03 June 2007
Coed Hills

Ride report

Leader: Sheila Johnson

Coed Hills is an rural artspace situated near St Hilary in the Vale of Glamorgan. Run on sustainable principles, it has examples of permaculture cultivation, green energy sources, and alternative building techniques.

Our visit had been much anticipated after an earlier plan had been scotched. We set off under overcast skies via Peterston and the edge of Hensol forest. Aside from a short but easy stretch of the A48, we were mostly on quiet roads. The residents of Coed Hills had mentioned to Sheila that they would prepare a cake for the hungry cyclists. As it turned out, we arrived somewhat earlier than expected, but this meant we had plenty of time to explore the visitor centre and wander around the woods. There was a spooky but enjoyable fairy-tale feel to the woods. There were wicker figures, several empty huts, and a gong garden. Bashing away at the gongs sent loud waves bouncing and echoing among the trees.

We were treated to a fabulous lunch of salad, bread, and a sublime chocolate cake. After that, we had a bit of a guided tour with Rachel of Coed Hills, who showed us around the multi-yurt (available for weddings and awaydays, apparently) and a strawbale house. Coed Hills is definitely worth a visit or several. To whet your appetite, visit their website at www.coedhills.co.uk .

We decided to a take a different route back towards Duffryn along old and forgotten roads that were little better than farmtracks. This did mean there was no traffic at all: the first we saw, I think, was a convoy of horse and carts.

Arriving back in Cardiff, this turned out to have been a long day out, but a very pleasant one indeed.