Shropshire enthusiasts join vintage tractor run

Ceredigion visitor Mark Hornsey on his International B275 (Image: EA Bates)

Despite the bad weather forecast by TV weathermen, Sunday, July 23, turned out to be a dry overcast day for the annual Nantmel Tractor Run organised by the Tractor Enthusiasts of Nantmel club. 

Cleobury's John Griffiths on his David Brown (Image: EA Bates)

The annual run was again a fundraiser in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Nigel Hantschar of Hereford with his MF 565 (Image: EA Bates)

Participants came from all over the country, with entrants from Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Ceredigion, Shropshire and Breconshire as well as the usual locals.

Dave Connelly of Rhayader with his MF 550 (Image: EA Bates)

Starting from Maesygelli farm, Nantmel (by kind permission of Brian Pugh), the procession led by John Bates on his trusty Nuffield 345, left the field at 10.30am, turning right into the village of Nantmel to climb up passed the 18th-century church of St Cynllo’s church.

Devil Bridge's Morgan Evans with his Mule (Image: EA Bates)

The procession headed off-road across to Bwlchbrondinam farm, by courtesy of the Lewis family, taking in views over the Clywedog and Ithon valleys before picking up the tarred road again.

Hereford's Dave Evans with his Massey Ferguson 165 (Image: EA Bates)

Heading down to Crossgates and picking up Trelowgoed lane, via Brynthomas to Llandegley.

Nigel Gethin of Builth Wells (Image: EA Bates)

Here the tractors did another short stretch of the A44 to turn onto the Rhonllwyn lane to circumnavigate the Shepherd’s Tump to Dolau.

Jim and Sandra Davies of Llanwrtyd Wells with their Dexta (Image: None)

Down over the Heart of Wales railway level crossing the convoy climbed up to Heartese, pass the Colony to Llanbister.

John Bates leading the convoy (Image: None)

Here the tractors climbed the Rock House pitch to the Pound and where they pulled up for lunch and the raffle was drawn.

John Lewis of Builth Wells with his David Brown 770 (Image: EA Bates)

Afterwards, they headed off again across the common to Moelfre City and the Brook Cottage, turning towards Maesllan, descending steeply through the wood to meet the A483 at Llananno.

Rees Price of Defynnog enjoying the views (Image: None)

They then turned off to climb Castle Vale to Bwlch y Sarnau, where the procession met a convoy of classic Landrovers enjoying a trip out in Mid Wales.

Kevin Pugh with his County 4600 Four (Image: EA Bates)

Turning south to descend the upper reaches of the Clywedog valley passing the Fishpools to emerge on the edge of Abbey Cwm-Hir.

Lilian Powell participated with her Land Rover (Image: EA Bates)

They then snaked over Rhayader Hill, to turn onto the Llwyn’s lane to Dolau Chapel and back to the start field.

Martin Davies of Cregina aboard his Zetor (Image: EA Bates)

The TEN club would like to thank all participants, landowners and helpers in their fundraising efforts, which amounted to around £500.