Arrive at the Forest and Nature retreat, any time from 17:00. Settle into your accommodation
Circular ride taking in Clun and Bishops Castle
ircular ride taking in Newtown and Llanidloes
Circular ride to Knighton and Llandrindod Wells
A rest day to enjoy the retreat, go for a walk or go out for a bike ride, your choice
A circular ride to Welshpool, partly along the Montgomery canal. Starting at the retreat we head north to descend to Newtown, and then we pick up sustrans route 81 along the Montgomery canal. Having reached Welshpool, the ride continues through the countryside back to the retreat or if you prefer to keep the ride flatter, you can return the way you came.
Circular Ride to the attractive town of Montgomery, with its castle.
End of the holiday. We leave the retreat by 10:00
A beautiful cottage dating back to 1891.
The unique Holiday Cottage incorporates oak beams, Persian rugs, a comfortable living area
Forest View Barn is a beautiful converted old cow shed
The Shepherds Hut has its own little built in kitchen with a hob, microwave oven, fridge and sink.
Indian styled Shepherd Hut. With its own little built in self-catering kitchen with a hob and microwave oven, fridge and sink.
The whole Shepherds Hut is clad with larch, and tucked up in the forest
There are 2 Yurts in the retreat, cosy and unique
There is a variety of accommodation to choose from. The particulars and prices of each are listed in each of the tabs below. In booking please inform Neil which of the units you would like to stay in and which beds you would like to use. (email Neil@tandem-club.org.uk) You can book a yurt or a Shepherds Hut as a single, but will have to pay for the entire unit. If you are a single willing to share, please email Neil at neil@tandem-club.org.uk who will suggest units to stay in fitting in with other people.
A beautiful cottage dating back to 1891, sleeping up to 6 people. The cottage has two large bedrooms upstairs with 1 super king bed and the other a king. Both have their own en-suites with the main bedroom having a stunning bath and the other room a small shower and toilet. There is also have a fold out sofa bed in the private sitting area downstairs which Neil will be using. Downstairs there is a beautiful newly decorated living area with a log burner. The kitchen / dining area is open plan and has a large dining table, fridge freezer and new electric oven. Heating is by a fully electric system. Two Rooms 1) 1x Super King Bed – Own Ensuite (£840 if single occupancy) 2) 1x king or 2x singles – Own Ensuite
The Alpine has a main master bedroom that is situated on a mezzanine which overlooks the barn. The cottage has a luxurious super king bed with a relaxing and romantic feel. The unique Holiday Cottage incorporates oak beams, Persian rugs, a comfortable living area with sofas surrounding a wood burning stove and is full of characterful artwork and a treasure trove for the avid reader set over 2 floors. The self-catering kitchen has an electric cooker, microwave and fridge freezer. There is also a second bedroom which can be set up with two singles or a king bed. Sleeping 4 in total. There is a bathroom with toilet on the ground floor, shared by the 2 rooms. Greenhouse/conservatory and a small outdoor garden with BBQ. 1) 1x Super King Bed (£840 if single occupancy) 2) 1x King bed or 2x singles
Forest View Barn is a beautiful converted old cow shed. As you walk into the cottage you will notice the A-frame solid glass end, making you feel like you’re in the forest that surrounds you. The master bedroom with ensuite bathroom has a comfortable zip and link king bed which can also be made up as two singles at your request. A recently refurbished small galley kitchen for all your self-catering holiday needs, including a wood-burning stove so guests can choose to cook and heat the building more traditionally. You can also choose to use the electric radiators and electric cooker provided. The main living room has a pine dining table, seating 4, 2 large sofa beds which open as king doubles, and a writers desk with forest views along with a warming wood burner. Decorated eclectically with persian rugs, paintings, and a large book collection. 1) 1x King Bed (£840 if single occupancy) or 2 x singles Note that if there are more than 2 people willing to share as a group then the price remains the same, but there is only one toilet.
