We are very near to Sustrans cycle route 4, and at our junction there is a turnoff and a signpost saying 'Chew Valley Lake 11 miles'. I have noticed it quite a few times, but had never heard of the Chew Valley, nor its lake, however two days ago I decided that we would follow the signs and see what it was like.
Within a mile we were whizzing along quiet and undulating single track roads through beautiful countryside, and then we turned a corner into an incredible village.
It had a huge viaduct behind it, and a fast flowing stream that ran underneath most of the cottages. It was called Pensford and we will definitely be returning for a longer look.
Then on to the Lake that is actually a man made reservoir, but best of all it had a lovely fish and chip shop that also did a great line in cakes and coffee.
After a nice break we got back on our bikes, and obviously we would never go back home the way that we came. I had a rough route in mind, but we got lost for a few miles before almost ending up back at the lake and starting again.
Eventually we got home after some more lovely cycling and it was such a good outing that we decided to do it again two days later and get it right this time.
Darren carefully plotted the return journey and all went well, we got to the lake, ate more coffee and cake and then set off home. Three miles later my bike made a huge clanging sound and the chain snapped.
I was totally stranded, although by a marvellous coincidence, I was less than 100 metres away from a very pretty pub with a beer garden and Somerset cider on draft.
So I ended up sitting in the sun drinking cider for a couple of hours as Darren cycled home, got in the car and drove out to rescue me.
A surprisingly good second visit.
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