Cardiff to Caerleon
Having explored north of Cardiff towards Newport, following part of the Brecon and Monmouth Canal the previous week we thought we’d try and find a route to the historical town of Caerleon. Using an app for the phone we plotted a route using mainly the National Cycle Route 4 into Newport.
Leaving Pentwyn we cycle along Druidstone road and take a left onto Penylan road, we arrive in Basseleg on cycle route 4, stopping at the Tredegar Arms. We search our maps and found an alternative, instead of taking the main roads into Newport we find a route along the canal. We had used the same route previously so knew the way and headed along Caerphilly road and then take a left and follow the river Ebbw, crossing the river on a foot bridge into an industrial estate. From here we follow the cycle track signs up to Rogerstone (taking a right off Chartist road onto Cefn rd) we take the first left onto Ruskin Avenue and just at the brow of the hill we spot the cycle route sign for route 47 on the left (it’s not the clearest of signs so keep an eye out!) The tow path of the fourteen locks, at one point running parallel to the M4, leads into Newport. It’s a nice traffic free route with plenty of wildlife to spot. At Newport, under the flyover of the A4042, we cross into Albany street, this is a housing estate leading to an industrial estate. At the end of this street is the river Usk, we take a left onto a cycle path and follow the river. We pass along the boardwalk with playing fields on our left and the river to the right. We arrive in Caerleon next to allotments and Caerleon AFC club house. We take a little tour around the centre, passing plenty of places to eat, the National Roman Legion Museum and Roman Baths. We stop at the remains of the Roman Amphitheatre for a bite to eat, taking in the history of the place.
“The name Caerleon is derived from the Welsh for "fortress of the legion"; the Romans themselves called it Isca which itself comes from the Welsh name for the river Wysg".
We toy with the idea of taking an alternative route home, following the River Usk back into Newport and eventually coming out by Tredegar House. But with time against us we stick to the route we know. A decision that Juliet may have regretted! Riding back through Michaelston Y Fedw and the weather takes a turn for the worst. We’d been lucky as it was forecast to rain for most of the day but 5 miles from home and it begins to rain, flying down Penylan road and my hat flies off - Juliet being GI Jane tries to catch it, ending up pulling a skid. With the wet roads and high speed the inevitable happens and Juliet comes off her bike in spectacular fashion! Lucky enough no bones were broken and only minor scrapes and bruising occurred. Slightly shaken Juliet gets back on her bike and we make our way home. By the time we get back we have a giggle over the fall and put it down as an Adventure Thursday first- A proper bike fall! Not bad going in 4 months.
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