AND THE WIFE CAME TOO

I had suggested that now I had enjoyed my recent forays into bike riding that my better half should give it a try.

The last time she had been on a bike was in 1984 on the island of Sark. This however did not go well as no one had told her (we thought it was obvious) that one should not use the front brake on its own.  The inevitable head over handlebars happened and strangely this incident had put her off biking until today!

The plan was for a short trip on the Millennium Coast Path from Pembrey and to see how it goes.

The route  http://www.ukhillwalking.com/logbook/e.php?d=20120625&u=129274

They say it's like riding a bike and it was, no need for stabilisers.  There was some wariness of riding through narrow gaps which were there to deter transport other than bikes. There was also a dismount when a phalanx of bike riders headed our way, more for their safety than hers.

I was not sure how far we would go but before long we arrived at Burry Port harbour where a cup of coffee and a sugar and lime crepe went down well.

It was here I saw a cyclist with a small car dog cage on the back of the bike with a small dog seemingly happy to go for a "walk" in lazy comfort. We also saw another dog being carried in a basket.

After our refreshments we turned for home.

We may do this again.

Millennium Coast Path Part 2

With a good weather forecast happening today and going rapidly down hill for the rest of the week, today was the day for the bike.

I decided to visit the Millennium Coast Path and continue on the route to Lougher Bridge and back.  This is also the Bike route number 4.

My route can be found here http://www.ukhillwalking.com/logbook/e.php?d=20120620&u=129274&i=213898

I parked the car near Sandy Water Park and set off, passing the lake and then onto the path proper.

Once past the Discovery centre (North Dock) I was  to be on new territory, neither having walked or biked it.  This area is generally known as Machynys.

I crossed over the watery bits via two attractive footbridges and headed east with good views towards the Gower.

 The tide was way out and in the distance cockle pickers were at work.  On my return one 4 by 4 came up from the beach loaded with sacks of cockles.

The coast path, which now forms part of the Wales Coast Path takes you along side some nice (probably expensive) houses which are adjacent to the Nicklaus designed golf course. I saw a number of players and others sunning themselves on the veranda of the club house.

Near here there were a number of interpretation boards which showed the history of the area, some of which went back to the 1600's' and the sad demolition of a local hamlet "for improvement".

Pedaling on I came to the  Wetland Centre which is worth a visit.

 It was here that I met my neighbours, Paul and Angela who were just starting out on a bike ride but going the other way.

I kept on going east to the end of the Millennium path but carried on, on route 4 to the Lougher bridge.

I turned around here and headed back. I did stop for a break by a lake overlooking the golf course and then again at the Discovery centre for a well deserved  Mr Whippy ice cream.

Again the path was well used with lots of cyclists including two who judging by the kit carried were on a tour.

This a lovely area to ride with good under wheel conditions and no hills!

Millenium Coast Path (Pembrey to North Dock and back)

I usually go walking on Mondays but because of the knee problem, these walks are on hold.  However cycling is the new walking and today I decided on a trip from Pembrey Country Park to North Dock on the outskirts of Llanelli and return.

Link

The forecast was for rain coming our way in the afternoon and thankfully I made it back just in time.

The plan was to leave the car just outside the park, to avoid the fee, but in any event the park was closed because of the Beach Break Music Festival.

When the Millennium Path was built there were some who thought it would be a white elephant, but it is a busy thoroughfare with walkers, runners and cyclists finding it a picturesque route with views across the estuary to the Gower Peninsula.

The route now forms part of the Wales Coastal Path which was opened in May 2012.

I am still surprised of the amount of ground I can cover when cycling and I was soon in Burry Port and stopped to look at the harbour.

It was then on towards Llanelli taking a detour to circle Sandy Water Park.  The notice boards explained this area was once known for its tin making and then sheet metal. These industries eventually closed and we now have something completely different in its place.

I soon reached North Dock, turned and headed back.

 Although not a common sight on the path, it seems that a famous person landed her aeroplane near here!

 There was a cycling trail sign post which looked interesting and I turned off the main track and onto some "off road" track.  Nothing serious but a nice change.  The trail leads back onto the main path.

Just after Burry Port there is a  side track which leads out to the sea and here I stopped for a brew.

Looking back towards Llanelli it looked like rain was falling so I hurried back to the car at Pembrey - just in time.

The Millennium Path continues east from Llanelli and this will feature some time in the future.