When I packed up cycling “early” yesterday I didn’t really have a plan, the steep hilĺ and campsite force my hand (or rather, mind) to stop. I still needed to reach St David’s, but had a train booked (bicycle reservation) at 1pm, so only a small window of opportunity.

At some point during the night, or when I woke at about 5, a plan had emerged. I left early, about 5:45 taking a few key items, for a lightweight sprint to the end, and then back to the tent to pack up. What could go wrong? In my experience, everything! As soon as you split the load, something you need will be elsewhere! Anyway I took one pannier, loaded with what I thought were essentials with my bleary eyes at 5:30 am. Afterwards it seems I took all the cooking gear, and hot food, porridge etc, but left the bread rolls and cheese back at the tent! Not sure what I was thinking!

It was really nice cycling with new gears and less load. I breezed (well, got) up the 16% that put me off last night. Also there was no traffic on the roads, very pleasant. I am getting a bit bored with Pembrokeshire roads, huge uphills, relatively short flats, then massive down hills. Anyway, on the quiet roads it was all a pleasure, first dropping down into Solva. It was so quiet, I had the town to myself.

Then onto Britain’s smallest city, St David’s at 6:30am – it was a different story here, all the clubs were turning out and there was revelry everywhere – not. So a quick look at the Cathedral, and ruin (Bishops Palace I think). The rooks were going crazy and, calling out really loudly and flying around. I don’t think I disturbed them and as a regular dawn chorus it must be annoying if you live nearby. I then jumped back on the bike to head out to St Justinians and the Lifeboat Station.

With my last minute change of plans the welcoming committee was only low key, just a lady walking a dog and only the dog wanted to make a big thing if it!It was fine with me – it’s the thought that counts. It was 7am and beautiful weather. I had reached my target – I think 770km, just under 500 miles. The direct route would be 368 miles so I’ve clearly done some extra miles (and hills).

I should stop the blog now, but will continue cycling (current plan Cardiff to Sailsbury in four days), so I’ll decide how much effort to put in. Trying to write this each day is harder than the cycling!

I had loads of time, so took the 4B cycle route all the way back, especially when I discovered it followed a disused airfield, giving long flat sections, such a change for such an undulating peninsular. The cycle route, popped out on the main road just above the campsite, and I got back at 9:00. The cafe wasn’t open, so it’s back to the tent for coffee and porridge. I must have “dilly dallied” for a while – as it was soon 11, and I needed to pack up for the 13:15 train at Haverfordwest. I took a different route back – following the 4C again. A really nice tiny road following the coast, obviously rising up to great height and dropping back to sea level. It is Pembrokeshire after all!

At some points it seemed touch and go whether I would catch the train, but eventually I got to the top of the hill above Haverfordwest and it would definitely be downhill all the way. I arrived with 25 minutes to spare (is that enough?), and when the train came my bike fitted comfortably. It looks like Transport for Wales has a booking system that works.

I’m heading to South Wales to catchup with friends, I may blog about the Bridgend – Sailsbury section, in my own pace.