Plymouth Section Tour
Our Peak District Tour this year was somewhat dogged by very poor weather! However, all of us managed some good rides, walks and a good helping of culture and nostalgia!
      On day 1 (5/6/19) ten of us arrived at Hartington Hall YHA in time to have a short but picturesque introduction to the limestone scenery. We managed a sizeable chunk of the Manifold Valley and a shorter section of the Tissington Trail with some steep hills in between. The Tudor/ Jacobean Hostel, formerly a Manor House was large and lively (3 school parties!) with superb facilities. Ok, communal sleeping was perhaps a little more problematic at our age! but this was more than offset by the choice of communal sitting rooms, the setting, well equipped kitchen where we liked to gather for a brew, the friendly bar and restaurant and the easy access to open countryside.
        Day 2 dawned reasonably brightly and 10 cyclists set off on a circular 42 mile route through a mixture of limestone dales, high gritstone moors with amazing views over the Cheshire Plain and an 8 mile ridge to bring us back to the limestone country. Sadly as the weather appeared to be deteriorating we returned to the hostel via the entire length of the Manifold Trail. Sue and Niccy elected to explore on foot the famous Dove Valley with it’s caves, rock formations and Stepping Stones.
        As we feared Day 3 was very wet! And the majority of us decided to seek an alternative in the form of a National Trust property with The Museum of Childhood at Sudbury Hall providing us with a happy hour or two of nostalgia. Hardier members of our party were not to be deterred by mere weather forecasts and set off to explore Buxton by bike (bravo to Mike, John and Larry!) At this point things became slightly more complicated eg. bikes at Hartington, new dorms and on-street parking awaiting us at Youlgrave and group members spread to the four winds! The former Village COOP building which served as the Yougrave hostel was quirky but lacked the facilities of Hartington. Eventually the majority of us enjoyed a excellent meal at The George Pub in the Village, we booked for 14 to eat there again at 6.30 the following night.
        With a worse forecast for Saturday, Day 4 , 6 cyclists hit the road, 2 went on a hike through Lathkill Dale with Graham (‘Winkie’)   Dave’s friend, and 5 ( those with National Trust membership)  investigated the life and loves of Bess of Hardwick after sampling tarts at Bakewell. On this day at least 2 Wetherspoons were located to add to the tally. Our two younger members got rather muddy and were spotted with copious quantities of water dousing bikes and themselves!! (that will teach them not to have mudguards!) We enjoyed the evening at The George followed by a convivial coffee in the well-equipped member’s kitchen. We hit the sack fairly early in anticipation of a short ride before setting off home the next day.
        Day 5, saw 8 of the group head north out of the village through Over Haddon and Taddington before descending into Miller’s Dale where they cycled along the beautiful Water-cum-Jolly Dale, which proved to be very muddy. As we climbed up to Monsal Head we encountered a bunch of racing cyclists speeding in the opposite direction. As time was pressing some headed back to their cars whilst others had one last coffee break. ‘Winkie led a short walk into Bradford Dale and Graham Black was pleased to be able to take part, he is recovering well from his op.
        In conclusion on this year’s tour we had no food poisoning or heat exhaustion, not much sleep or cycling (well, for some) but lots of good company and bonhomie!

​David

​DEPARTURE ARRANGEMENTS

​We all leave Plymouth independently at 8:30 am on Wednesday and meet up for 11s at Gloucester Service Station,  GL4 0DN on the M5.

Dave is expecting us to arrive at the YHA at 2:00 pm and then go for a short ride of about 17 miles.
The first hostel is Hartington Hall where we will be for two nights  https://groups.yha.org.uk/hostel/yha-hartington-hall  SK17 0AT 

The second hostel is Youlgreave YHA   https://tinyurl.com/yyek3e4h Fountain Square, Bakewell DE45 1UR .

Cornish coastal cycle Odyssey anti-clockwise on my own. Sun16th Sept to Thu20th Sept2018.
Report by Larry Clarke.
 
