A Special Cycling Event Held Between Sustrans, Tredegar House,
and the Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve
and the Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve
UPDATED!
- 2015 -
The weather was gorgeous, the route was lovely, and the folks that came along were treated to a fabulous autumn day out on their bicycles.
Overview: Explorer Day 2015
Date: Sunday, September 27, 2015
Distance: 20.8 mi. / 33.47 km (round-trip)
Elevation: +164 ft / -167 ft
Duration: 4 - 6 hours
Ride Level: Beginner
Distance: 20.8 mi. / 33.47 km (round-trip)
Elevation: +164 ft / -167 ft
Duration: 4 - 6 hours
Ride Level: Beginner
This was a group ride organised and sponsored by the folks at Sustrans, Tredegar House, and the Newport Wetlands Centre. The main focus of the day was to celebrate the 50th anniversary of National Trust’s Neptune Coastal Campaign with a guided 20 mile charity cycle ride between Tredegar House and the Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve.
Along with promoting the benefits of cycling, Sustrans was interested in showcasing the safety and accessability of the National Cycle Network, especially as it connects Tredegar House, the Newport Riverfront, and the Wetlands Centre. Additionally, NCN Route 4 offers the opportunity to ride the legendary Newport Transporter Bridge across the River Usk; a 19th century feat of engineering still in operation!
Tredegar House was keen on promoting itself as a not only a unique cycling destination, but as it lies directly along NCN Route 4, it also offers an interesting architectual experience, along with several safe cycling routes which surround the park. It even hosts a campsite!
The Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve is a wildlife landscape everyone should visit. Sitting along the Gwent Levels, visitors can wander over seven miles of trails through thick saltmarshes, deep reedbeds, and tall grasslands, all of which provide a diverse habitat for both flora and fauna. This beautiful park is but a small part of the 26,000 acre Gwent Levels coastline which overlooks the Severn Estuary.
Along with promoting the benefits of cycling, Sustrans was interested in showcasing the safety and accessability of the National Cycle Network, especially as it connects Tredegar House, the Newport Riverfront, and the Wetlands Centre. Additionally, NCN Route 4 offers the opportunity to ride the legendary Newport Transporter Bridge across the River Usk; a 19th century feat of engineering still in operation!
Tredegar House was keen on promoting itself as a not only a unique cycling destination, but as it lies directly along NCN Route 4, it also offers an interesting architectual experience, along with several safe cycling routes which surround the park. It even hosts a campsite!
The Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve is a wildlife landscape everyone should visit. Sitting along the Gwent Levels, visitors can wander over seven miles of trails through thick saltmarshes, deep reedbeds, and tall grasslands, all of which provide a diverse habitat for both flora and fauna. This beautiful park is but a small part of the 26,000 acre Gwent Levels coastline which overlooks the Severn Estuary.
Meetings between all the associated groups were held months before the event and the date was set. Maps and flyers were produced, advertisements went out to a wide variety of websites and social media with registration managed through EventBrite™.
The ride was made available to riders of all skill levels aged 12 and above with 6-8 certified ride leaders and marshals provided by Sustrans. (Adult supervision was required for children aged 12-17.) And with everything organised, it looked to be a fantastic event.
The ride was made available to riders of all skill levels aged 12 and above with 6-8 certified ride leaders and marshals provided by Sustrans. (Adult supervision was required for children aged 12-17.) And with everything organised, it looked to be a fantastic event.
Tredegar House & Newport Wetlands
The group of 30+ cyclists began arriving around 9:30 eager to depart for our ride. However, before the riders set off, they were given a brief overview (including a health & saftey review), details on the specific route and what they would encounter, how to ride safely within a group, and most importantly; to follow the directions of the ride leader!
photo by Melanie Copleston
The day was divided into four parts beginning first with a ride from Tredegar House to the Wetlands Centre itself. The second part of the day was open for the riders to explore the Wetlands at their leisure for a couple of hours. They could have tea and cake at visitor centre, wander through the reserve, or just sit and watch the birds.
The third part was simply returning back to Tredegar House as we had come, whilst the final and fourth part was a afternoon luncheon provided by the Tredegar House staff including live music and a picnic on the grounds of the estate. Newport Transporter Bridge where we floated above the River Usk on the historic brige. Once on the other side, we then continued our journey south along NCN Route 4 along the Gwent Levels.
The third part was simply returning back to Tredegar House as we had come, whilst the final and fourth part was a afternoon luncheon provided by the Tredegar House staff including live music and a picnic on the grounds of the estate. Newport Transporter Bridge where we floated above the River Usk on the historic brige. Once on the other side, we then continued our journey south along NCN Route 4 along the Gwent Levels.
photo by Kevin Dupe
An additional part of the ride out to the Wetlands was that we crossed the Newport Transporter Bridge. When we arrived, we were greeted by a small group of volunteers dressed in period costumes, who proceeded to give us a short history lesson on this iconic piece of civil engineering. And then for a simple £1, we got to ride the bridge itself as it crosses the River Usk!
photo by Kevin Dupe
The overall ride itself was flat and easy going. We followed NCN Route 4 from Tredegar House to the Transporter Bridge and then on to the Newport Wetlands where we entered onto the Wetlands cycle path at it's eastern edge. We then cycled along the Severn Estuary and around the Wetlands to the visitor center. Easy-peazy.
photo by John Cummings
A rest at Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve was a welcome break where we stretched our legs and enjoyed refreshments at the RSPB Visitor Centre cafe.
Wetlands volunteers were on-hand with telescopes and binoculars to show us some of the amazing array of birds and wildlife. Whilst the views across the estuary and further south toward the Bristol Channel were gorgeous to the naked eye.
After our break, we all regrouped by the East Usk Lighthouse for an obligatory photo shoot and prepared to make out way back to Tredegar House.
Tredegar House Picnic
Following our time exploring the Wetlands, we cycled back to Tredegar House where we were welcomed by the charming staff and a lovely catered picnic in the gardens — which also included live acoustic music. How fabulous was that?
It was a well deserved treat after an afternoon of relaxed cycling.
Just look at all those smiling faces!
Summary: Explorer Day 2015
It was simply a fantastic day. The weather couldn't have been better, the ride was smooth and easy, people were happy and having fun on their bikes, seeing new things, visiting new places... what more could you ask for?
Now too, you can watch a fabulous video made during the event, which captures the day perfectly — thanks to the very talented: Alexander Allen.
Now too, you can watch a fabulous video made during the event, which captures the day perfectly — thanks to the very talented: Alexander Allen.
A special word of thanks should go out to everyone; Sustrans, the folks at Tredegar House, the Newport Transporter Bridge volunteers, The Wetlands National Nature Reserve and staff, the ride leaders, marshalls, photographers, and everyone who helped organise and produce this amazing event. We couldn't have done it without you and we can't wait to do it all again next year!
photo by Kevin Dupe
Cheers gang! - muse kidd 
