Ride report: 18 March 2007
Draethen Loop

Leader: Nigel Canterbury

Four of us braved the weather warnings. Lured by blue skies and sunshine, if a bit
blustery, we set off through Splott towards Wentloog Level and the flats on the way to
Newport before turning north to head for Draethen. Once we had crossed Newport Road
we were in lovely countryside, so, despite very strong and gusty winds, we were
able to enjoy the  glorious landscape and lots of lovely hedgerow primroses. We were
well pleased to reach our luncheon destination in Draethen - with its open fire and
welcoming atmosphere, and a mean sticky toffee pudding, but as we were finishing
our drinks, it started to snow, then hail, then rain. So we donned our weatherproofs
and were about to set off when the most magical of rainbows stopped us in our tracks:
it seemed so close and low-slung - really stunning. By now the sun was out again
so we set off for Caerphilly via Rudry - a beautiful route, if challenging up the
hills and against the wind - to finally join the Taff Trail as the rain swept in and
we headed downhill (thankfully) back to Cardiff. Thanks Nigel - and Nick - for a
combined navigation of this excellent ride. We'd love to do it again in summer!

Sheila Johnson