Some ride outs need an excuse, and this one had a good’un. Bonzo had upped sticks and moved from the Midlands down to Wales, so to commemorate the occasion (or celebrate it, depending on who you ask) we decided a proper ride into his new homeland was in order. The destination was an old favourite of ours: the historic landscapes and thriving wildlife of the Elan Valley.
Getting there is half the fun
We set off from the Midlands and made our way down to the lovely picturesque town of Malvern, where Ray was waiting for us with his stealth designed Fireblade. From there we pointed the bikes towards Bromyard and Leominster along the excellent A44, a road that never fails to put a grin under the helmet.
After circumnavigating Leominster we carried on along the A44 to Crossgates, where we pulled in at Crossgates Cafe for a much needed breakfast. Riders refueled, and Ray’s Fireblade got a drink too.
Into the valley
Bellies full, it was a quick hop through Rhayader and into the Elan Valley itself.
Regular readers may have noticed we end up here rather a lot, and there’s a simple explanation for that. It’s a stunning place. The scenery is stupendous, the Victorian dams are mightily impressive, and if you’re into walking or pushbikes it’s absolute heaven. The cake at the visitor centre isn’t half bad either, which certainly doesn’t hurt.
We had a good wander around all six dams and lakes, taking in the views (and plenty of photos, as you can see below), before finishing up at the visitor centre for a well deserved coffee and slice of cake. Then it was back on the bikes and homeward bound.
Another cracking day out, and now Bonzo’s got all of this on his doorstep. Some people have all the luck.
