On Wednesday, I introduced Paul to the National Cycle Network Route 43. This route will eventually link up  Builth Wells with Swansea, but so far the off road section runs from Swansea to Ystralafera.

Sustrans link

We parked a little north of Swansea in the Llansamlet Trading Estate.  This route has been blogged before by myself and so not much more to add.

Previous blog

We did however come across a considerable amount of bank side work being carried out as the route runs alongside the Afon Tawe adjacent to Llansamlet.  Further on where the river takes a sharp left  the route is closed because of a large flood defence project which will last until 2014.  However the diversion continues on an off route track and we were soon back on the main route.

The weather could have been better but it did improve as the day went on.

I previously mentioned the memorial to the miners killed in 2011 and today we were able to speak to a local who explained where the mine was.  He lives on the other side of the valley and explained his concerns about further mines being opened near him and the possible danger of landslips if explosives are used.  Presumably the mining of coal is becoming cost effective again.

Back at Llansamlet we had a look in Tredz a large bike retailer and also a walk around Go Outdoors.  Neither shop benefitted from our plastic.

The following has nothing to do with the trip but it is an excuse to show a print we now have in our kitchen - will we buy a tandem?

The artist is Sarah Toft

Pembrey Country Park

As I had to visit Carmarthen I took my bike and travelled on to Pembrey Country Park.

Route ( not that accurate as I did wander about the park down various trails, but managed 11 miles)

I parked up at the first woodland parking site near the railway bridge and cycled towards the main entrance and then took NCN route 4.  Unfortunately about a mile into the routethe trail was flooded for quite a stretch (since found out that this is a known problem but without a solution as yet) and so I turned back and entered the park.

Part of NCN 4

Flooded area

Unless entering by car the entrance is free with a huge area to explore including a vast expanse of beach, Cefn Sidan and a nature reserve.

View point

I visited the ski slope and the toboggan slide, the latter looking like good fun. There was a party of disabled skiers on the slopes who were clearly enjoying the experience.

From there I cycled up and down various routes before heading back for the car. Sitting on the grass was a party of army cadets having a brew before they marched - some hobbling into the woods.