The annual reconnaissance trip, to check out the route of the yearly LDWA 100, which this year was meant to be in Wales (the Y 100 Sir Fynwy). This was take three to do the route. The first recce was planned for the weekend after lockdown started in March, so was postponed. The event itself was meant to be in May, so was cancelled. And this attempt almost got cancelled, as most of Wales is now in lockdown, increasing every day, including most of the counties next to where we went. So, third time lucky (just about)!
Day 1: Rogiet to Usk, 16 miles, 2900 ft
Reunited with the recce crew, after months apart! Met up in Rogiet around lunch time and had a nice afternoon's run along two sections of the route, along the Monmouthshire Way and the Usk Valley Way. Plenty of time to get the miles in, which left time for other activities along the route, inspired by a visit to Discoed......
....an encounter with the local wildlife....
.....finding alternative means of transport....
...plus admiring the views back over the Severn Estuary, after the climb up Gray Hill....
A short checkpoint, then on up through Wentwood forest, before a nice downhill bit past Bertholey House (built in the 16th century, but burnt down in 1905 when a relative of it's owner accidently set fire to it, whilst drunk).
A couple more climbs, a descent to Llewellyn’s Dingle (an actual place!), and then on to Usk, to stay the night. This got off to an excellent start, when we arrived before the hotel was open, forcing us to the local park (which also happened to be opposite the prison) to drink cider on a park bench. It might be Covid, but there are certain standards which must be upheld. Day 2: Usk to Abergevenny, 16 miles, 1300 ft
Due to a last minute (thanks Covid) change of plan resulting from the hotel were meant to be staying in tonight temporarily shutting, as all it's staff had to self isolate, we had to stay in a different hotel in a completely different place (thanks Alan for organising the whole trip, and then reorganising half of it again!). This meant that we couldn't run the whole route, and so today was shorter than planned. Excellent! I mean, oh no.
Leaving Usk, and it's terrifying wildlife....
We set off along the Usk Valley Way again, north towards Bryn, then along small roads and over fields to Abergevenny.
The day was some easy running in the sunshine, with a very good ratio of running to checkpoints, and we arrived at Abergevenny quite refreshed, and ready for cocktails in the botanical gardens.
I was extremely excited to be visiting Abergevenny, as I knew it had the famous biscuits. On having a scout around the town and through the market, there was not an Abergevenny biscuit to be found. Puzzled, I resorted to Google, and discovered that it is an Abernethy biscuit, and doesn't come from Wales (but, in case you are interested, it was invented by a doctor, John Abernethy and made from flour, sugar and caraway seeds, to aid digestion and general health).
Day 3: Abergevenny to Monmouth, 29 miles, 4100 ft
A fabulous run! We had to chop off a chunk of the official route (the bit through the Black Mountains) because of last night's change of location plan, but it was still a brilliant day. Quickly warmed up with a sharp climb up one of the southern ridges of the Sugar Loaf (the Deri), for some fantastic views.
The it was down to Cwmyoy, and a cut across to Pandy (or, home of Andy).....
...for a break.
From here, we picked up the Offa's Dyke trail, past Llangattock Lingoed and Caggle Street, and on past the Bulmers apple orchard at Penrose Farm (Cheers! Is there a park bench anywhere near?).
Then it was along pretty trails to Monmouth.
On getting to Monmouth, I fell off a pavement (trying to be socially distant) and hit my shin on it and cut my hand (it's OK, still alternating which side I land on, right side this time). Nothing like finishing a run in the gutter. This put me in a bad mood, but was cheered up temporarily with a Pizza Express takeaway in the local park.
Day 4: Monmouth to Chepstow, 19 miles, 3000 ft
Today we must finish the run. But first, breakfast.
Followed by a big climb up through the mist to the Kymin (a folly, at the very top of a hill) next to the Naval Temple, where the mist started to clear.
I loved the route today, lots of hills and through lots of forests, and it seemed almost tropical in some parts (even going through Barbadoes Green)!
We were on a deadline to make a train, but were making good progress, so there was time for a picnic/ play stop
A bit later on, and we got chased through a field of enthusiastic cows. We shouted so many times that they should moove along, but they were really milking it. It was becoming a load of old bull, udderly unbelievable behaviour. This was looking back at them once we'd all safely made it to the other side of the wall. Look at them, looking like all the grass is greener on the other side. We hoofed it off towards the final checkpoint by Tintern Abby (the first Cistercian Abbey created in Wales, and part of the event logo)
Always time for a final climb on the LDWA 100.... this one was up to Penterry Church (and the site of an ancient village, which was obliterated by the bubonic plague - cheery note to end on!)The it was down to finish in Chepstow, where yet more wild Welsh wildlife was waiting.
Loved this weekend (thanks Tara, Andrew, and Alan!) and this route. Easy to find, pretty route. Fingers crossed the event gets the go ahead for next year 🍀