Day one Sunday 16th Sept.
Cycling went without a hitch apart from one of my rear mudguard stays breaking. This I managed to get mended the next day, on route at a bike shop. He said a pound so I gave him two, only right as he had baled me out. Day one was an easy 61.3 miles, from home to Treyarnon bay Y- Hostel. But I    ended up with a broken stay whilst traveling along the Camelford cycle trail. Luckily after I had removed the broken half, & made a slight adjustment, I managed to continue on my way. On route I took in Davidstow moor, Bodmin moor, Camelford cycle trail & finally the North Cornwall coastal route to Treyarnon Y-Hostel. I called in the co-op in Wadebridge for coffee & toast. Weather was rather cloudy but mild all day. So no fantastic views out to sea like on a clear day. Hostel was nice & clean & food was adequate. I enjoyed a nice bottle of Betty Stogs, Brazen Cornish Bitter. So apart from the Dutchman snoring in the dormitory it was a nice stop over.
 
Day two
This was to be the toughest of the five days, with 60.85 miles to cover. & the granite coast to finish with. Again it started cloudy & misty, or is that mizzle. Cornish for drizzle. Yes as predicted it was lovely going down to one bay after another, but always a steep climb out. With occasional views of cliffs & open sea it added to my days journey. I found the Green Parrot, Wetherspoon pub in Perranporth. So had the usual coffee & toast. Then off again I passed around Hayle, then St Ives & on up to the Granite coast with Tors inland & open sea to my right. Now it was nice not to be going down to one bay & then up & on to the next. I finally arrived  dead on opening time at Lands End, Y-hostel (St Just). Probably my favourite hostel of the trip. Nice food, good company, friendly staff, lovely views out to sea. Oh & no snoring.
 
Day three.
This was another easy day? With only 50.94 miles to cover & cloudy/windy weather. I was under way shortly after 9am so after passing Lands End airport I found myself heading down the straight road to the land`s End Experience. I soon found the sign post & a Royal Navy bomb disposal man took my photo. Then it was underway again & heading towards Penzance on national cycle route3. At a place called Lamorna I missed a left turn & ended up at a lovely cove full of North Americans. So quickly retracing my tracks I soon located the turning I had missed. So soon after another very steep climb found myself descending into the Picturesque village of Mousehole full of very narrow streets & tourists. Now all the way to Penzance was on level roads following the coast with lovely views out to sea. On arrival in Penzance I managed to locate the Tremenheere, Wetherspoons pub after stopping & getting directions from locals. Soon suitably refreshed I continued out of town & on pass St Michael`s Mount, Marazion & on to Godolphin Cross. Here I turned right & headed cross country for my second stop at the cafe in Sithney. Run by an elderly couple. All home made stuff, yummy. Next part of my journey took me round Helston, & on pass Culdrose(Royal navy air station) to the sound of helicopters flying around. Soon off the main road & heading down to the beach at a golf club. Now doing a nice spot of rough stuff I climbed up away from the beach to the entrance road to the club. Back on tarmac I passed through Mullion on very level roads heading down to Lizard & the evening meal in the Regent cafe. Eating for the first time Cornish mackerel with a lovely salad, which included celery. They directed me to the Youth hostel. A converted hotel right on the tip of Lizard Point. Run by volunteer staff. But what views out to sea. Did not manage much sleep as in the dorm we had a loud snorer.
 
Day four .
This was another tough day of cloudy/windy weather, & 56.13 miles with plenty of climbing after leaving the Lizard area. I soon found myself in Falmouth, inside the Packet Station, Wetherspoons pub getting info from some of the locals on busy roads etc. Suitably refreshed  & underway again I soon had a short stretch of the A39 to do before leaving it for a minor road to Penpol. I spotted a bird watcher so asked him what he was watching. Ospreys he said on migration to Africa. Seems the Fal estuary is a good spot in mid to late September. Soon I bad farewell & continued on my way to catch the next ferry at Trelissick. After the ferry it was undulating all the way to Portloe. Then a steady climb up to a ridge road across to a steep downhill to the coast & passed Caerhays castle. Then a climb up & a few more right turns saw me at a caravan site shop getting a bottle of cider ready for the Youth hostel down the hill. Arrived well before opening so sat myself down on a wooden chair. Managed a good nights sleep so should be alright for tomorrows ride home.
 
