Monthly Archives: November 2013

Coast 2 Coast (Lougher to Swansea Bay)

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Is this now a weekly ride out – hope so!

Paul and I decided on the NCN route 4 from Lougher bridge (dividing point between Scarlets and Ospreys) and down the almost traffic free route to Swansea Bay and then through Mumbles and a planned coffee/tea at Verdi’s.

Lougher Estuary

 

Attractive sculpture in Swansea Bay

Route

The weather was  dry and calm, not far off the forecast. We had a coffee break (home made) near Dunvant and the on to the front at Swansea Bay. The last time we were here we turned east and visited the Marina in less than clement weather.  Today we headed west along the trail through Mumbles and as far as the pier. The latter is now being renovated and was closed to the public.

\Towards Mumbles Pier

 

Lighthouse

We returned as far as Verdi’s where they were doing a brisk trade. It was far to hot inside and so being true outdoor people we  had our refreshment outside.

Verdi’s

 

A calm sea

It seemed a bit rude to open our own sandwich boxes and so we cycled back onto the cycle route and had lunch by the ponds before returning to Lougher.

Kenfig Burrows

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Mr & Mrs Navigator have now returned from warmer climes and the Sunday evening conversation informed me that Monday’s walk would be in the Kenfig Burrows area which would be new to us all.

We have all passed this area speeding by on the M4 near the Tata steel works at Port Talbot but today we would be exploring.

Route

We parked up by the visitor centre hoping for some leaflets but although the toilets were opened the centre itself is only open at weekends.

 However the navigator had his plan and off we went.The area is well served by footpaths all signposted but read on!

View from the Centre

Our coffee break was had by Kenfig Castle or what remains of it.

Kenfig Castle

From here the signage disappeared as did the obvious paths. We managed to find our way through some scrubland and onto the burrows where we zig zagged  about doing our best to avoid wet feet.  Eventually we arrived on the beach where we had lunch.

The beach was empty apart from one walker in the far distance.  The smoke plume from the steel works clearly showed a lack of wind and with the sun shining it was a very pleasant rest stop with views over to Swansea Bay.

An empty beach

Looking towards Swansea Bay

Wonder how the wind turbines are doing!

Following lunch we set of along the beach away from the stell works and landed up at Sker Point and followed paths back to the car where we sat again in the sun to have our last coffee of the day.

An outdoor room

What’ around the corner?

Next time I travel the M4 I will be able to say “been there”.

Cross Hands To Sandy Water and back (Route 47)

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With biking back on the agenda Paul and I decided on a ride from Cross Hands on route 47 to cycle as far as we wanted and then return.  Paul had not cycled the short bit from Cross Hands to Tumble and so we parked by the cinema in Cross Hands and set off.

The weather was sunny but cold and we both wore extra layers!

Route

The route does have trees on both sides for some way and the leaves made a good if not slippy covering.  We passed two groups who were assisting Sustrans on litter picking and track maintenance. In fact both Paul and I were helping Sustrans on Wednesday where we learnt and then carried out hedge laying.

Some new furniture

 

We had a first coffee break near the Heritage Centre at Cynheidre. Warmed up we pedaled on to Sandy Water Park and had lunch overlooking the sea.  We could see a number of vehicles way out on the estuary presumably involved with cockle picking – must have been cold today.

Overlooking Sandy Water Park

 

Looking back to Pont Agen

 

Where’s the haystack?

The return journey was a bit slower as it is uphill most of the way albeit gradual and we had a head on wind to contend with .  Our average speed was about half that to the trip down.

Frightening selfie!

A good day to be out.

River Dee Walk

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A family visit to Chester usually means a good walk/bike ride with Andy, but this time with sciatica giving me a hard time something gentle was called for.

So with pain killing tablets swallowed we decided on a flat walk along the River Dee which started from Andy,s home.

Route

As usual there were plenty of people at the Chester end and clearly a rowing event was going to take place.

Chester weir and cormorant

As we walked towards Frodsham the crowds thinned out. The footpath near Frodsham was closed because of a land slippage and so we turned back watching the various rowing boats heading upstream to their start. It looked hard work with a strong downstream wind and the river just coming off a high level.

Hard work

A little easier

Back near Chester and the footbridge across the river we purchased coffee and cake at on the boat houses – very reasonable and welcome.

The winners

warming down

By the time we reached Andy’s home the pain killers were wearing off, frustrating to say the least.

Millenium Coast Path (14/11/13)

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Following an extended bout of sciatica which has meant no cycling since early September I was SO pleased to be back on the saddle today.

Paul and I parked up just out just outside the main gates of the Country Park and headed out onto the Millennium Coast Path and headed east towards Llanelli.

 
Depicting Llanelli beating the All Blacks
I wasn’t too sure how far I could pedal, but thankfully there was no pain. We stopped for coffee at the Discovery Centre and as we were feeling fine carried on passing the Machynys Golf Club and the Wetlands Centre and eventually stopped for another coffee and cake overlooking the Lougher estuary. 
 
Must be Children In Need day

 

Paul relishing cake
Two other cyclists joined us who told us that they travel here regularly from Cardigan. I passed on suggestions for other traffic free routes and we set off back to the car.
 
Towards Worms head
Will he pass the cake drug test?
 

It was great to be back cycling and now more to come.Millenium Cpast Path