Weekend in Wales

[tjmouse]

I’ve managed to escape for a weekend in wales.

Quick boat over to Brecon after work last night to arrive at the campsite for 6:30pm

Then it was straight down to the local pub for dinner and a couple of pints. Forgot to take photos unfortunately but it was a delicious venison burger!

 

[tjmouse]

Woke up to a LOT more cloud cover than was forecast so took it slow as I brought a mesh jacket with me!

First stop of the day was the Owls Nest in Llandovery for a late breakfast bap and a coffee.

Loads of bikes by the time I was done and the sun was starting to peak through the clouds. I made up a route for the day and went off for a play:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Qaz8hfuPncu9yZ8j6?g_st=ic

First stop was Llyn Brianne reservoir. Road there was a bit patchy but then it’s been recently done for the second half and lovely and smooth.

From there it was north towards the remote phone box.

Wales does pretty:

It’s just a playground for bikers, fantastic fun and almost no traffic even on a bank holiday.

The sun had come out by the time I got to the phone box and it was warming up nicely which was very welcome after the fresh start to the day.

I headed on westwards towards Aberaeron in search for lunch.

I was hoping for fish and chips but when I arrived I wasn’t that hungry so a boring toasty was had instead.

I did make room for an ice cream though

I picked a bit of a main road next which was a shame but was soon back on twisty b roads heading towards black mountain pass. The locals have kindly removed the average speed cameras, not that I’m quick enough round the twisties to average over 40mph on it! Especially with a break at the top to appreciate the view.

Then it was on back to the campsite. Brief stop at Lee Tate for some coffee supplies for tomorrow morning and then it was back to camp.

Arrived just in time to sit in the sun with a glass of wine and to watch the F1 Sprint.

Tough life

 

[oblertone]

Looking good; all the locals are in queues at Dover

 

[Tinytim]

Woke up to a LOT more cloud cover than was forecast so took it slow as I brought a mesh jacket with me!

First stop of the day was the Owls Nest in Llandovery for a late breakfast bap and a coffee.

Loads of bikes by the time I was done and the sun was starting to peak through the clouds. I made up a route for the day and went off for a play:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Qaz8hfuPncu9yZ8j6?g_st=ic

First stop was Llyn Brianne reservoir. Road there was a bit patchy but then it’s been recently done for the second half and lovely and smooth.

From there it was north towards the remote phone box.

Wales does pretty:

It’s just a playground for bikers, fantastic fun and almost no traffic even on a bank holiday.

The sun had come out by the time I got to the phone box and it was warming up nicely which was very welcome after the fresh start to the day.

I headed on westwards towards Aberaeron in search for lunch.

I was hoping for fish and chips but when I arrived I wasn’t that hungry so a boring toasty was had instead.

I did make room for an ice cream though

I picked a bit of a main road next which was a shame but was soon back on twisty b roads heading towards black mountain pass. The locals have kindly removed the average speed cameras, not that I’m quick enough round the twisties to average over 40mph on it! Especially with a break at the top to appreciate the view.

Then it was on back to the campsite. Brief stop at Lee Tate for some coffee supplies for tomorrow morning and then it was back to camp.

Arrived just in time to sit in the sun with a glass of wine and to watch the F1 Sprint.

Tough life

Cracking little report.

 

[parkys100]

I was on a little trip to Wales Thursday/Friday 700miles in 3 days, just lovely.

 

[wessie]

Woke up to a LOT more cloud cover than was forecast so took it slow as I brought a mesh jacket with me!

'twas a weird weather day in Wales. Warm here when I set off from Welshpool. Warmer by the time I got to Bala via the Berwyns. As I was approaching Dolgellau I could see it was very dark over Cadair Idris and by the time I got to Cross Foxes it had dropped from 23C to 15C and windy. Down to Tywyn and it was warm again at sea level. Nice hake & chips in Aberdyfi and home the quick way via Llanfair Caereinion. 118 miles. Apart from Bala, traffic was not heavy.

 

[tjmouse]

I was on a little trip to View attachment 505690View attachment 505691Wales Thursday/Friday 700miles in 3 days ,just lovely.View attachment 505689

Planning on heading there tomorrow

 

[tjmouse]

Dinner time

 

[Rusty]

Dinner time

Great effort

 

[tjmouse]

Woke up this morning to a very fresh and misty scene. The forecast was hot though so I didn’t expect it to last long.

Sure enough by the time I’d got through the shower it was clear blue skies and a lovely temperature already.

Coffee and a croissant consumed it was time to hit the road. Off north today to hit some old favourites and explore the B4518 which had been recommended to me.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/tC9gB2DJ3LbuoSTe6?g_st=ic

First up was the old military road which was cleared and fast flowing- great fun.