Day five Thursday 20th Sept.
Last day & shortest in distance, only 48.96 miles & yes cloudy/windy weather. Boswinger to Saltash. It wasn't long before I rolled into Mevagissey. Another picturesque coastal village. I was soon on a steady climb out on a B road, then to descend & turn right into a lane through Pentewan. Suddenly there was this sign 20% climb out which actually must have been 25% or steeper in parts. This got the gold star for being the steepest climb in the hole trip. Then fairly flat going around the St Austell, Par area. Then on the main road to Fowey for a very expensive tea & cake stop. Soon after this I was crossing the river Fowey by ferry & on up to Pelynt. Birthplace of Jonathan Trelawney. After here it was pretty much going over familiar roads to Torpoint, & then home to Saltash. Just got in before the heavens opened up.
Total distance 278.18 miles over five days, averaging 55.636 miles a day. Would I do it again? Probably when my memory of it has faded.

Larry Clarke

​ Leg 1. Torpoint to Boswinger   45.6 miles
Leg 2.  Boswinger to Coverack   44.2 miles
Leg 3.  Coverack to Lands End   47.3 miles
Leg 4.   Lands end to Treyarnon Bay   61.4 miles
Leg 5.  Treyarnon Bay to Saltash/Plymouth 62.9 miles
Participants: Dave Newman, Trevor Bradshaw, Graham Black, Andy Prideaux, Graham Reed, Neil Smith, Larry Clarke, Mike Willacy, John Durham, Neil Crowley, Richard Jenkins
                                                                     I
 It was proposed at section AGM to opt for an old fashioned moving on tour using youth hostels rather than relative comfort of a Premier Inn or Travel Lodge. Fixed point centres have their attractions-no luggage ect. but in my experience it is easy not to cycle for the whole duration . Also, there is a sense of achievement it completing 250+ miles in five days of challenging terrain. Of course the Cornish peninsula lends itself to such a coastal randonnée and many of the hostels are still open. We are extremely fortunate to be able to complete such a tour from our own town without the use of vehicles. The 4 hostels chosen were  Boswinger, Coverack, Lands End & Treyarnon Bay the latter giving us an interesting ride back via the whole length of the Camel Trail and the scenic NC3 across the western edge of Bodmin Moor to Davidstow.

 Eight of us alighted the 9.00am ferry at Torpoint (Mike had to work the morning so took the train to St Austell ) and set of around the creek with a close eye on the weather. After a long settled period the BBC were predicting a sudden change with the expectation of some rain during the day. We managed a trouble free ride to Looe for coffee and, despite it being noticeably cooler of late, spirits were high as we sipped our coffee overlooking the beach. The next stage through the lanes south of Pelynt was pleasant and we arrived at the Ferry Inn (Bodinnick) at 1220am.

 After a pleasant and rather lengthy lunch over looking Fowey we crossed the ferry to meet an old friend, Richard Jenkins, who is now living in Tywardreath, to substitute for the injured Graham John. We were soon up and over and riding the China clay route from Par to Charlestown, rain began to fall. We managed to shelter by taking afternoon tea and avoiding a more persistent shower and arrived at Boswinger early. (Just short of 50 miles but, surprisingly, almost 1500metres of climbing- even more for team Trevor! Boswinger hasn’t changed much although with brand new beds and spotless facilities it seemed somewhat nicer than the B&Bs I`ve recently stayed in. It is in a quite remote hamlet with only a shop at the nearby acclaimed campsite to provide liquid refreshment of the alcoholic type. The meals were basic but ample and as I had only limited contact with the brusque German assistant I thought the staff to be the most pleasant of the tour.

