Heading west...

Our cycling group disperse this morning, some returning down the Taff trail, others off on their own adventures like us. We set out about 8.30, climbing up out of Brecon, passing the cemetery, soon rewarded with views of mountains to the south and woods in front. Red kites overhead, gold finches and robins hedge-hopping. We soon pick up quiet roads alongside the meandering Towy River. Route 4 follows a big detour around Carmarthen so we take a cheeky shortcut down the hard shoulder of the A40 to clear the suburbs. A steep climb leads to a traffic free farm ridge road with peat bogs, on one side full of white bog-cotton flowers. The sun is out now so the views are stunning of distant hill tops all around. The deep hedgerow banks are thick with violets, cow parsley and blue bells, bordering fields studded with pale pink orchids. The road goes through farm yards occupied only by friendly dogs and scruffy black and white chickens. We have to go onto the very busy A40 for a few short sections but soon can cut off north to the village of Clunderwen where our "Warm Showers" hosts, Martin and Jenny, live in a farm house. Martin is a sculptor with his kilns in the outbuildings. We reach the house just before the only heavy rain of the day sets in. Our bikes are housed alongside Martins' recumbent touring bikes. We are plied with tea and cake whilst Martin produces a wonderfully aromatic curry.


Tour miles to date: 168

Location:Brecon to Clunderwen