Monday 23 December 2013

Chester

It was my brother in law`s 60th birthday on 21/12/13 and a small gathering was planned for the evening. As a bonus Andy and I decided on a bike ride from Chester out to the Wirral and back mostly on traffic free routes.

Route

Dee Marshes Cycle Route

The forecast was not great with the possibility of high winds and rain by the end of the day. Overall the weather was OK with the occasional head wind but no rain.

At the Burton Marshes there had clearly been a recent storm, but a lot if work had been carried out to clear the path.

There were lots of bird watchers looking out onto the marsh and we found out later that some buff coloured pippit had been blown in on the wind.

We carried on to Parkgate which had at one time been a holiday resort, but the foreshore was now marshland.

On our way back we detoured to visit the RSPB centre at Burton and then found a well situated cafe on the bike route. Here we had a huge piece of warm chocolate cake and cream washed down with a mug of coffee.

Happy Birthday

There were numerous cyclists on the route, individuals and groups.

The only hill was the incline over a bridge such a difference from where I live in West Wales.

The lack of photos is down to my camera being left behind.











Tuesday 17 December 2013

LLandovery/Rhandirmwyn/Cilycwm/Llandovery

With the Sustrans workday cancelled and Tuesday probably the only fine day of the week, Paul and I decided a bike ride would be a good idea. We had unfinished business in the Rhandirmwyn area when the last time we cycled this area I punctured and the circle was not completed and so we were here again.

Route

We parked just off the A40 adjacent to the Afon Tywi before crossing the bridge into Llandovery. Within a short distance Paul realised that his brakes were NOT connected, thankfully not when it was important to stop. The route took us over the Afon Tywi at Dolauhirion and then steadily uphill to Rhandirmwyn.

Afon Tywi at Dolauhirion

Waterfall enroute
 There is a tea room in the village but although the door was open the cafe was not serving - blast!  However we were carrying our own vittles and a coffee break was had down by the river near the campsite entrance.

Mist in the valley
We now crossed the river and began our ride back downstream but stopped for lunch at the Forestry site at Cwm Y Rhaeadr. This looks a good place to explore.





The ride continued through Cilycwm and alongside the Afon Tywi.

Carmarthen Fans in the distance


 An easy decision was made to continue into Llandovery and to the well known biker and cycle eatery, The West End Cafe. I can recommend the bara brith.


It was a short ride back to the car.

Another good day.