I was in no rush this morning as I only had about 35 miles to do to get to Bristol where I would be staying with Simon and Melina.

I took my time packing up, but seemed as fast as ever! Typical - when you're in a rush time flies and when you're not it drags.

There was no point hanging around so I got going. By pure chance I was right by NCN42 which would take me all the way to Chepstow. Well, I would have been if it wasn't for a road closure yet again.

So I just blasted down the main road to Usk.

Once there I was looking for the co-op that Google Maps promised. I couldn't work out why I couldn't see it. Then I realised it was the building with scaffolding all over it. It was closed for refurbishment. That's the second time that's happened!

The petrol station would have to do. It was fine as it had a coffee machine, but not the selection of baked breakfast goods the co-op would have.

As I made my way east, the hill I knew was coming loomed up ahead. It was actually quite a nice climb - fairly long, but not particularly steep. Made a nice change from the short but very steep climbs I've mostly had on this trip.

Once at the top, the views back west were great, but it was a bit too hazy to photograph. And there were loads of hedges in the way!

I didn't stop in Chepstow, I just went straight over the bridge.

Once on the other side I had it in my mind that I was more or less in Bristol. So I was a little surprised to see a sign telling me it was 17 more miles!

It was very warm by now and I turned into a bit of a slog. But I arrived just in time for lunch!

I'm now relaxing in the sunshine chewing the fat with Simon. Tomorrow I continue my journey east.