I arrived slightly later than normal at the Plymouth end of the bridge, to be met by Dave, Trevor, Sue, Graham B & John D. All keen to get on with the first unofficial group ride since lockdown started. I like many did not expect to see Dave turn up as he, & Nicci are still on recovery from there accident on the tandem. Time to set off, so we said farewell to Dave who was out on a recovery walk. Soon on our way through back streets in Saltash, some had not yet been on. Then out on the main road heading towards the regular hamlet of Hatt. On arrival, we decided to follow the Tamar river as close as possible & turn the ride into a bit of an adventure.
On leaving Hatt we started descending narrow unfamiliar lanes scattering birds left, right & center. During the lockdown, all the animals had got back in a quiet way of life. So soon we arrived within the sleepy village of Cargreen. Graham knew the way from here, as he had been here quite recently. So we set off along a very narrow, & little-used lane heading towards Paynter`s Cross. I remembered from years ago that there were many gates to be opened & shut, along its length. I was not to be disappointed. At Paynter`s Cross, Trevor & Graham mapped out the next route to be taken, so on leaving we got on the main Callington road & soon turned right. As it turned out we should have taken the next right turning. Anyway, this lane soon turned into a woodland rough track, with Trevor navigating us through to the end. I think we were beginning to enjoy the adventure, & soon we came to a lane that took us to Halton Quay, & a bit of a break. Here Trevor lost us with his engineering skills, he gained whilst in the motor trade.
Soon on our way again we headed towards the pleasant National Trust property of Cotehele. Soon we descended to Cotehele, with lovely clear views of the Tamar River valley, which is still famous for growing fruit & veg. On arrival at the Trust grounds, we soon got on the rough stuff, keeping us close to the Tamar River. It's funny how you soon forget how steep & rough these off-road sections are. On the climbing bit, a mountain biker came storming down & through as if we were not there. After a slow descent, we regrouped & headed along a lane towards Calstock village, having to go past an ambulance attending what looked like a lady casualty. On arrival at Calstock, I soon picked up the lane out towards Albaston. Soon we crossed the railway line & climbed to take the lane to Drakewalls, crossing the railway line again. At the first right turning, we bade farewell to John who was heading home to Tavistock via Gunnislake.
Now down to four, we climbed up to Drakewalls, then on towards Coxpark, going past the major gravel quarry in this area, with its rather large bits of heavy plant equipment. After climbing steadily for a while we came to the road to lead us to Kelly Bray, & nice & level for a change. Kit hill was to our left with its steep climb to the monument at the top. That`s for another day. On arrival at Kelly Bray, another quick stop was taken for refreshments. From here we went through Callington town & down a back lane to Frogwell, then on down to Newbridge. Over the main Callington to Liskeard road & followed the lanes to Pillaton, Hatt & Saltash. On arrival on the outskirts, I bade farewell to Sue, Trevor & Graham. It stayed dry for the most part but turned quite chilly later in the day. Sometimes it`s not always about the miles. I had covered 38 enjoyable miles.
Larry
On leaving Hatt we started descending narrow unfamiliar lanes scattering birds left, right & center. During the lockdown, all the animals had got back in a quiet way of life. So soon we arrived within the sleepy village of Cargreen. Graham knew the way from here, as he had been here quite recently. So we set off along a very narrow, & little-used lane heading towards Paynter`s Cross. I remembered from years ago that there were many gates to be opened & shut, along its length. I was not to be disappointed. At Paynter`s Cross, Trevor & Graham mapped out the next route to be taken, so on leaving we got on the main Callington road & soon turned right. As it turned out we should have taken the next right turning. Anyway, this lane soon turned into a woodland rough track, with Trevor navigating us through to the end. I think we were beginning to enjoy the adventure, & soon we came to a lane that took us to Halton Quay, & a bit of a break. Here Trevor lost us with his engineering skills, he gained whilst in the motor trade.
Soon on our way again we headed towards the pleasant National Trust property of Cotehele. Soon we descended to Cotehele, with lovely clear views of the Tamar River valley, which is still famous for growing fruit & veg. On arrival at the Trust grounds, we soon got on the rough stuff, keeping us close to the Tamar River. It's funny how you soon forget how steep & rough these off-road sections are. On the climbing bit, a mountain biker came storming down & through as if we were not there. After a slow descent, we regrouped & headed along a lane towards Calstock village, having to go past an ambulance attending what looked like a lady casualty. On arrival at Calstock, I soon picked up the lane out towards Albaston. Soon we crossed the railway line & climbed to take the lane to Drakewalls, crossing the railway line again. At the first right turning, we bade farewell to John who was heading home to Tavistock via Gunnislake.
Now down to four, we climbed up to Drakewalls, then on towards Coxpark, going past the major gravel quarry in this area, with its rather large bits of heavy plant equipment. After climbing steadily for a while we came to the road to lead us to Kelly Bray, & nice & level for a change. Kit hill was to our left with its steep climb to the monument at the top. That`s for another day. On arrival at Kelly Bray, another quick stop was taken for refreshments. From here we went through Callington town & down a back lane to Frogwell, then on down to Newbridge. Over the main Callington to Liskeard road & followed the lanes to Pillaton, Hatt & Saltash. On arrival on the outskirts, I bade farewell to Sue, Trevor & Graham. It stayed dry for the most part but turned quite chilly later in the day. Sometimes it`s not always about the miles. I had covered 38 enjoyable miles.
Larry
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