Millenneum Cycle Path Gowerton to Pembrey and back

Colin & I had previously ridden the route and had enjoyed it so much that we decided given the weather, we'd give it another go! The sun, a generous orb in the clear Welsh sky, cast a warm glow over the start of our cycle ride in Gowerton.Tyres hummed softly on the smooth tarmac of the Millennium Coastal Path as it beckoned towards the coast once we had left the streets of Gowerton behind. The landscape quickly opened up, revealing breathtaking vistas of the Loughor Estuary. The shimmering water reflecting the azure sky like a vast mirror with the early morning mist clinging to the mudflats being exposed by the receding tide.

Pedalling west, the air, fresh and carrying the faint scent of salt, invigorated the senses. Wildflowers, splashes of vibrant colour against the green verges, danced in the sunlight. The path, mostly flat and blissfully car-free, meandered gracefully, offering panoramic views across the estuary towards Llanelli with its 450 acre wetlands centre, following NCR 4 passing the old North dock which was built to export coal and tin plate and which has now been redevloped as waterside residences. Birdsong provided a cheerful soundtrack to the rhythmic whir of the bicycle wheels along with the greetings of early morning dog walkers and fellow cyclists.

The journey towards Pembrey was a delight. Each turn in the path unveiled new perspectives – the distant silhouette of the industrial heritage blending with the natural beauty, the occasional glimpse of wading birds along the muddy banks, the lush green landscape of Mychynys Golf course and the modern structure that houses the Burry Port lifeboat all added to the anticipation of reaching Pembrey Country. Burry Port with its yachting marina is famed in aviation history as Amelia Earhart had landed here in 1928. Although she did not pilot the plane on this occasion, she later went on to fly across the Atlantic single handed in 1932. Finally, the entrance to the park came into view, a stunning reward for the effort. The park itself is vast. 500 acres of sandy beaches, backed by dunes and the whispering pines of Pembrey Forest. The park offers families a variety of activities in an idyllic setting. After a well-deserved pause to soak in the coastal atmosphere and refresh our energy in the cafe , it was time to turn the handlebars east for the return journey, pausing for the obvious photograph by the giant green bike.

The ride back towards Gowerton offered a different perspective on the same beautiful route. The midday sun continued to paint the landscape in warm hues. Familiar landmarks took on a new charm in the changing light. The gentle headwind on some stretches provided a mild challenge, a reminder of the physical exertion that made the stunning scenery even more appreciated. As Gowerton drew closer the feeling of contentment was palpable – the satisfaction of a good cycle, the lungs filled with fresh air, and the mind refreshed by the beauty of the Welsh coastline. The Millennium Coastal Path had once again delivered a perfect day out, a sunny escape through the sheer joy of cycling. Written by AI and tweaked by me!

Lost Lanes in Dorking

With the winter firmly in our rear view mirror, the end of March seemed the ideal time for our little band of cyclists to have a get together and enjoy some pre Easter sunshine in the south east. So we gathered in Walton on Thames in time for a Friday night supper of slow roasted lamb on a bed of boulangere potatoes washed down with one or two glasses of something red, I don't think it was Ribena, but it tasted nice.

The select group consisting of myself, Richard and Einar planned to trundle our way down to Ashstead on Saturday to have lunch with Ellen & Tom (Richard's eldest daughter and boyfriend) via Cobham and return via Esher in time for Einar to leave us to head back to Highgate for a party. So after much faffing with bikes and gear we joined other road users and headed south through Cobham and onto Stoke D'Abernon before the offroad sections of Oxshott Common and Ashstead Common. Lunch was taken outside the Ashstead Cafe in glorious warm sunshine with Tom & Ellen.

Our return trip to Walton took a more direct route which took in Esher Common and the pretty village of West End before Einar packed up and left hooting his way back to Highgate in his car. His Mini had developed a fault which meant everytime he turned the steering wheel the horn sounded - funny for the first 2 minutes but highly embarassing and annoying thereafter.

For Sunday's ride we decided to try one of Jack Thurston's routes from his first book" Lost Lanes" which describes 36 rides within easy reach of London. Jack Thurston now lives in Abergavenny and has subsequently written a series of books that detail rides all round the UK.

So we loaded the car with the two bikes and headed down the A3 to Dorking. Dorking is very close to Box Hill where they staged the mountain biking for the London Olympics in 2012 and with the weather so perfect, we found ourselves amidst hoards of lycra clad peletons either overtaking us or hurtling towards us. However, we were soon out into the countryside, cycling along leafy lanes with very little traffic in glorious sunshine.

Our first port of call was the Fox Revived at Norwood Hill where we sat in the garden and quenched our thirst. As it was Mothering Sunday the pub was heaving with all their long farmhouse tables being taken with families celebrating. Onward to the village of Leigh and the dog friendly Plough Inn where we sat outside and took in the comings and goings from this very busy local pub. We headed back to the village of Brockham where the book suggested that the village green hosts tea and cake stalls to feed passing cyclists and to raise money for local good causes. We didcovered that we had arrived too early in the year to benefit from the cake fest so it was a good job that we had called into the Dolphin Inn in the village of Betchworth, a traditional old pub with open fires, good food and a fine selection of ales and ciders! It was right opposite the local Parish church which starred in Four Weddings and a Funeral.

Our last few kilometres took us across Betchworh Golf Club on an old coach road and back to the car on the outskirts of Dorking. It had been a fantastic ride with great views, great weather, superb watering holes and all within touching distance of Gatwick airport, although you'd never have known it.