Ticking off the single digit route numbers, Route 4 was chosen for July 2022 for the simple reason that a friend was crossing the Irish Sea and landing at Fishguard on 5 July and passing a night there. Thus we could enjoy a relaxed dinner and head off the next morning after a big breakfast via car and bicycle respectively on the same journey back to Barnet.
5 July 22: Easy cycle parking on the Transport for Wales train.
I use different coloured pannier bags so I know what is in which.
Getting from Clarbeston Road railway station to my overnight accommodation in Newport, Pembrokeshire was a tough starter
6 July: An easy start, only to St Davids in order to bed my legs in a bit.
Managed to go a bit off route but then found this lovely old shop (which another Barnet rider had been at the previous day).
7 July: To Tenby.
Tremendous bays but all followed by a stiff climb out of them.
Fish made of waste plastic.
9 July: to Bridgend.
I love being underneath busy roads just slowly wending my own way. The worst of the hills are now behind me.
10 July: To Newport, Gwent.
The Newport transporter bridge (temporarily closed until Summer 2024 for a refurb).
11 July: to Bristol.
Bye Wales, nice knowing you.
12 July: to Devizes.
Joined by a mate in Bristol. Cycles and canals go together well. These are the Caen Hill locks, a lot faster to get up on two wheels than in a narrowboat.
13 July: to Newbury, joined by another mate for the 'short' journey home. A white horse in the distance.
14 July: to Teddington.
There are 1000 of these marker posts on routes dotted around the Sustrans network.
15 July: to Greenwich and on to home.
Much prefer to be in the countryside in the saddle than in a cruise liner such as this monster.
Route 4 is wonderful, if you have the time to do it.
Derek
