Llangadog to Rhandirmwyn and back

Our outdoor adventure continued on Thursday and Friday following a day spent helping Sustrans 're-route NCN 4 near Burry Port and Pembrey.

The original plan was to leave the car in Llandeilo and cycle to Rhandirmwyn along the quiet lanes. Because of the hot weather I shortened this by leaving the car in Llangadog. Panniers loaded we commenced our trip .

Route day 1

Route day 2

We took the minor road heading north west from Llangadog and which joins the A4069 and then into Llandovery. The law dictates a stop at the West End Cafe the haunt of cyclists and motor bikers, where a welcome coffee and custard slice were consumed. A photo opportunity was taken in the town`s car park.

The next part of our trip went north west keeping the Afon Tywi to our left until we reached Rhandirmwyn where we sat on a bench for lunch. I had thought about using the camp site further up the river, but on inspection it did not inspire and the prices (2010) seemed a little high for what was offered. So back to Rhandirmwyn and the Camping and Caravan Club site. This is a perfect site, flat, well maintained with free hot showers. The cost to backpackers is less than the other site. Probably even cheaper if a member.

A very low Tywi

One warning though, it is close to the river and midges are present.  However they weren't too much of a problem. The tents were soon erected and following a shower I found a shady spot and dozed.

Another benefit of this site is the local pub, The Royal Oak. We sampled a few real ales before retiring for the night.

Eyeing my drink

 Nature nudged me awake during the night and the star lit sky was magnificent.

The next day we loaded up again and set off on our return journey. This time the way back to Llandovery was on the other side of the Tywi. Another break was called for at the West End Cafe.

Carmarthen Fan

Marginal gains

Even the car is blue

From Llandovery we took a different lane which headed for Myddfai but very steep which led me to dismount and push for a while. We turned right before Myddfai just on the border where the Brecon Beacons National Park starts. This took us back to Llangadog where we celebrated with an ice cream.

A very enjoyable week with weather to match.

Millenium Coast Path

My wife wanted to test run her new bike basket and so we loaded up the bikes.

Although I have cycled all the path my wife is taking it bit by bit and our second section was from Burry Port to Sandy Water Park and back.

Route

With high temperatures we set off reasonably early meeting lots of others enjoying the fine weather even including some swimmers.

We had a coffee and an ice cream in the Pavilion Cafe before returning to Burry Port. Unfortunately the crepe van was missing!

Nantgaredig, Brechfa, Pontargothi

Once again, Billy No Mates as The Navigator was packing for the pointy bits in Austria.

A look at my local maps suggested a bike ride from Nantgaredig to Brechfa and a return alongside the Afon Cothi to Pontargothi and back to Nantgaredig.

Route

The profile showed a steady climb up to Brechfa and mainly downhill on the return. Well the profile was correct, but a convenient seat in Brechfa helped the legs to recover.

It was good to see the village doing its best to keep the residents together. As I was enjoying my rest a mobile post office arrived and connected its computer to a box on a post. Across the road was a community shop and the notices on the village hall showed lots going on.

Cafe at the mountain bike centre

Brechfa Church

Back on my bike I took the first turning right and headed back with the Afon Cothi on my right all the way to Pontargothi. The river, when at the right level is a superb grade 2 paddling venue. However today it was very low with all the rocks showing.

Afon Cothi

Afon Cothi at Pontynys Wen

Afon Cothi at Pontargothi

Back at the car I looked over the stone bridge at Nantgaredig down at the equally low Afon Tywi into which the Afon Cothi runs.

Downstream on Tywi from Nantgaredig Bridge

Upstream

An enjoyable ride.