Today we rode about 160 miles from Northampton, England to Abergavenny, Wales. The weather was cool low 60s, light rain and pretty calm. The ride was uneventful, which is good, and pretty boring until we left the divided highway in Wales. The roads narrowed and hedges grew taller. We both had on rain and heated gear. It's pretty easy to get chilled riding for a few hours in cloudy, wet, cool weather so we turned on the electric gear and stayed comfortable.
After entering Wales and before getting to our B&B we tried to cross over Gospel Pass. Google Maps took us on narrower and narrower roads until we had to stop and turnaround. It wasn't until we were having dinner at The Crown at Pantygelli when the people next to us said all the roads to Gospel Pass were closed due to flooding. While news we received at The Crown wasn't good, the food was very good. We both had fish and chips and Sticky Toffee Pudding. The spice cake was just out of the oven and the ice cream was from a dairy just down the road.
We were able to visit Llanthony. Llanthony is located in the Vale of Ewyas, a deep and long valley with glacial origins within the Black Mountains, Wales, seven miles north of Abergavenny and within the eastern section of the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Within the town of Llanthony is Llanthony Priory. The priory dates back to around the year 1100, when one of Hugh de Lacy's knights called William reputedly came upon a ruined chapel of St. David in this location; he was inspired to devote himself to solitary prayer and study.
The Priory has a small cafe in the ancient basement of the structure. We stopped in for a coffee and met a couple who were regular visitors of the area. They hiked the local area several times a year.
We are staying at the Hardwick Farm B&B tonight and tomorrow night. Tomorrow we plan on visiting The Big Pit coal mine and a local ham farm store.
"Where's the sticky toffee pudding?"
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