Llansamlet to Ystalyfera and back

Paul and I decided to revisit NCN 43 as the environmental works on the Afon Tawe had been completed and the original route was now reinstated. We would also ride the Glais loop on the way back.

Route

We parked up near the lake on the Llansamlet retail park and joined the cycle route. Following the major riverside protection works the cycle path has been relaid and in due course the current  bare banks will have tree cover.

We had a coffee break not far from Clydach and sat next to the iron sculptures which represent local people.

This a great route to cycle which is completely traffic free as far as Ystalyfera. We continued on into the town, which Paul noticed seemed to be shut! In fact the cafe at the end of the traffic free route was just closing - at dinner time.

Afon Tawe

I have written about this route before and was taken by the home made memorial to 4 miners who lost their lives in the private Gleision mine a few years ago. There is now a more formal memorial.

Our return journey took in the Glais loop which gave the only granny gear climb of the day and we revisited the work we had carried out with Sustrans where trees were planted and a picnic table made.

Kidwelly to Pavilion cafe and back

Spring Bank Holiday Monday was set fine for a bike ride and I decided to cycle from Kidwelly and head as far east towards Llanelli as my legs would go.

Route

The route is NCN4 and included the new diversion.  The old route went via Pembrey Forest had been changed because of continuous flooding.

The new route takes in minor lanes and some single track off road for a short while before returning to the main route at Pembrey village.

Nearly missed this sign because of overgrowth

Single track

Once on the Millennium Coast Path it was very busy with cyclists and walkers enjoying the sunshine.

Worms Head on Gower

And again

I rode through Burry Port and then stopped at the Pavilion Cafe for a coffee (no cake) and then returned back to Kidwelly taking the coastal path to the entrance of the Pembrey Country Park and then rejoining my outward track back to the car in Kidwelly.

Burry Port harbour

Looking back to Burry Port

Flowers, beach, sky, lovely