Temperature didn't improve so we headed into Gloucester to find a warm coffee shop and put on extra layers, found a nice place in the quayside for our Americano. After a quick tour we left for Hereford and the Wye valley and straight into a cold headwind. amazing countryside with lots of pink apple blossom from the dozens of cider orchards that lined the hillsides.
Sunshine shone down on us as we entered the city of Hereford and crossed the river Wye which was now in full flow. We called into Belmont Veterinary practice for a coffee and to meet up with Bill Main brother on John who had his quadruple heart bypass in December. after a quick tour we headed north towards Shropshire and fields full of flowering rape seed. great cycling and a few short showers some with hailstones.
We soon found ourselves in Brampton Bryan and an amazing clipped Yew hedge, the guide book recommended this route through a hidden valley leading to a grade 3 (1:4) track over into the Clun Valley. The road was so steep we stayed in the granny gear for most of the ascent and had to keep the weight forward to stop the front of the bike lifting off the ground. Spectacular views of the Shropshire hills eagerly awaited. Decided to try and video ourselves so hopefully you won't laugh too much at the back ground music and narration!
We've made good progress today 79 miles the village of Clun is a wee hidden gem and well worth the visit. Steak tonight at the Sun Inn highly recommend it, we've now noticed we've lost the West Country accent and the locals are developing a more northern twang, thankfully they still take Scottish notes lol.
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