Chose the hottest day of the summer so far to set off on a circuit on the road touring bike across the Cambrian Hills via Cymystwyth and the Elan Valley with a return via Llandovery along Llyn Brianhe and over the mountain road to Tregaron. Rode straight up the Ceulan valley from Talybont, reaching the summit after half an hour. The cycling was easier around the shores of the Nant y Moch reservoir and after crossing the dam I stopped to make a few adjustments to the brakes because the cables had stretched since the last trip!

Very fine views in all directions and especially of Pumlumon. Continued on the easy roads to Devil's Bridge and then persevered up the climb to the Arch at Hafod Estate.

From here the going was good along sweeping stretches of road especially through the long section of Cymystwyth and the open stretches of moorland towards the first of the Elan reservoirs.

Enjoyed the varied scenery whilst traversing each of the reservoirs. The dam architecture being a stark contrast with the plain and neglected concrete of the Nant y Moch dam. Tried the waterside cycleway but found that it was too narrow for cyclists and pedestrians to pass one another safely. Arrived at the Elan Visitor Centre just right for lunchtime and shade.Followed the Wye Valley cycleway from Elan Village along hedged back roads and through oak woods. Enjoyed the sight of several redstart flying around the small wood-fringed meadows.

The Sustrans route deteriorated to a bridleway for a few miles, better suited for an off road bicycle but the scenery was pleasant and this soon opened out into tarmac lanes through pasture woodland on the hills slightly west of Newbridge-on-Wye. Pushed on in the oppressive heat and steep climbs until Beulah where I took a welcome break and purchased 2 litres of juice from the garage shop to see me through the afternoon. Persevered through the heat of mid-afternoon and was glad to reach Llandovery tearoom for further refreshment, dozens of motorbikes and one bicycle parked outside!

The route back across the Cambrian Hills started gently up wooded valleys to the RSPB reserve at Ystradffin, followed by a relentless ascent to Llyn Brianhe (by this stage provoking thoughts of Lamb Biriani)? Rather than a level route around the shore, this was an undulating circuit with regular, demanding uphill pulls. Nevertheless, the evening sunshine was very pleasant and after a stop to eat remaining fruit and cereal snacks, the climbs continued some distance towards the mountain road above Tregaron. This eventually switched to sweeping, downhill freewheeling most of the way into the town and from here it was a case of counting off the villages on the main road back to Aberystwyth, 123 miles completed.

Photo credits: Peter Dennis