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.

This goose was merrily bobbing on the surface of a large artificial pond when I arrived, along with several other waterfowl of numerous species, all of which were suddenly very interested when I pulled out a snack bar to serve as my breakfast. It had been a short half-hour ride from home up to this spot, a route that I knew fairly well following a cycle ride to Margam earlier in the summer (you can get a better view of what lies beyond the pond here: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/42261127/ ). I had made good time, reaching my first checkpoint 5 minutes ahead of schedule, which I used to stretch a little and devour another snack bar before continuing on my merry way, into the wilds of Margam Park.

Hope you enjoy!