This was billed as the easiest day of the trip - 58 undulating miles, from Monmouth to Clun, with a couple of tough climbs "so still not easy"! It was also described as 'one of the most scenic days with many hidden gems'
After the customary early morning climb we carried on North from Monmouth. The countryside is stunningly beautiful, the villages are chocolate box/jig saw puzzle pretty - timbered and thatched cottages, lovely churches etc.
The main events today were lunch at a very charming and eccentric establishment called Ye Old Steppes Tearoom in Pembridge and the tea stop by the most extraordinary hedge in a village called Brampton Bryan.
There are 21 of us, 9 women and 12 men on the cycle. We have three guides with us who rotate the tasks of firstly driving the brew van and setting up the tea and coffee stops, secondly collecting the luggage from the B&Bs and delivering it to the next destination and thirdly cycling at the back as a sweeper and giving what help is necessary.
There are a few bike issues which the guides have solved although one guy had to ride a spare yesterday whilst his own was ferried to a bike shop. Unsurprisingly one or two injuries - nothing dramatic just ongoing problems playing up and sore muscles. However the Fire Service pitched up yesterday evening outside our Wetherspoons because one of our party had been stuck in the bathroom for an hour and a half!
I think we're now north of Watford Gap and tomorrow will be heading for Runcorn.