 After a hearty breakfast we set off in sunshine past Caerhays Castle we where strung out due to the steep Roseland hills. Passing Veryan, with its famous round houses, we encountered a foursome who had hired E.Bikes for the day and they didn’t half zoom past us up the steep hill towards Ruan High Lanes. (It certainly gives us old ones hope for the future) The progress from here to coffee via the King Harry Ferry was quite slow due to the many inclines but we eventually arrived at the Old Quay Inn , Devoran to rendezvous with my daughter. (My son-in law, Neil was part of our group). Some of us decided to partake in an early lunch whilst others enjoyed the more traditional facilities of this particularly pleasant hostelry.
Shortly after setting off again we said good bye to Neil C who was needed at home. We were rather envious as he trundled along the Mineral Trail in the direction of his train at Truro whereas we had to begin the long climb past Perranwell Station and Stithians. We were rewarded however with a fabulous decent to Gweek where we found an equally fabulous lunch stop in the boat yard. From here we set off towards our over night at Coverack via Trelowarren Park land and some pretty lanes. I could only marvel at Trevor’s navigational skills as I spent many a sleepless nights wondering how as I was going to negotiate the myriad of lanes without taking the group up unnecessary hills! We eventually arrived at the hostel at the stroke of 5.00pm.The Hostel was adequate but in a magnificent location overlooking Coverack Bay and further more it provided us with the opportunity of eating out.

 On a sunny Saturday morning we retraced our steps through the lanes and headed south towards the Lizard where instead of dropping down to the pretty coastal village of Cadgwith we turned right through some delightful lanes towards Mullion (there is a limit on a tour to how many times one can drop down to sea level with the inevitable climb back up again). After another such climb  we suddenly descended on a rough track across the golf course down to Church Cove. This was a necessary deviation to link up with the only lane in this part of the peninsula otherwise it would have meant the busy main road onto Helston. We took a chance that the lovely old cafe at Sithney was still trading because the last time I was here was back in the days of the “Lizard Loop” 14 years ago. This was a worthwhile stop as the proprietors were very welcoming and they even had a replica model railway lay out to Mike`s delight! and with a mug of tea and a huge piece of cake for £3! what more could one wish for? Onwards to  Marazion through more pretty lanes with the Mount looking magnificent. The village as usual was over crowded but we soon picked up the Mounts bay cycle path taking us through Penzance, Newlyn to the popular village of Mousehole where we had more refreshments. Then it was up the mega climb towards Lamorna and across the corner of the Penwith peninsula to the hostel situated in the secluded Cott valley. Mike, Larry & John decided they wanted to visit Lands End as they had never been and joined us later at the hostel. The majority of us spent the evening in the nearby village of St Just.
​
 The penultimate day was probably our most difficult but scenic one. The coastal scenery, with the added remnants of a bygone age of Cornish tin mining, was especially magnificent. After skirting St Ives we stopped for coffee in a garden centre just before Hayle where we were given a voucher for free plants! Progress was hard along the edge of the Towans round Godreathy lighthouse and Hellsmouth to Portreath where we had lunch. Off again parallel to the Miners trail but unfortunately had to start climbing again through Porthtowan , taking in St Agnes and Perrancoombe into the bustling resort of Perranporth. From here it was a combination of quiet lanes and busy main roads to negotiate Newquay and its environs on a busy Sunday in June. Now on the last 10miles to the hostel it began to rain and the terrain was at its most difficult as we plummeted and climbed through Porth, Watergate Bay, Mawgan Porth and Porthcothan before turning left just before the top of the last hill through the lanes to the hostel at Treyarnon Bay. Unfortunately with our relief and excitement at seeing the hostel sign we failed to wait at the junction as per normal-consequently Andy failed to see the sign and rode straight past. We were mortified to discover his non arrival. The problem was exacerbated by the fact that there was no mobile signal in the vicinity but to our immense relief he eventually arrived. The hostel was situated in a beautiful location overlooking the sea. 
 The final day back to Saltash/Plymouth afforded us the opportunity to take in a couple of classic Cornish cycle routes beginning with the entire length of the Camel Trail  and National Cycle Router 3 along the western edge of Bodmin Moor. After Crowdy reservoir it was fairly routine cycling on familiar territory through Plusha, Callington, and onto Saltash. During the tour we had a sickness bug which started with Andy as early as Friday morning and followed by Graham Black on Saturday evening. The rest of us, with the exception of two, succumbed on the final day. Unfortunately this just took the edge off what had been a very successful and pleasant tour.
 
