Llanddarog to Clyne Farm (Mumbles)

I had a plan and with the weather forecast looking reasonable, well it was earlier in the week, I decided on my first overnight trip with the bike.

I decided to pedal from home to the camp site at Clyne Farm in the Mumbles area of Swansea Bay, using for the majority of the route, traffic free trails of NCN47 and 4.

Route

The start of the bike trail

The final weather forecast looked OK for the Wednesday, but Thursday showed high winds coming from the north west. There never is a perfect trip and so with bike packed with camping gear and food I set off from home and joined the route near Carreg Hollt, just before Cross Hands.

This was to be my longest one way mileage, although all parts had been cycled in sections previously.

One of many direction posts erected for the Millennium

First view of the distant coast

With plenty of time I made sure to have stops and make a brew using the caldera cone and even reading a book at lunch time.

Bridge leading to the Millennium Coast Path

A large needle with Gower across the estuary

First coffee break

The book was for inspiration, written by Anne Mustoe a retired teacher who has cycled twice around the world, the first time without any experience. My two days seemed trivial.

On the way, near Dunvant rugby club there is a "Bikeability" centre with lots of bikes adapted for those with disabilities.

By the time I reached Swansea Bay there was a certain amount of tiredness and it was time to look for Clyne Farm. Just in case others want to use this site be prepared as it is up a steep hill and an even steeper farm track - I admit to walking and pushing part of this!

Swansea Bay

The bonus of the height are excellent 360 degrees views. There was only one other tent on the site and I never did see the occupant.

This was to be my first time in the new tent, a Luxe Mini Peak, which is basically just a pyramid fly sheet held up in the middle with a walking pole.  It had plenty of room and I was pleased with my bargain buy.

The farm is an activity centre with a selection of animals, the goats were particularly nosy.

After my evening meal I went for a two mile walk which took me around the outskirts of Clyne Gardens.  I did think about going through the gardens but they were closing at dusk - when is that?

This is clearly a moneyed area if one judges wealth by size of property.

An early night to be ready for the return.

Part two is shown as a separate bog.

Llanddarog to Nantgaredig and back

Route

I was Billy No Mates on Monday so decided on a short bike ride as shown on the above link.

Although an obvious observation the easy ride DOWN to the Afon Tywi meant a long climb BACK UP. However with the help of the granny gear I made it all the way without dismounting.  The route link shows the dip.

Downstream from Nantgaredig Bridge

Upstream from Nantgaredig Bridge

I spy a useful means of transport.

The return journey was via the bike route passing close to the Botanic Gardens.

Hopefully the weather will start to improve so that I can have an overnight on a bike ride to the Gower.

Millenium Coast Path - Carmarthenshire

On Wednesday I was scheduled to take my grandson to school and as they live near the Coast Path and the weather forecast was favourable I took the opportunity to take along my bike.

Route

I parked at the Wetlands Centre and set off eastwards as I wanted to check out the camping site further along the Coast Path for a possible overnight bike trip.  It is ideal and the site looks nice and flat with all the services one would want, however I was told a single tent would cost £14.00 per night.  I don't think so and plan B will need to be considered.

I continued eastwards to the end of the trail and cycled into Bynea and Llwynhendy and back onto the coast path at the Wetlands. The day was too good to finish so early and I continued on to North Dock stopping on the way for a brew.

The path runs close to Machynys Golf Club and it struck my odd mind that if your hobbies were cycling and golf the fashion police would have a field day!

Following a short break at North Dock I cycled back to the car at the Wetland Centre

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"

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.