A Special Cycling Event Held Between Tredegar House and the
Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve
Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve
UPDATED!
- 2015 -
The weather was gorgeous, the route was lovely, and the folks that came along were happy and excited to be out on their bicycles on such a fabulous autumn day.
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, as well as our return, is that we crossed the Newport Transporter Bridge. It doesn't take very long and only costs £1 (or £1.50 for a return!). And it's pretty cool.
photo by Kevin Dupe
The ride itself was flat and easy going. We followed NCN Route 4 from Tredegar House to the Newport Wetlands where we entered onto the Wetlands cycle path at it's eastern edge. We then cycled west along the Severn Estuary 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.
Then 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 fabulous time wandering the Wetlands, we cycled back to Tredegar House where we were welcomed by a glorious afternoon in the gardens along with a lovely catered picnic — including live acoustic music.
It was a well deserved treat after a relaxed afternoon 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, Tredegar House, the Newport Transporter Bridge, The Wetlands National Nature Reserve, 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!
Cheers Gang! It was a blast! - cm
Cheers Gang! It was a blast! - cm
photo by Kevin Dupe
