Easter Meet 2026
One of our first Tandem Club Rallies was back in the early 1980s when Ian and I stayed at Gradbach Youth Hostel in the Peak District. The weather was very cold and we can always remember cycling along the Monsal Trail in the snow!
So rather than driving all the way up to the Peak District for dodgy weather at Easter we decided, as a Group, to spend Easter at Slimbridge – not too far to travel and possibly a bit warmer. Malcolm contacted the Tudor Caravan Park and created 4 separate cycling routes for the Easter weekend.
Unfortunately, shortly before Easter, Grace had a fall at home and was admitted to Hospital meaning that they would be unable to attend.
As all of the organisation had been put in place we were able to follow through Malcolm’s plans to run a successful weekend with different ride leaders to split the load.
On Good Friday Clive and Emma led the Group to Gloucester Docks. We followed the NCN network, including the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal towpath, to the Stables Café for coffee. We then continued to Gloucester Docks where there was plenty of places to eat. We returned via a slightly different route taking in Elmore. In the evening we all had a meal together at the Tudor Arms.
On Saturday Andy and Anita led the Group along the edge of the Cotswolds stopping at Tortworth Estate Farm Shop for coffee and cake. We continued to Thornbury for lunch where there was an Easter Fayre in the centre of the town. A flat ride back to Slimbridge past Berkeley Castle.
Malcolm had suggested a decorated Easter Window competition and so after the ride we walked around the motorhomes, caravans, tents and hotel windows to do our own judging. Saturday evening we went to the Slimbridge Village Hall and much to Nick’s surprise - there was a piano! We had various quizzes with Clive showing his great knowledge of airports then Nick spontaneously entertained us with a musical ‘guess the tune’ quiz – magnificent effort. Rick and Joan were voted the best Easter Window Display with their ‘Little Easter Bonnet Shop’ display.
On Sunday Malcolm had driven up to ride for the day and to organise the judging of the Easter Bonnet (Cycle Helmet) competition – campsite reception helped with the judging. Malcolm joined Duncan and Nicki on the longer hilly ride to Nailsworth while we led the rest of the Group on the relatively flat ride up to the Three Storeys Coffee Shop at Nailsworth and met up with Malcolm. A flat ride after coffee led us to the Fromebridge Mill for a lovely Sunday Roast eventually returning to the campsite back along the Canal.
Jeff and Vicky led the Monday ride stopping in the centre of Berkeley at the Tea Rooms for coffee. We then continued up to the picturesque market village of Wotton-under-Edge for lunch in the sunshine and a quick photo outside the appropriately named 'Daisy Daisy' shop!, Back to the campsite at Slimbridge where a few people packed up and left
The rest of the Group met up again in the evening at the Tudor Arms for a final meal. A really good weekend, lovely routes and no rain while cycling! 
Very many thanks to Malcolm for organising the weekend, checking the campsite and organising the rides. The Tudor Caravan Park is definitely to be recommended, campsite was well kept with friendly staff, lovely hot showers and clean toilets. 
Lisa & Ian Warren