As usual,
@gavgav has beaten me to it but here's my version anyway:
We got to Bewdley in good time for the first train so were ready to load when it pulled in. Unfortunately Gav's bike slipped and gave him a bite so once all the bikes were stowed the TCP and cotton wool was broken out causing the comments already mentioned.
During the trip we had a couple of rather jerky stops so I returned to the guards compartment to check on the bikes where I found Doug's had fallen against Gav's causing some scratches to both.
I should mention at this point that any time we do a ride that takes in Bridgnorth there is always some sort of incident. Today seemed to be keeping that "tradition" going.
Once at Bridgnorth we started by heading up to have a look at the castle before dropping down to Low Town via Cartway and past the station again to follow the Mercian Way (NCN route 45). After my long ride yesterday the legs weren't entirely enthusiastic about climbing out of town and it was nice when we'd got over the first crest and had some easier riding.
Although none of the hills round this part of the county are notably big, there are lots of them and they are often surprisingly steep - especially on the lanes that Sustrans picked for their route. We therefore weren't quick on any of the climbs and it's fortunate that today was meant to be a leisurely day out.
Between Eardington and Hampton the route took us onto a section of bridleway which is also part of the Jack Mytton Way. Last time we came this way the section was extremely rough and pretty muddy on the low lying sections, so it was nice to see that since then the worst bits have been resurfaced - a great improvement.
As Gav mentions, we paused for lunch at Hampton Loade station and were able to watch a couple of trains go past while we were there. Gav got bitten by his bike again, which led to the TCP being used a second time, then we headed along the trackside path and climbed through the Severn Valley Country Park (on the former site of Alveley Colliery - you'd never believe there used to be a coal mine here).
We didn't stop to enjoy the park but carried on to Arley along lanes that climb a bit more before the long descent down to the river. We had a pause at Arley station for photos then continued the long climb to Pound Green, Button Oak and into the Wyre Forest where there is a fabulous long descent on gravel roads that are smoother to ride than some of the tarmac we'd been on.
Our route through the forest then took us along the trackbed of the old Tenbury to Bewdley railway which gives 2 miles of pretty much dead-flat riding where we could cruise along pretty nicely. Shame the surface is a bit more mixed along here.
We had one last climb then the descent into Bewdley where I had a bus pull out in front of me and there were two more in the centre blocking traffic.
We were pretty lucky with the weather. Yesterday the forecast suggested we'd be rained on most of the day. As it turned out there was nothing but a bit of occasional drizzle until we were driving home when we passed through several downpours.
A pretty good 22.6 mile ride today and I'd recommend the route to anyone who is okay with a few hills (but maybe not on a skinny tyred bike though
). We felt like we'd earned a drink at the pub on the way back.
Gav and Doug waiting for the train.
At Bridgnorth - this is our engine running round ready for the next trip.
At Bridgnorth castle. They don't make them like that nowadays.
A nice view after the climbs at Eardington. The body of water is Chelmarsh Reservoir and is where we're headed next.
Skirting round the reservoir.
At Hampton Loade.
One for
@Mad Doug Biker: Western Courier pulls into Hampton Loade.
Obstacles to overcome on the path by the railway: first the barrier then a steep little switchback climb.
At Arley. There used to be a car ferry across the river here until the 1960s. Unfortunately nobody told the sat-nav map makers it isn't there any more.
(It's okay for us though - there's a footbridge out of shot).
Heading through the Wyre Forest. About 4 miles to Bewdley from here.
TCP came out again and proper blood was drawn!
. Couldn't have asked for better weather for a ride!
