Final thoughts and notes.

 Here are some of the route profiles for our trip.
We had a range of weather, from a little sun, a lot of cloud, enough rain, sleet and too much wind.
The bikes all stood up to the test well, no punctures or any problems. Not sure about the riders though.
Even with all the effort I put on weight!!

Hotels and B&Bs were all fine or better. Booked them all through Visit Wales.
The route was well signed and we only came adrift once where the signs were wrong. It did look like they had been turned, because as soon as we were back on the correct route we found the confirmation signs that usually follow a junction turning.


We took the train to Abergavenny from Wrexham at the start. We all caught the train back from Holyhead. John and Jenny going to Chepstow and we went to Wrexham. All trips were with Arriva Wales and the bikes went free. The staff we encountered were all very helpful. 

The sign says "Sweet Things". We probably were not at this stage.
Another enjoyable trip.

We did about 17000ft of ascent, and 240 miles in total.

Day 7 Caernarfon to Holyhead. 42 miles. 1644 feet ascent.

Wettest start yet, added to very strong wind made it a hard day. A good route into Bangor and oover the bridge. More hills than we expected. Rain eased then stopped, to be replaced by BLUE SKIES!!  Lovely lanes with great views. Wind got stronger during afternoon, Jenny was blown over in Holyhead.  Trains all booked for returns. All very pleased at having completed the route.
Will post some more photos soon.

Day 6. Harlech to Caernarfon. 33.5 miles. 987 feet ascent.

After an excellent meal in Y Plas, we woke to blue skies and glorious views of the Castle and beyond. A very large breakfast and away. A long,twisting,  fast ride down to the to the toll bridge towards Porthmadog.  Then up and across country until we joined the cycle path at Bryncir. This path took us all the way to Caernarfon. Although it had started to rain as we joined the path it was an enjoyable ride. Gentle ascents for a short while then long descents most of the way to the end.  The path ran beside the narrow gauge Welsh Highland Railway line. This took us right beside the castle where a couple of steam engines were standing. The path gave us some magnificent views of the castle, we rode around the walls and stopped in the square for drink. The guest house is just off route, so an quick start tomorrow for the last day, taking us up to Holyhead.

Day 5. Machynlleth to Harlech. 36 miles. 3198 ft of ascent.

We had a very enjoyable meal at the Wynnstay Arms Hotel. Followed by a good nights sleep and an equally good breakfast. Rain as we departed, but much warmer and the waterproofs were off pretty quickly. Not many towns boast the shops we saw on the way out. The swankiest, largest Tattoo Parlour, a tipi maker, and a Green Shop. The lanes up to Corris were ok. Then we turned towards Aberliefenni, Ann's family home. The sun was trying to get out as we made our way upwards. Although we all pushed for some of the ascent, it wasn't so bad. A fast descent to Dolgellau, a drink to warm us up, and off on the Mawdach Trail to Barmouth. A number of walkers and cyclists along this route. It was such a change from the high mountainous pass to the estuary and then the sea at Barmouth. We followed the main road along to Harlech, a good ride and not too busy. Quicly found our b& b, with views over the castle, meal booked in "Yr Plas".

Day 4. Rhayader to Machynlleth. 36 miles. 3658 ft ascent.

First wet start. A steep climb, then undulating and varied ride to Llanidloes. Rain had stopped then, but cold. Had lunch near the old market in the centre. Met another group of cyclists who were following or looking for the source of the River Severn, did not think they would find it in the cafe.
Set off on B road past Llyn Clywedog, a series of very steep climbs, until we got to Staylittle, then we turned off towards Dylife. The sign said Road Closed. We decided to chance it as the alternative was a long way. As we approached "the best biew in Wales", the Wynford Vaughan Thomas memorial, it was raining and sleeting. Remember this is a warm spring ride!!! Full waterproofs, some energy food and a 7 mile descent to todays end. Glasses steaming up, covered in rain, hands frozen so can't work gears or brakes, all great fun, see what us pensioners have to do to fill the time. Route took us straight down to Machynlleth main street, and there was John P. waiting with the key to lock up the bike. Hot baths and  feel human again.

