Although cycling was a major feature of the Neglected Mountain weekend back in 2022, this was the first time a whole Society event was dedicated to cycling. 

Four e-bikes, a super-light bike and six other pedal bikes proved impressive options for eleven keen and enthusiastic cyclists from the Society. After a Friday evening meal at the Station Inn in Marshbrook, which gave the event a convivial start, they gathered in Craven Arms carpark on the Saturday morning for the 10:30 send-off, along with an uncertain weather forecast.

The opportunity to visit all four of A E Housman's 'Quietest places under the Sun' was there for all: 11 cyclists made it to Clungunford on Day One, with 4 managing to add Clun, Clunton and Clunbury to their itinerary on Day Two, despite the gradually worsening weather. The lanes and sights of South Shropshire provided a great backcloth to the event, including Ludlow Castle, Leintwardine ('Bringewood Chase'), the Edgton crossroads and Bishop's Castle - though the view wasn't always as clear as we'd hoped for, because of cloud cover.

At key locations along the way we heard readings from the following Lone Pine books: The Secret of Grey Walls, Strangers at Witchend, The Secret of the Gorge, The Neglected Mountain and Lone Pine Five. 

We may be able to add cycling options to future Society events, reflecting moments in a number of Saville's books - not just the Lone Pine stories!