BRIEF:
The inaugral Great Western Randonnées’ AAA 400. All aboard to Bishop’s Lydeard Station before traversing the northern coastline of Exmoor. Use the old Barnstaple Branchline and head home via Winsham Jubilee Hall
Event review summary:
Route:
Extensive route notes and a variety of files will be distributed to entrants via email a week or two before the event. In the mean time use the interactive map for an overview of what lies ahead (subject to change); toggle the elevation & grade on/off by clicking the key. *Please note plugin's 'grade' is experimental so take it with a pinch of salt, especially where rocky outcrops may be present.
| Type: BR | Points Distance: 400 | Total Distance: 407km |
| Speeds: 15-30kph | AAA: 6.75 Gold Grimpeur | Climb: 6750m |
| Time: 27h04 | Entry closes: 06/05/20 | Entry (min): £15.00 |
description:
A quick exit south from central Bristol over the looming Dundry Hill into the Chew Valley. Hop over the Mendips descending the glorious Cheddar Gorge to the flats of the Somerset Levels. Pass through Bridgwater and begin the gradual ascent of the Quantocks before plunging down the other side to Bishop’s Lydeard Station on the West Somerset Railway; grab a quick bite on the platform before heading into Exmoor with Dunkery Beacon, Porlock Toll Road and the Valley of the Rocks to rack up a considerable amount of climbing in a short space along the amazing North Devon coast. Exiting Ilfracombe use the old Barnstaple Branchline path to once again touch the coast at Croyde before picking up the old railway along the Taw Estuary. From Barnstaple begin the long climb to the top of Exmoor once more then enjoy a respite along the fantastic southern ridge with views across Devon to Dartmoor Drop into the Barle Valley shortly joining the Exe. A smattering of bumps enatils as you make your way across to and then over the Blackdown Hills to Winsham Jubilee Hall where food and drink is provided late into the night; will you take a quick nap? The final leg north is easier going to begin as again you edge The Levels passing Glastonbury. Then once more over The Mendips and Dundry to see Bristol as it is probably awakening to the Arrivee and some well deserved grub!
details:
Hot drinks at breakfast, evening control & Arrivee meals included.
Parking available in Bristol, charges may apply.
Cloth badge for all finishers of the GWR AAA SR series completed this AUK season.
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