Kidwelly

7/3/15

We were able to head north out of Parc-le-breos and avoid some steep climbs and re-joined the NCN 4 at Gowerton.

A greyer, colder day but a huge credit to the Welsh for the landscaping of car-free coastal paths and cycle-ways. It was like a model of how the world should look!

We passed through the harbour at Burry Port where Amelia Earhart landed after her Atlantic crossing, then navigation got tricky in Pembrey Country Park and we met a man who said he had been going in circles through the forest- perhaps for days!

Escaping the park we arrived in Kidwelly to another warm welcome. We consumed a large plate of chili, rice and chips in an ominously quiet pub with large screen football and sounds of the 80's.

Figures:

Distance:- 53km

Cycle Time:- 4 hours 20 minutes

Average speed:- 12.1kph

Height Gain:- 486m

Parc-le-breos- Near Gower

6/3/15

We met Tim Ward from Schwalbe tyres parked outside our B&B so we had a brief chat about how long our tyres would last! Reassured and with a picture for their Facebook page we were off in sunshine again.

This was a superb day, hugging the coast for most of the ride, excellent sign posts for NCN 4 and a lot warmer.

An intricate route through the industrial Port Talbot.

We arrived at Parc-le-breos (near Parkmill on the Gower) along it's grand drive way, this Victorian manner house continued our theme of interesting places to stay.

Tea and fresh cakes in the sitting room on arrival!

Figures:

Distance:- 56.9km

Cycle Time:- 4 hours 42 minutes

Average speed:- 12.1kph

Height Gain:- 661m

Porthcawl

5/3/15

A very late start following a long, large breakfast. We missed the morning sun but the road through St Donat's and Marcross was quiet. Kept going without detour to our finish point once we hit the B an A roads so we could relax at the Rose & Crown in Nottage.

Almost a rest day!

Figures:

Distance:- 26.7km

Cycle Time:- 2 hours 1 minutes

Average speed:- 13kph

Height Gain:- 369m

Crossing Cardiff Bay to Llantwit Major

4/3/15

A massive breakfast together with a philosophical discussion with lighthouse owner Frank and we were off. A quiet B-road in to Cardiff and an amazing route past the Welsh Assembly buildings where about 200 people were protesting outside over changes to services at Withybush General Hospital in Pembrokeshire.

We have taken a lunch box to breakfast so at least one sausage in bread is saved to eat with a hot flask on route so Cardiff Bay in sunshine was where we finished our breakfast today.

Leaving Barry, it was great to find the NCN Route 88 through Porthkerry Park with a welcome tea shop.

Our B&B in Llantwit Major was more like an appartment with a well stocked fridge including beer!

Figures:

Distance:- 57.5km

Cycle Time:- 4 hours 46 minutes

Average speed:- 12kph

Height Gain:- 488m

Wales and West Usk Lighthouse

3/3/15

Picking up the NCN route 4 was a pleasant change from main road hell, Newport has excellent cycle lanes and signage.

It was a shame not to have been able to include the the Newport transporter bridge- it opens on 1st April.

The West Usk Lighthouse is a truly amazing place to stay. A hot tub with sea view, TARDIS changing room and Darlek in the entrance hall make for an interesting B&B.

Figures:

Distance:- 51.6km

Cycle Time:- 4 hours 33 minutes

Average speed:- 11.3kph

Height Gain:- 410m

To the Bridge- Beachley

2/3/15

The sun shone on us again as we passed the clock tower in Newnham.

11km on the A48 was unpleasant but a detour to the villages around Awre and views across the river were fine. Arriving at the Old Ferry Inn at Beachley right under the Severn Bridge was strange but amusing!

The sign announcing "open Tuesday to Saturday" was cause for concern. A bed was available but our evening meal required a cycle back up the road to a Spa where the lady with the reduced sticker machine sorted us out!

We heard our first Curlews, which are always a good sign of an adventure to come.

Figures:

Distance:- 40km

Cycle Time:- 3 hours 10 minutes

Average speed:- 11.7 kph

Height Gain:- 466m

The Beginning- Newnham

1/3/15

The sun shone for us on our first day and a we spotted a pair of Goldfinch in a hedgerow as we left Cheltenham so this was definitely a good sign!

We spent an hour or so at our friends in Apperley before crossing the Severn at Haw Bridge. This route was far from direct but it was quiet and had some shelter from the wind. We had a 30 minute downpour but were pleased to remain dry under the new waterproofs- for how long?

First night at the village of Newnham, once a thriving port on the banks of the Severn.

Figures:

Distance:- 53.4 km (including tea stop at Wendy and Angus's)

Cycling time :- 4 hours and 12 minutes

Average speed:- 12.7 kph

Height gain:- 337 m