Saturday 5th Aug
The train journey down from Glasgow was busy but the time flew in as Andy caught up with the latest news at work from Arthur and Calum.
We passed through very heavy rain on the way but all going well we should be through it all by Bristol. We were!
Andy met up with Andrew at Temple Meads station who was looking very fit. Arthur and Calum arrived and checking the map we set off through a busy Bristol but we were quickly onto NCN3 and away from traffic.
4miles done, we said goodbye to the old railway line and hello to quiet country roads....and of course some hills. Another 4 miles and we passed Chew Magna, stopping shortly after at Chew Valley Lake (reservoir) to have a snack, drink and take in some sunshine! The weather was looking good.
Setting off again we very quickly turned right and headed for the day's major hill. On the map it says 'The Wrangle' but looking again this may mean a land feature to the west, a steep sided valley. However it is certainly apt for the cyclists trying to get up this hill with 3 or 4 very steep sections in an already steep road. It sure was a wrangle getting up it!
The last steep part beside some houses did not look too bad until I stopped to look back down it and get a picture of Arthur coming up it. We were all glad to have conquered it as we stopped for a breather at the top and took in the view to the northeast.
Less than 5 miles to go now and the sky was clearing. Patches of blue! Soon a sign for Cheddar Gorge and we were freewheeling downhill very quickly, but watch out for the free-range goats halfway!
A photo stop, then it was on to the hostel where the Bertram family had a mean lasagne waiting for us.
A great start to the holiday and improving weather for the next couple of days.
Today 20 miles.