The Shepherds Hut has its own little built in kitchen with a hob, microwave oven, fridge and sink. It has its own private bathroom at the end of the hut with a power shower, heated towel rails and bathroom facilities. 1x King bed (£840 if single occupancy) or 2x singles
Indian styled Shepherd Hut. Inside the Shepherds Hut is decorated with reclaimed antique furniture, an old wooden floor, ethnic colours and features, and a cosy wood burner. It has its own little built in self-catering kitchen with a hob and microwave oven, fridge and sink. It has its own private bathroom at the end of the hut, with a power shower, heated towel rails and bathroom facilities. 1x King bed (£840 if single occupancy) or 2x singles
The whole Shepherds Hut is clad with larch, and tucked up in the forest with a large larch decking in front of it, where guests can sit out, eat, and enjoy a BBQ. Inside the Shepherds Hut there is an antique oak floor and the entire hut is clad with reclaimed timber. A large fitted king bed with a pull-out single comprises the sleeping area for your ultimate glamping experience. There is a kitchen with microwave oven, sink, hob, and fridge; as well as all the cooking equipment you’ll need plus a small pull down table to eat at. The whole space is heated by an electric heater and a rustic wood-burner. The bathroom has a fitted bath with hand held shower and views out to the fields – and a gorgeous copper sink set in a rustic piece of oak, heated towel rail and bathroom facilities 1 x King Bed (£840 if single occupancy)
Situated across the valley from the Communal Facilities and the Holiday Cottages this 14ft Tree House View Yurt sits on a 24ft decking construction. You feel as if you are in a tree house looking out over a valley of tree tops. With the gentle sound of the stream in the distance this is the perfect forest holiday. Outside the Yurt there is a hammock and picnic table. Inside, the Yurt has a comfy king bed, lighting, a log burner, electric heater, a kettle, cabinets & tables and is simply decorated. Communal facilities are a 5 min walk across the valley; including a large self-catering galley kitchen, male & female shower & toilet block, and a large dining area inside, as well as spacious decking with picnic benches outside. Sleeps 2 (Separate bathroom at the village hall which will be sole use for yurt guests only – 5 min walk away) 1x King Bed £580
Situated across the valley from the Communal Facilities and the Holiday Cottages this 12ft Nomad yurt sits on 24ft decking, surrounded by young trees. Outside there is a hammock and picnic table. inside, the yurt has a comfy double bed, a log burner, electric heater, cabinets, tables and is simply decorated. Communal facilities are a 5 min walk across the valley; including a large self-catering galley kitchen, male and female wash rooms, and a large dining area inside, as well as spacious decking with picnic benches outside. Sleeps 2 (Separate bathroom at the village hall which will be sole use for yurt guests only – 5 min walk away) 1x King Bed £580
Each of the accommodation units are stand alone. However there is a central Village Hall which has a kitchen, seating for up to 30, internet access, outside picnic tables as well as a toilet block and a combi washing machine and dryer.
We will be based in Powys, close to the Shropshire border. The closest town is Newtown, but we are within cycling distance of Montgomery, Bishop's Castle, Knighton, Llandrindod Wells and Llanidloes
This is a holiday designed to allow us to explore the area by bicycle utilizing a comfortable base. On each days cycling we will start at 0900 after breakfast. We will either cycle as a group or at your own pace and we will regroup at appropriate points along the way. Most days will include something to see which will often be our lunchstop as well. Our return will follow the same formula and we will aim to arrive back at around 16:30 to 17:00, though this may vary. We don't cycle as a closely grouped bunch and as you will have GPX routes and route instructions, you are free to explore at your own pace, though I do encourage us all to meet up at periods during the day. This is not a race, it is a holiday
The holiday is self catering. Aside the yurts there are cooking facilities in each of the units. There is a central large kitchen and catering area that can seat up to 30 people and it is anticipated that should people want to, we can organise some communal meals that in the past have been both social and very popular.
The maximum group size will be 22, this tour is guaranteed to run. (including the Tour Leader).
Although the tour takes place in June and early July, there is a possibility of both warm sunny days and cold wet weather. Layers of lightweight clothing suitable for a range of temperatures are needed, and waterproofs are a must as is warmer clothing for the evenings.
A touring cycle, hybrid or lightweight ATB is suitable for this tour. You should ensure your cycle is well maintained, paying particular attention to wheels, tyres and brakes. A low bottom gear (e.g. small chainring at the front the same size or smaller than the largest cog on your rear wheel) is recommended. If you are unsure about gears, please discuss with the Tour Leader. Mudguards are optional but please show courtesy to those who are following you in wet weather. New tyres are recommended of at least 28mm diameter. Participants will be expected to carry sufficient spares and tools to deal with punctures and minor repairs. You will not need to carry luggage, but a rack top pack or bar bag will be useful for carrying wet weather gear, spare clothing needed for the day, camera, snacks and your map. You are advised to do some riding before the tour with a similar load to that you will be carrying to get a feel for how your bike will handle..
The tour will be on roads. However we will be using quiet lanes, some of which do have grass centres. There may also be gravel in some areas especially on corners. I would advise tyres that are sturdy and at least 28mm
You are advised to carry a map of the area in case you leave the main group. OS Landranger Maps nos 136,137 and 148.
These will be supplied as well as a map and instructions, listing local attractions and cafes.
Over 20 years, I have created and led over 80 tours all over the world, including a number of fixed centre tours, some involving large rallies. In 2023, I led a successful tour of the Eden Valley which will be similar to this trip. I like to cycle for the scenery and food. I am happily married to Sarah with two grown up children. Our day jobs are veterinary surgeons. I locum to enable me to take cyclists away to glorious places. Any queries please contact me at Neil@tandem-club.org.uk. Thankyou for looking at this tour
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