Aberystwyth to Brecon to Cardiff

We decided to head back inland on our route to Cardiff and try some hiking in Brecons Beacon park. The weather looked promising as we started out along the coast. We planned one stop on the coast at a village called New Quay. 

It was beautiful ride down the coast and when we arrived in New Quay the sun was shining. The village is perched on the slopes surrounding a secluded bay. Very scenic. We found a nice cafe overlooking the bay and stopped for coffee and cake.  There was plenty of sailing activity in the bay.

 We didn't know before arriving that this little village is well known in Wales. Dylan Thomas lived here for a while and the village was the inspiration for his play "Under Milkwood". In his play the village is called Llareggub.   Spell it backwards... 

        Beach and bay at New Quay, Wales 

After our rest stop we started inland toward Brecon. We have avoided the main roads for the most part and generally let the GPS have its way with us.  It has taken us down some very narrow lanes, only wide enough for one car.  It is OK on the bike because we can easily move over for oncoming traffic and is interesting to see where it takes us. As we progressed inland and up in elevation the weather deteriorated and light rain started. We opted not to stop and put the rain jackets on. By the time we got to Brecon it was raining steadily. We were pretty wet but we found a nice B&B on the main road and settled in.  

We gave up on the idea of hiking and explored the town.  Brecon is the activity centre. There are lots of outdoor equipment stores, bike shops, etc. as well as cafes and pubs.

        just a little wet.  Rain gear next time. 

      There is an inland river/canal system that runs through some small lakes, very scenic. 

The weather perked up the next day and we had a very pleasant roadie into Cardiff. Here is the mandatory selfie....

Thanks agin to the GPS we found our way through the complicated road system to our airbnb booking.  The owners were away for the weekend so they gave us the code to the "key safe". When we arrived we couldn't find the key safe in the described location.  After chatting with a few of the neighbours we discovered that we were at the wrong house.   I had the address off by 3 numbers.  

The accommodation was OK. It was nice that the owners took off the weekend and left us with the house. It didn't quite come up to Linda's standard of cleanliness, but we survived just fine.  The location was great. About a 20 minute walk from the downtown core and the location of the Spedway GP.  It is located on a residential street than circled a beautiful old church. 

       We stayed in the white trimmed house. 

         Note the reminder taped to the windshield.  Stay left!!!