Rhandirmwyn Circular

A few post ago I wrote about this ride where it had come to an early end because of a puncture, so with a good weather forecast I saddled up again.

Route

I parked adjacent to Dolauhirion Bridge and set off. It was a bit on the chilly side with a headwind which led to me soon warming up.

Afon Tywi from Pont Newydd

I met a few patient motorists who did not try to pass until it was absolutely clear to do so - much waving with thanks.

In Rhandirmwyn there is a tempting tea shop, but as I was carrying food and drink I resisted the siren call.

I turned here to head down to the river, but stopped to take a photo of the local church and talk to two ladies who were on flower duty.  they had passed me earlier and seemed impressed with the speed I had arrived.  I said it was more to do with their slow driving!

Rhandirmwyn Church

At the river I stopped for a brew and a sandwich and then carried on to cycle nearly all down hill, passing through Cilycwm and back to the car.

Celynnog Hill (I think)

Cilycwm Church

Carmarthen Fans in the distance

Brunel Trail

To celebrate the addition to my name of O.A.P. I met up with Andy who was staying in Tenby (or as his wife calls it "Paradise") for a bike ride on the Brunel Trail, part of NCN 4. This particular section runs from Neyland to Haverfordwest and is all cycle paths.

Route

We parked the car at the slipways by Cosheston Point and then cycled over the Cleddau Bridge.

View downstream from Cleddau Bridge

 There were excellent views up and down the estuary and thankfully the wind was kind.  From there we headed down through Neyland to the front on the estuary. There used to be a statue to Isambard Kingdom Brunel but some tea leaf used a crane and nicked it!

The front at Neyland

Sculpture

The plinth without Mr Brunel

We cycled through the marina, stopping for a coffee before joining the cycle path.  This is tarmac all the way. The first road traffic is met not far from Haverfordwest but even then there is a cycle track adjacent to the road.

Shared path

We had lunch in the park overlooking Haverfordwest Quay, next to the Council Offices.

Haverfordwest Quay

 Suitably refreshed we set off on the return leg.  Now Andy is a lot fitter than me and when hill walking or cycling he goes on ahead and then waits for the plodder.  However today off he went at a good speed but that was the last I saw of him.

Being the tortoise in this story I saw the turning to take me off the trail and up onto the road and towards the Cleddau bridge.

The mobile went with Andy telling me that he had obviously missed the turn and was now back with Isambard by the estuary.

I cycled back to the car and Andy turned up a little later.

The day finished with a family meal back in "Paradise"