My last ride in Wales had me heading west. I had a plan to visit Castell Coety as they say in Welsh. I’m not sure how you pronounce it. I’m sure it’s not how it looks. There was a cafe attached to a gym not far away. Disappointing to learn they only get a delivery of vegan food once a week, so only a coffee then. Luckily I always carry snacks so it was back to the castle (Castell). I sat on the well and relaxed.

And took in my surroundings. Moving the bike around as I went.

The next interesting site was in Hoel-y-Cyw with its mining memorial.

It had been an uneventful twenty miles. The most gravelly it has got was some broken tarmac lanes. I was beginning to think I specified a road bike route when I set the criteria for the Garmion route app. A few miles out of Coity I was to learn otherwise. A long climb, then decent and the bike computer sent me along a farm track, then I was faced with this.

Hike-a-bike time. The views were getting better though.

Even when it flattened out a bit it was just ridable.

And then there was nothing.

I think I was on or near the Taff Ely Ridgeway; I’m not sure because the online maps don’t say. It’s northeast of Bridgend, it might be just the name of the walk. Apparently there is the ruins of an old church nearby, (St Peters church). The final resting of Athwyr II, the legendary 6th century King of Gwent and Glamorgan.I didn’t know about it at the time, and was more concerned about the lack of a path. I just followed the arrow on the computer.

And to my relief quickly saw the road.

Which lead to a very steep, theme in these part, gravelly, potholled road back to civilasation.

More up and down followed, a constant over the last few days. The plus side being continued, great views.

Then the computer did what had done repeatidly; lost the route, or plot you could say. I couldn’t find the road it indicated. I looked on my phone and decided to let it show me home.

The computer must have worked out what I was doing and suggested a trail to take. I went for it, and was lead to a footpath, damn it. It didn’t look very long so I walked with the bike to the end and remlounted. Immediately facing a gravel climb. Here’s what it looked like from the top.

Once back on tarmac it was smooth going again. Until it wasn’t. Computer says no. Much faffing and looping around followed and then I glanced to my left.

There was Caerphilly Castle. I don’t think I was meant to go through town, but I’m glad I did.

So close to home now, less than ten miles. So it was time for the Garmin app to serve up some of the hardest climbs of the day.

I’ve said before that these last miles seem to take forever, even without being lung busters. I got through it and started to recognise the roads. Began to feel like a local.

Finally home.

Some thoughts.

Hope for good weather if you come to Wales. Everyone I spoke to says it always rains, they were amazed at seeing the sun so much.

The hills are steep and long. Often very twisty and narrow. So make sure your brakes are in perfect condition. Mine are now finished, nowhere near as good as they were when I arrived.

Make sure your phone has plenty of battery power, and you have a lot of data. Everyday I needed to consult it to either get myself home or find the mapped route again.

The Garmin app seems to have the last ten miles contain some of the hardest climbs of the day.

Never think it’s let you off lightly.

Do visit the area. If the above are considered you will enjoy it.

I’m in Scotland next month, it has a tough act to follow.