It was already pushing early 20s so I ditched the jumper to have the mesh jacket and t-shirt.

Arriving in Rhayader I stoped for a coffee and cake recharge.

The it was up the B4518, the first half has quite a lot of single track, the second half is epic and there’s a lovely viewpoint over the reservoir.

Then I cut up the Pandy Road, very pretty, lots of gravel and falling apart but no traffic.

I looped round the A470 and down to Machynlleth. Lots of traffic but easy passing and fantastic fast flowing roads. I made a beeline for Aberystwyth as I fancied lunch.

The town may be a bit grotty but I went to uni there so it holds a special place for me and the promenade is very nice. A quick cafe stop (forgot to take a pic of lunch) and a walk round the castle and along the front. Tons of bikes out, it’s the perfect day for it. Nice to bump into a local blood biker as well.

Next up was the mountain road. God it’s good! Somehow remembered to snap a pic - I had a clear road most of the way and the traffic I did meet waved me by. 28C in the Elan Valley!

Off round past the reservoirs as that’s the pretty route, a lot of tourists but I got lucky with lots of clear roads again. It’s been resurfaced recently (gravel over) but it’s 99% bedded in, just a couple of twitchy hairpins!

From there it was a quick blast back to the campsite, pushing 30C I was ready for an ice cream and my shorts!

Bloody good day on the bike. Now to finish off yesterday’s wine before I head to the pub for dinner again as I can’t be bothered to cook my pasta!

 

[tjmouse]

Pro influencer level of photos here. It was a fish and chips and a gin & tonic

Was good though

 

[Rusty]

Super little trip away ! Always good to find somewhere to camp in the grounds of or next to a good pub with good food ! Done it many times with Pitchup.com and just like today ... when you simply can't be arsed to cook the simplest meal pop along to the pub and let them do it for you with an ice cold beer in your hand.

 

[tjmouse]

Don’t think that’s too bad an effort

 

[tjmouse]

Super little trip away ! Always good to find somewhere to camp in the grounds of or next to a good pub with good food ! Done it many times with Pitchup.com and just like today ... when you simply can't be arsed to cook the simplest meal pop along to the pub and let them do it for you with an ice cold beer in your hand.

Yep. I’m staying at Pencelli Castle Campsite. Great little site, very friendly, good facilities and a great pub 5 mins walk away

 

[Tinytim]

Excellent tj. Love it around there and the empty roads are.
Nice to see Sidolis ice cream has made it up there..Italian family based in Ebbw Vale my home town. Spent many a young teenage day in Sidoli's cafe. Proper coffee and proper raspberry ripple ice cream in pewter dishes. Thanks for jogging my memory TJ and nice write up too

Edit: just realised where you are...Pencelli isn't that far from my home town so not surprised Sidoli's ice cream is available there really.

 

[tjmouse]

It is HOT today. Fortunately had already planned to head to a local lake this afternoon so I packed up camp and headed for Gospel Pass, it’s been closed for a few months due to a landslide but it’s open now (not that Google has fully understood) so today’s route was in 2 parts up the pass and then beeline for home (but keeping to smaller roads).

Wales in the sun is truly stunning.

Up and over the pass and then I got my head down and cracked on with it. So that’s the end of the photos. Home for 1pm and it’s 31C here so I’m melting!

Off to the lake soon - can’t wait to cool off!

 

[tjmouse]

Excellent tj. Love it around there and the empty roads are.
Nice to see Sidolis ice cream has made it up there..Italian family based in Ebbw Vale my home town. Spent many a young teenage day in Sidoli's cafe. Proper coffee and proper raspberry ripple ice cream in pewter dishes. Thanks for jogging my memory TJ and nice write up too

Edit: just realised where you are...Pencelli isn't that far from my home town so not surprised Sidoli's ice cream is available there really.

Small world! It is very nice ice cream

 

[Tinytim]

It is HOT today. Fortunately had already planned to head to a local lake this afternoon so I packed up camp and headed for Gospel Pass, it’s been closed for a few months due to a landslide but it’s open now (not that Google has fully understood) so today’s route was in 2 parts up the pass and then beeline for home (but keeping to smaller roads).

Wales in the sun is truly stunning.

Up and over the pass and then I got my head down and cracked on with it. So that’s the end of the photos. Home for 1pm and it’s 31C here so I’m melting!

Off to the lake soon - can’t wait to cool off!

As my daughter would say, "well jell"

 

[Wapping]

Thank you.

Living proof that you don’t have to go far (or spend a fortune) to have a good time.

 

[Sneldog]

Excellent report. Many thanks.