Welsh Tet Day 1

 In the shadow of an ancient abbey, nestled in a small green valley with hills stretching sharply upwards, I found my resting place for the night.

I appreciate that sounds idyllic, but I neglected to mention the 100 Scouser families crowded in around me enjoying the same scenery, still, you can't have everything!! 

 I had a few days to kill and had been planning to go to Portugal with Jason, but the pandemic put paid to that. So, 'Wales twinned with Portugal' (tee hehe!) seemed the next best destination.

Leaving Nottingham at midday I joint the TET at Leek (where the top red line touches the right side of the map above) and was hoping to make it into Wales, somewhere west of Chester on the map image. 

Fully packed and ready to roll, it was a great day to be outdoors as I reached Leek.

I could hear the shotguns firing in the near distance as I entered the first lanes. Hoping I wouldn't get shot I admired the signs. Not suitable for motor vehicles (sounds great!) ..and Do Not follow Satnav. (Unless on TET)

No excuse for the next one, it just had cock in the name. 

Following the TET in this part of england / Wales keeps you off the main road and you spend time either on small green lanes or tiny single track tarmac country roads.  

Below, the first 'Level Crossing' with a phone I'd used in maybe 30years. The train station denied my crossing and I had to wait 15minutes.

Below, wellies rather than plant pots. Hope they're not trophies from walkers in a 'the hills have eyes' homage. 

I particularly enjoyed the 'secret bunker' that was sign posted for a few mile in case you were having trouble finding it! 

More lanes followed, some of them only wide enough for a bike...

Met the sheep dog at this farm, built in 1610.

...and got totally covered in mud shortly after.

I'd been on the road for six hours now, hadn't stopped for food or fuel and my thoughts moved to finding lodgings for the night.

At the end of the trail in the image below is Llangollen. A small town with a picturesque high Street, offering tea rooms, pub and the like. 

It was here that I discovered Abbey Farm, a camping ground in a valley in the shadow of the abbey ruins. The camp has a bar, shop, bistro, good amenities, friendly staff and good prices. What more do you need? 

Jason joins me tomorrow and I'm looking forward to the company.  I wonder what the five star hotel will be like 😬😄