The inspiration of the Olympics 2012 in Britain
Having spent the entire time of the Olympics being mesmerised, enthralled and moved by the whole event it confirmed in me how sport was so amazing as a way of uniting people in conflict in the best possible way.
And didn’t Britain do a grand job – none of the military precision of the Chinese, and yet the precision with which the whole event was organised was stunning. So having bounced back to earth and fresh out of patriotic tears I decided to get some tasks done that I had neglected while sitting in front of the television. Our gardener is on holiday, so the lawns needed mowing and mowing gives me thinking time.
What was uppermost in my thoughts – well this – we have the perfect property for those who enjoy sports, either as pure recreation or the more competitive kind. So I will list some that can be indulged in either in the grounds or very close by.
Home for sale with sport in mind
Horse riding
There are stables and paddocks for a pony or two and so many places to go treking in the area. Enough space to create a menage – jumps etc.
Paddocks for a pony and hay!
Swimming
We have a swimming pool – 32ft long 16ft wide – covered with a polytunnel and heated with solar panels. There is a very good leisure centre close by in Abergavenny for the times in the year when it is too cold, even under the tunnel.
http://www.abergavenny.net/leisure/index.htm
Home close to leisure activities in Monmouthsire
Walking, running
We have steps up the steep part of the bank which lead up to the canal – 36 miles where an almost level path takes you all the way to Brecon – see Monmouth and Brecon canal.
http://canalrivertrust.org.uk/canals-and-rivers/monmouthshire-and-brecon-canal
The old railway line is just at the bottom of the drive and this is a now wonderful ‘safe from traffic’ path used by walkers and runners.
The old railway line perfect for walking, running and cycling. A slight climb going up and a wonderful spin coming back down!
Cycling
The old railway line is popular with cyclists and not far away there are forest tracks for the more reckless – mountain bike trails.
http://www.forestry.gov.uk/mtbwales
Golf in Wales
Golf
There is a golf club in Llanfoist village and another near Chain Bridge 3-4 miles away and of course there is the Celtic Manor golf course – recently home to the Ryder cup as well as hosting other major golfing events throughout the year. A golf practice net would be useful in the grounds too!
http://www.monmouthshiregolfclub.co.uk – golf club at Llanfoist
http://www.alicespringsgolfclub.co.uk – near Chain Bridge
http://www.celtic-manor.com
Tennis
There is enough room for a tennis court in the grounds and there is an excellent tennis club in Abergavenny.
http://www.abergavennytennis.org.uk
Water sports in Wales
Rowing, canoing
The canal behind the house is perfect for both these sports and of course if you are connected with the Haberdashers’ schools in Monmouth I believe that one of the coaches for the Olympics used to be or still is the coach at the school. For more challenging adventures the river Wye provides some rougher water!
http://www.brecon-beacons.com/outdoor-activities-water.htm
http://www.wye-pursuits.co.uk/white_water_rafting.htm
http://www.llangorselake.co.uk/lake.html
http://www.monmouthschool.org/en/M_rowing
Sailing
Llangorse reservoir has a sailing club which is not too far away – for those who like to sail on the sea – the coast is near enough for a day out. Small and larger clubs all along the coast provide brilliant sailing opportunities.
http://www.llangorselake.co.uk
Fishing
Both the rivers ‘Usk’ and the ‘Wye’ are noted for the excellent fishing – salmon and trout.
The canal – just behind the house is good for coarse fishing.
http://www.breconbeacons.org/visit-us/things-to-do-and-see/special-places-to-visit/monmouthshire-and-brecon-canal
Llangorse lake is also popular for coarse fishing.
http://www.breconbeacons.org/visit-us/things-to-do-and-see/special-places-to-visit/llangorse-lake