Jul 26, 2012

Tintern Abbey from our hotel room

We have had a lovely days riding on some beautiful roads for bikes with lots of sweeping corners and spectacular views with an occasional Motorway or Highway to redirect us to where we want to go. We headed inland to Sennybridge initially and discovered countryside which I can only describe as more ‘wild’ than what we have seen previously as well as some examples of ruins of castles and battlements. The farms have opened out and given way to rugged Moors and forests with the occasional eagle prospecting for a meal. As we rode from the Post Office to the servo (to access Wi-Fi) a Hornet Jet (I think) flashed by overhead. Norm didn’t see it and wondered what on earth had flown to bits in the car passing him at the time the sound barrier reports reached us. It looked magnificent!

We continued from Sennybridge down through Swansea where we had lunch at a pub on a town square where the locals were laying on the grass looking at some Olympic elimination games on the big screen. From there we continued on into ‘The Mumbles’ which again we heard about from Neil Oliver’s ‘Coast’ Documentary. Cannot remember what it was known for but we wanted to get into our hotel today in good time so rode through town which was just beautiful and on to Bracelet Bay where we took a photo of the Mumbles Jetty then rode back through town and headed for Tenby where we stay tonight. The Mumbles is a beautiful seaside village with lovely green spaces between the beach and the road with well-established conifers as well as other green spaces. Obviously some good planning gone into it. The houses themselves are in good condition and not shabby. Lovely views all along the Esplanade and incredibly busy.



The Mumbles Jetty

Tenby is a treat! We followed along a big length of old village wall then turned a corner to the Esplanade and found our hotel shortly after. A lovely beach but our hotel has pots and hanging gardens of all description (multi begonia and succulent displays as well as joyous topiary exhibits) and is a must see. The inside is also a treat with lovely public spaces and nicely refurbished rooms. Feel really spoilt. A must see if you are in this neck of the woods.



A welcome entry tonight.

Bits and Bobs:

I passed Norm at a roundabout today and he got stuck at some lights…apparently didn’t appreciate the experience and took my photo…poor loser if you ask me!



Nola disappearing off into the wide blue yonder

Last nights’ Accommodation:

The Abbey Hotel, Tintern, Chepstow, Wales UK

A nice Hotel all round. The public spaces are in good condition and tastefully decorated but the room at best could be described as adequate and ageing. The spectacular view across the road to the ruins of Tintern Abbey made up for it. Lovely food at the Brassiere with very attentive staff. Really needed access to Wi-Fi but the Hotel is in the midst of changing carriers so no go. Bugger! Had to find an Inte



The Abbey Hotel, Tintern.