The Tower, The Whipping Tree and The Dragon’s Back

The Tower, The Whipping Tree and The Dragon’s Back

A glorious, quiet country lane circuit, passing some interesting and intriguing places. There is a long but steady climb that takes you up to Rhos Fach Common.

We will visit The Tower Hotel in Talgarth for some light refreshment before we take on the long climb up to the Rhos Fach Common, a breath-taking place that is overshadowed by the lofty mass of the majestic Black Mountains range.

En-route we pedal through the historic hamlet of Llanelieu. St Ellyw's Church is designated by Cadw as a Grade I listed building and is under the care of the Friends of Friendless Churches. The church dates from the 13th century with additions in the 15th century. The south porch was built in the 16th century. The church boasts a 14th century rood screen and loft, medieval wall paintings and 7th-9th century pillar stones. In 1905 Baldwins of Brecon carried out a restoration and added a bell turret.

Just opposite the church we will find the Whipping Tree.

Whipped into shape
Express report by Daniel Johns

An important piece of Breconshire history has been saved thanks to the actions of some green-fingered residents. Talgarth locals feared a 400-year-old Yew tree, believed to have been used as an ancient punishment site, had become so overgrown that its legendary stocks would be lost forever. But now the 'whipping tree', situated opposite the grounds of the now deconsecrated Llanelieu Church, has been restored to its former glory. Talgarth resident Roy Jones, 75, and Ken Bowen carried out the tree surgery to once again reveal the ancient stocks. Their work was commended by Bettina Broadway Mann, a nationally recognised authority on veteran trees, for its 'quality and attention to detail.' Roy, who initially raised fears over the old Yew tree's condition in a letter to The Brecon & Radnor Express, said: "When I first moved to Talgarth in 1947 you could put both of your arms in, but since then it has grown over and the cuts where the hands go in weren't very clear."Retired gardener Roy told The B & R that had the whipping tree, which was first used in 1670, grown over it would have been 'a real shame.' "Anyone coming out to visit the tree in 10 years time would not have been able to see what it is properly," said Roy, "We've taken photos now, which will be kept in the church so people can see what is was like. "It's a very important tree as far as I'm concerned," he added.

Legend has it that during the 17th and 18th century and the early part of the 19th centuries the hands of miscreants would be placed in two holes within the tree and held there by an iron bar before they were punished by whipping or left overnight.

After this fascinating delve into the local history, we continue to The Dragons Back, the highest pub in the Brecon Beacons National Park. We intend to have an early dinner here (6pm serving food) and afterwards, fed and watered, we will return down to Talgarth and back to the finish of the ride.

Ride Social welcomes all riders (max. 8 on this ride). This ride will be best suited to riders with some experience and fitness but it will be led at a steady, social pace, with no one being left behind.

Please bring a well-maintained bicycle, wear a helmet and appropriate clothing for the weather, carry a drink, a spare tube, puncture repair kit, lock, pump and some money for refreshments. A good set of lights, both front and back will be very important for this ride.

If you’re interested in this ride, please book on ASAP so I can reserve a table for 6pm at The Dragon’s Back.