Sustrans Route 4 St Davids to London

Neil F · Post by **Neil F** » 16 Dec 2007, 8:20pm

I was considering cycling route 4 from St Davids to London next spring and was wodering if anybody has experience of the route. Are there any difficult parts or parts best avoided. I should be camping and aim for 50 mpd.

Richard · Post by **Richard** » 16 Dec 2007, 9:05pm

I think route 4 is fine down this end (Pembrokeshire). Nothing serious that I know of. If you want any specific questions answered, let me know.

meic · Post by **meic** » 16 Dec 2007, 9:18pm

I cycle quite a lot on route 4 from St David's to Swansea.
There are no serious problems on the route, however there are many petty ones.
Generally it is quite hilly but nowhere near as bad as the 47. Dogs can be quite a problem as cyclists are not common enough for people to take care about their dogs.
I still dont know how to get through the campsite at Tenby on the cycle route!
The route in Carmarthen town goes through a park, which closes after dark!
The bit from Ferryside to Swansea is quite a rest after what comes before it.
If you want recomendations for pubs, cafes in specific areas when you have made more plans then get in touch. I am happy to help, If I know of anywhere good.

MLJ · Post by **MLJ** » 20 Dec 2007, 1:12pm

From Bristol to Devizes the route is mainly a good off-road surface. East of Thatcham it is diabolical - a dirt bridleway which would be difficult when wet.

yoyo · Post by **yoyo** » 20 Dec 2007, 3:38pm

East of Thatcham it is diabolical - a dirt bridleway which would be difficult when wet.

I am local to this and can add more detail. IT is fine from Thatcham to Ufton Nervet in all weather. After Ufton Nervet it goes through fields which are impossible after wet weather. In the vicinity of the M4 it follows a very stony path away from the canal which is better ridden on wide tyres. There are numerous gates and obstructions most of the way to REading. On more than one occasion I encountered fallen trees even without stormy weather.

Yoyo

yoyo · Post by **yoyo** » 20 Dec 2007, 3:39pm

Sorry got the quote the wrong way round

Yoyo

Richard Fairhurst · Post by **Richard Fairhurst** » 2 Mar 2008, 5:15pm

I've done most of it (Fishguard-Carmarthen, Swansea-Pontypridd, Newport-London). 50 miles per day is my average so I doubt you'd have a problem. The one place where you may make slower progress is around Bath, where the towpaths can be very busy.

Definitely cycle west-to-east - the headwinds can be a bit hairy around Newport.

Personally I think NCN 47 is a more attractive and enjoyable route from Fishguard to Carmarthen than NCN 4 is - it goes over some lovely countryside in the Preseli Hills. It felt easier, too.

The Sustrans maps are worth buying. There's a couple of places you might easily get lost without them (around Swansea and Port Talbot, for example). There's no map for the Severn Bridge to Reading, though, and the signposting between the Severn Bridge and Bristol isn't great, especially considering Sustrans' HQ is in Bristol!