Hi Keiron

I can manage 25 mile rides in this area reasonably well (it's pretty flat on the route I choose with no major hills to climb). Essentially I have very flat feet (think pancakes and you'll get the idea ), as a result after quite a few years of wandering around they have effectively collapsed (according to the podiatrist - the physio just said they were knackered), this has caused some tendon and muscle damage which means that walking any distance over about 200m causes a lot of pain and discomfort even with fitted insoles. I have just been back today and they are going to try a new insole to see if this can help. Cycling turns out to be great for me though as it doesn't create impacts on the sole of the foot and I seem to be able to get moving again. I got the bike at the end of February and am learning how to ride it properly (I was out today checking out the best way to use the gears - it's not like a car ), the forums are a great place to learn from other people and I plunder ideas shamelessly.

The local canal is the Montgomery and this is being restored slowly, currently they are approaching Llanymynech and then it will be a short distance to open up onto the southern end of the canal and down to Newtown - the towpaths are great for cycling on the new stretches.

all the best

Bob