Llananthony to Peckforton Castle

LeJoG 2010 1100 Mile Challenge

Wednesday 26th May 2010

Having looked at the map, I realised that to meet the lads, I'd have to cycle back south down the valley. Whereas my destination lay north.

I had forgotten to take my sun cream with me when I had hurriedly setup my panniers to ride to Llanthony (pronounced Clan Tony). So, I contemplated going back. But decided I could either meet the lads in Hay-on-Wye and get my cream or if not just buy some. It sounds petty but I've only found one sun cream that I'm not allergic too - Boots Kids Factor 50. Bound to be a Boots Pharmacy in Hay.

So, earliest start yet, I went off to up to Hay - after a lovely breakfast - ovee the top of the Brecons - quite stunning! And then a long, incredible descent into Hay-on-Wye.

There had been no mobile phone reception whatsoever in Llanthony, but I'd borrowed the hotel phone to let the lads know my change of plan. So, we agreed to meet at 9-930am in Hay.

By 930am I hadn't heard from them despite texts & voicemails, so I decided to buy some sun cream and then head off.

First problem was no Boots - so I went to the only pharmacy there. They were very helpful. I bought another brand of factor 50 hypo-allergenic suncream. Put it on & hoped for the best.

The last time I did this my face swoll up for days & I looked quite scary for weeks afterwards. Still, I didn't want to get burned.

I planned out a route up through the boarders of England & Wales - the road weaved in & out. So, you never really knew which side of the boarder you were. Parts were very hilly but the conditions were perfect & I made good progress. I stopped for lunch in Leinwardine - about 47 miles from Llanathony. There was a petrol station there but I had packed some food from the hotel & made a flask of tea. So, I knew I still had a long way to go, so decided to crack on. I cycled up through Chirbury - then switched on the Garmin for Peckforton Castle - it took me down through Shrewsbury. Just into Shrewsbury, Ian passed with the car so we stopped and had a chat a quick snack - I grabbed some more food to carry with me.

Then at about 530pm the rain started. Luckily, I had my rain jacket with me so stopped and changed. But within 1 hour of torrential rain it didn't matter. I was soaked through & still had 28 miles to go at 630pm.

I was on the B5476 between Wem and Witchurch when the others caught me up & flew past in a train of speed. All kitted up in wet weather gear - Ian had obviuosly found them. I tried to keep up but just too fast so I went at my own pace.

Reaching Whitchurch, I saw they had stopped to look at the map. So' as I had the Garmin on, I cruised past. I felt like a rabbit at the Greyhounds going through Whitchurch as I weaved through the one way system chased by the greyhounds. As soon as they found the exit, they were off speeding down the road to Peckforton Castle.

The rain had eased so I just took my time not wanting to tear any muscles as John O'Groats was still a long way off.

I arrived at Peckforton Castle at 730pm - 111 miles from Llanathony.

The Castle is stunning - voted best hotel 2009 by the Hotel & Caterer Magazine, it wasn't difficult to see why.

We all ate together and mulled over the route. It sounded as if the lads had taken the same route as me. What happened to them was that Jorrin had 2 punctures coming up through Llanthony and Cape-le-Ffyn before Hay where there is no mobile phone reception.

Off for breakfast now & to get ready for another day - en route to Arnside in Cumbria - about 90 miles.