Cycling to Strata Florida

On Thursday 5th July 2012, I cycled approximately 16 miles to the ruins of Strata Florida in Ceredigion Mid Wales.

There are a couple of ways getting there. Either along the B4340 Road from Aberystwyth to Pontrhydfendigaid, then turning left just after the Bridge. Or you can take the Sustran's Cycle routes 81 and 82, which are both part of the Ystwyth Trail.

The cycle paths are a safer option, but it does mean having to ride part of Route 82 on the B4340, until reaching the designated paths.  It doesn't completely connect with the Town of Tregaron.

On the B4340, I often encountered Trucks, and I tried where possible to stop and pull my Bicycle right in, so that they could pass. Many honked their Horns to thank me.

Whichever route you decided to take, it passes through some of the most stunning scenery that the Ystwyth Valley has to offer. In places I saw the River bending towards magnificent green Hills. Heading along that route, provides some of the wildest and most remote scenery that Mid Wales has to offer. 

When I finally reached Strata Florida, I parked my Bicycle up against a Wall, and went into the Reception area. I was met with a warm friendly smile from a lady behind the Desk. I paid the £3.20 entrance Fee, and also bought a Cup of Coffee, which I was relieved to get. I need a Caffeine fix to keep me motivated.

I'd been to Strata Florida in February. At that time of year, it's free to enter, but due to cold weather, I had to turn back. I'd wanted to return, because during the Winter, I didn't have enough Battery power left in my Camera. I thought it would be nice to film a short Video there.

It's situated in wonderful grounds, and surrounded by Hills. The History goes back much further than the creation of the Cistercian Monastery.  Archeological excavations in that area, know a lot went on well before the Middle Ages. It is said that a Druid Temple was there before the arrival of the Monks from France. 

A 10th Century Holy Well close by was discovered recently, which means there was an early Christian settlement before the Normans had even arrived.

Between the monastic influence, and earlier Pagan settlements, there's a lot of mysticism in that unique part of Wales. The energy around there is like where one meets the other. Neither dominates, they co-exist, and it's a love and respect for the land. It is said that Strata Florida is on a Ley line which connects with Glastonbury in England.  You certainly feel there's a powerful energy. 

The Monastery in it's day, was well ahead of it's time. It was at one point the largest Estate in Wales, that stretched through the Cambrian Mountains to Abbey cwm hir near Llandrindod Wells, and Newtown in Powys..

Monks would fish up at the Teifi Pools for Eels. A Lady at the Reception Desk last year said to me, that she thinks the Monks had a good life there.

It is a very unique and spiritual place. Just not the ruins, but the entire surrounding area.

On my way back I turned off the B4340 at Trawsgoed, and went over the Bridge to head for the Ystwyth Trail. What's good about that route is, it's mostly flat and easier to cycle. You see stunning views on the B4340, but it does tend to mean cycling up and down many Hills which eventually will wear your Legs down. 

The Ystwyth Trail provides you the opportunity to travel at a leisurely pace alongside the River, without having to worry about any Traffic, Families can ride there in safety. It's also a great place to stop off and have a Picnic. The route all the way along to the Village of Llanilar is wonderful and peaceful. I always enjoy cycling there.

Cycling, does provide an opportunity to discover new places for yourself, and can do it at a gentle pace. You don't have to ride a Bike at a Tour De France level. Just get out and enjoy the day. It also helps the local economies. Stopping off at a village Store to buy extra provisions for your ride, or maybe enjoying a Lunch at a local Pub,  provides you the opportunity to discover what's locally on offer.  The whole of mid Wales really is an adventure on a Bike, waiting to be discovered.