Dave Newman

Dave Newman has booked 4 Youth Hostels in Cornwall for 4 nights at a cost of £702.98. The individual cost is £88.00, which Dave would like paid to him as soon as possible to confirm that you're taking part.

​DEPARTURE: 9:00 am from Torpoint on Thursday 7 June. RETURN: Monday 11 June 2018.

THURSDAY 7th: 9:00 am :  Torpoint - Boswinger (approx. 49.2 miles)
FRIDAY 8th : Boswinger - Lizzard (approx. 43miles)
SATURDAY 9th:  Lizzard - Land's End (approx. 33.7)
SUNDAY 10th: Land's End (St Just) - Treyarnon Bay (approx. 55 miles)
MONDAY 11th: Treyarnon Bay - Saltash (approx. 47 miles)

Dave says that this route may appear to be rather challenging, but do not forget that it is almost midsummer with daylight till after 21:30 pm! Time can be taken to enjoy am area we don't normally visit these days on out bikes.

We are fully booked (if everyone still intends to come). So the best way forward is for me to start collecting the money! There may still be room in the hostels for any additional late-comers. 

There will be a meeting of those taking part in May. Details to be posted later.

Further to Grahams report on our trip to Brittany a few more photo`s from me. An Interesting trip illness spoilt it a bit for me. Final accommodation at St Sampson to be recommended, the last few photos are from there lovely outlook topped by a great sunset after a great meal.

​Trevor

For the best part of the week we were at the Camping d'Ys, near the Plage de Kervel about 5 miles from Plonévéz-Porzay. The mobile homes were very suitable for our purposes, but we would have liked to have a kettle to boil water rather than saucepans plus a full set of cleaning materials, which the owner could hardly expect us to buy in view of the shortness of our stay. Consequently a cleaning surcharge of €12.50 , which we would have considered very reasonable had we known about it in advance. The cost was £152 per week for each mobile home, which contributed to making it a very cheap holiday. Although I had worked out routes for each day of the stay, circumstances dictated that we more or less did our own thing. I was very pleased to visit the Menez-Hom again since my last visit in 2002 during the French equivalent of our birthday rides, La Semaine Fédérale.  Andy Easton and I visited the education museum at Croaz Névéz near Tregarvan. It was rather like the one at Morwellham Quay. It was sad to read how evilly little Breton children were treated who could not speak French. Other trips of my own included a trip to Crozon, Chateaulin to see how far the railway station there was from where we were staying, a trip to Carreg ar Tan (a fire beacon), a visit to Locronan with John and Jennifer Durham, Andy E and Mike Willacy, a cycle ride up a cycle path from Le Juch to Plogonnec. The route back took us via Huelgoat, Barrien and the long descent into Morlaix. Everyone was delighted with the accommodation and service at the Maison de Kerdies. Maybe we should put a positive comment on Tripadvisor about that. Unfortunately we were not spoiled for weather, though we missed the horrendous floods which hit France that week, and along with Trevor Bradshaw and Mike Willacy I developed a very nasty cold about midweek which clipped my wings a bit. My total distance was about 440 miles at a basic cost of about £212.