The UK has thousands of miles of cycle paths, and one of its longest, National Cycle Route 4, runs from the centre of London to the shores of west Wales, following old railway lines across flat plains, country lanes up steep valley walls, and main roads through urban settlements over many hundreds of miles. In late August last year, I set off on a cycle ride that lasted for almost two days, with about 20 hours of my life spent peddling over a distance of 100 miles. While my original goal was to ride from my home in South Wales to the city of London, I reached my limits just as I was approaching the city of Bath in Somerset. It was perhaps the most trying experience of my life, and yet one of the most rewarding, and is one that come next summer I am eager to repeat and exceed. Naturally, I took plenty of snaps to share with you as I relay the trials and triumphs of my time on the trail.

Following a stop in a convenience store in Tonyrefail for chicken strips and snack bars, my next leg of the route took me up and over the 1000ft hills separating the Ely valley from the Taff valley, and into the town of Pontypridd. Curiously, the Ely and Taff rivers meet in the city of Cardiff, where they flow into Cardiff Bay and keep it topped up with fresh water, after the bay was cut off from the saltwater St. George’s Channel with the construction of the Cardiff Bay barrage. This picture was taken about halfway up the Ely side, looking back on the numerous agricultural and wind farms surrounding Tonyrefail. I enjoy the view a lot more now that I’m not profusely panting; the total climb out of the Ely valley is about 800ft of steep, narrow, potholed asphalt road, and I will admit that most of it was completed on foot. Thankfully, very few cars were using the road to hinder my progress, and at the top of the valley wall was a gang of council contractors filling in the aforementioned potholes. I greeting them between deep breaths, and quickly regained said breath after having it blown into my face on the equally steep descent into Pontypridd.

Hope you enjoy!