A year on and we were back at Obley on our bikes - a little nervous that it was late November and that cycling would be more challenging. How wrong we were – what awaited was a feast of landscape, short sharp rain squalls, petrol blue skies, magical sunsets and the cosy cabin.

Les and Angela joined us this time and journeyed by train with their bikes from the New Forest and cycled from Ludlow to be first at the cabin.  We stuck to the Heart of Wales line but this time got off with our bikes at Bucknell which was a doddle compared with the steps at Hoptonheath, used last year.   The gentle road and lane to Hopton Castle warmed us up before the climb through the trees to Obley

Friday’s weather looked mixed at best so we found a great compromise. We shot down to Bucknell Station via Pentre Hodre a route not to be done in reverse ! Planning to take the train to Llandrindod Wells we wondered where to leave the bikes. To our surprise, in the ‘Park and Ride’ car park was a very neat wooden bike shed, a little low but with excellent bike racks. Our group ticket for four cost us just £7.20  return giving us an hour and a half to enjoy Llandrindod’s Friday market and have a coffee. Back to Bucknell and on to the eco cabin with enough of a  warm glow to chill out, fire the wood pellet stove, feel very content and enjoy the sunset. Not a bad reward from just 10 miles of cycling.

Kate came up with a great idea for Saturday, mentioning drove roads and atmospheric views. Squally showers, a brisk westerly, bright sunshine and clever route planning by Les produced a memorable day. Down the hill to Clunton, steep and a bit muddy but fun. Into Clun, a spot of shopping and on to Newcastle for lunch at The Crown. On westward with a long gentle climb to the Anchor (closed at lunch time).

Then the turn for home, a following wind and big landscapes. The troops loved it ‘the tops from the tops’ said Les and ‘the next best thing to flying’  added Angela ‘magnificent’ quipped Mon. Through Bettws-y-Crwyn, Stoney Pound, Springhill, Rockhill, Pen-y-Wern, Fiddlers Elbow, often no more than names on a map and home. Mostly undulating, just one steep bit but worth every moment. Being on bikes made us feel part of the landscape. We watched the weather fronts chase us along and marvelled at the scudding shadows across the valleys.  Did we feel great when we got back – you bet we did.  In all a 26 mile day and at our pace just over three hours of cycling.

Two magical days at Obley with our bikes crowned by the descent into Ludlow on Sunday from Whitcliffe woods and the stunning castle view. Give it a try, come by bike, you wont regret it and you’ll have been that much more eco friendly !

David and Monica Robinson (November 2006)