for the fast – it’s a manifesto for the power of a deliberately slow ride. Go map out a route through the nearest rural (or urban, for that matter!) area. The only ‘King of the Mountain’ title we care about on a Lanterne Rouge Ride involves the size of the slice of cake at the café stop. If your goal is to be the last one home because you were too busy taking photos of fluffy ponies to check your average speed, welcome to the club. Grab your panniers – we’re going slow! ## Bingo As an added bonus, here’s a Lanterne Rouge Ride Bingo card. Your goal is to tick off a full line of five in a row, or perhaps try for a full house over the weekend! You can print it off and carry it with you, you can mentally tally it up after the ride, or you can have the page on your phone, so you can check during the rise. What method you use isn’t important. What’s important is to have a little extra fun on your ride. **B**| **I**| **N**| **G**| **O** ---|---|---|---|--- **The Stare-Down ** A pony refuses to move off the road| **History Lesson ** Finding a Bronze Age hut circle| **The Cream Tea Debate ** Jam or Cream first? (Post a photo!)| **Gear Failure ** Dropped a chain or forgot to charge the GPS| **The Nod ** Acknowledging a fellow slow-cyclist **Uphill Picnic ** Stopping for a snack mid-climb.| **The Baa Factor** Startled a sheep that was sleeping| **Wild Swim Feet ** Dipped your toes in a river/stream| **The Ghost Rail ** Finding a bit of old railway track| **The Over-Pack ** Realising you brought too many layers **Mist Encounter ** Losing the view for 5 minutes of “atmosphere”| **The Bridge Selfie ** Taking a photo on a medieval bridge| **[ FREE SPACE ] **_Had a Great Time_| **Heavy Metal ** Spotting a cow with big horns| **The Pub Push ** Walking the bike the last 100 metres to the pub **Bird Watcher ** Spotting a buzzard or similar| **Mechanical Wonder ** Using a multi-tool for something minor| **The Local Hero ** Asking a local for directions (and getting a story)| **The Phew Moment ** Reaching the top of a serious climb| **The Souvenir ** Finding a cool rock or a shed feather **Water Refill ** Using a tap at a cafe/church to fill your water bottles| **The Full Stop ** Stopping for 10+ mins just to look at the view| **The Mud Stripe ** Getting a little bit of the world on your back| **The Nap ** Actual horizontal time on the grass| **The Victory Pint **(Or juice!) at the end of the ride So, what’re you waiting for? Go pack some picnic items into your panniers, and go for your very own #LanterneRougeRide (and do use the hashtag on social media!) ### Share this: * Share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon * Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook * Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp * Share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor * Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit * Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email * Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads * Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky * More * * Print (Opens in new window) Print * Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn * Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr * Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest * ### _Related_