EVERYBODY seems to be on their bike this year, and, in Wales,
people are being further encouraged. This is no race, but a
suggestion for a family day out at the weekend, or during the
summer holidays. A new map of Sacred Trails has just been produced
by the charity Sustrans, together with the Church in Wales and
Cadw, the Welsh government's historic-environment service. It
provides four rides that link some of the most scenic sections of
the National Cycle Network in Wales with some of the principality's
most historic and sacred sites.
The leaflet maps out cathedrals, churches, chapels, holy wells,
and shrines, as well as prehistoric burial chambers and ancient
carved crosses. There are also castles and monuments. The map is
free, and will be available from Sustrans website soon, and sacred
locations across Wales.
"We are blessed in Wales with an incredible legacy of spiritual
places," the Bishop of St Davids, the Rt Revd Wyn
Evans, says, "including fabulous cathedrals, which are free to
visit. This trail gives visitors a full and unique picture of
Wales, and its heritage and its culture, and deep sense of
spirituality. It also offers a real challenge for the intrepid to
complete the whole route, and perhaps raise money for good
causes."
One bishop who has already taken to his bike is the Rt Revd
David Wilbourne (above), the Assistant Bishop of
Llandaff.
www.sustrans.org.uk