Day 3. Trericket Mill to Rhayader. 29 miles. 2600 ft ascent.

Tricket Mill was a great place to stay. Welcomed with a pot of tea and a big log burner. Food was great.
We left promptly after breakfast, crossed the old bridge and followed Route 8 into Builth Wells. A lovely ride along the River Wye. After picking up lunch we continued on and up. Steep climbs out of Builth, before we eventually went down to Newbridge and stopped for lunch. It is slowly getting warmer. After lunch it was over another bridge and up, again. We followed the Sustrans signs for route 8, until John P. reckoned we were wrong, we checked and checked again, then returned to the last sign, although it pointed in the direction we had taken it seemed wrong. We followed what we thought was the correct route and soon had confirmation we were on the correct route with a couple of signs. Other than this, the signs have been great.
We then had a short stretch of 'Ancient Coach Road' to follow. Luckily it was dry, and not too rough, though we did push the tandem most of the way as it was a handful on the rough path. The alternative main road, sounded very busy so we were happy with our choice. After regaining the tarmac we had a few very steep hills pbefore we reached the Elan valley and the Elan Vallet cycle path. This took us right into Rhayader and Ty Morgans, our stop for the night. A welcome coffee and cake in Ty Morgans Cafe, and we plan to eat in Ty Morgans Bistro. The bikes are safely stored in a pub room opposite owned by Ty Morgan. Now he has most of Rhayader, I think world domination is next.
Weather has been good. Warming a little and no rain so far. Fingers crissed for next few days.

Day 2. Abergavenny to Trericket Mill 31 miles. 2595 ft ascent.

Early morning preparations

We had a good meal in Kings Head, followed by a good nights sleep , substantial breakfast and a not too late start. Unfortunately this was followed by not finding the route out of town and being helped by people, who were telling us "You don' t want to go that way, much quicker by main road." We eventually found the correct route, which unfortunately went uphill for miles. After the first 5 or so miles we turned off onto narrow lanes that would go eventually to Gospel Pass. Although we were slowly climbing, it was mostly steady and with enough gentle or flat sections to make it manageable. Lovely scenery, and interesting for Ann and I as we had walked along the top of the ridge beside us on Offa' s Dyke. As we got closer to the top of the pass, there was more snow, the road was clear, but had been blocked until late last week. We eventually made it to the top and even more snow. 17 miles of climbing to the highest point on the whole route.
A really good ride along the pass, passing through big snow drifts on a fast road, felt a bit like a toboggan run. We took the quick descent to Glasbury, and then along the River Wye to Trericket Mill.

Yes, the snow is that deep.

This road was like a toboggan ride.

John insisted on practising his dance moves.

Day 1 Chepstow to Abergavenny. 27 miles 2224ft ascent

Jenny keen to set off.

Do we have to ride this?

The start up Steep Street and Mountain Road in Chepstow was a little worrying. We followed the well signed route and were soon in gently rolling countryside. The wind luckily was mainly behind us, which was fortunate as it was very cold. The sun did get out at times and was quite warm if we got out of the wind. Stopped for lunch at Usk. In the sun down by the river, very pleasant. Still had a few serious ups before the final down to Abergavenny. Found Kings Head in centre, a very welcome coffee and cake next door.

Lunch at Usk

The Team

The Team. Four of us. 3 bikes. And Wales, from Chepstow to Holyhead, otherwise known as Lon Las Cymru, The Welsh National Route.

The Route

The Route

Starting in Chepstow, then to Glasbury, Rhayader,
Machynlleth, Corris, Dolgellau and on to Barmouth, Harlech Caernarfon and finally Holyhead.

Aiming to start  on Monday 8 April and taking a week. 

We are not looking at the route as a challenge but a weeks touring, staying in hotels and B&Bs.

Ann and I did most of the route about 10 years ago, but failed to finish due to illness. 

Better luck this time. Not sure who is responsible for booking the weather.