So the day started at home with some very heavy rain but we had a delayed start to the trip due to me having a visit from the city council tree inspectors which I didn't want to defer. By the time they'd left the rain had passed (great timing) so we set off. We stayed on the M5 all the way to the M4/ M48 intersection where we diverted off towards Chepstow. The going in the M5 was pretty good although we suffered a fair few of those concertina traffic jams that seem to happen for no apparent reason. Each one was nearly at a standstill so we were glad we were on two wheels so we could steadily filter through. A quick lunch stop at Maccy D's by ASDA at Cribbs Causeway then over the old bridge into Wales, and boy was it gusty! It felt like the bike was tilted at least 30 degrees!
A lovely road lay ahead of us tracking the River Wye towards Tintern Abbey for a quick photo opportunity in the sunshine . The road continued to twist and turn and track the river before we veared off towards Monmouth. After passing through Monmouth we headed to our first scenic pass, Gospel Pass in the Black Mountains. 2/3 of the way along the route we encountered 'Road Closed' signs. Whilst we were stopped looking for an alternative route a lady came out of her house and warned us that the road ahead was closed, "with locked gates apparently" she said and then proceeded to tell us the route around was a LONG way around - either back the way we'd come (about 6 miles) then via Talgarth or towards Heraford, either route being circa 10-15mile detour. So, my decision was to chance our luck and investigate how bad the closed road was, were are after all on adventure bikes and ....... simple transit through an unlocked Harris fence and transiting through a work zone to repair a fallen bank into the valley - with ample space for a vehicle! - and we were through. When we got to the head of the pass, WOW what amazing scener. The pictures really dont do it justice. Simply stunning scenery with the view reaching miles and miles into the distance.
Onwards to our overnight stop at Hay-on-Wye where we found a great little campsite, £12/night, bargain. A short walk into the town centre, a good pub found - the Blue Bear - and some lovely food and a few pints to end a cracking fist day. Roll on tomorrow.
