Cardiff to Swansea 2025: Ride Report

Ride leader: Martin

• 98k, close to 900m ascent

• No mechanicals

The ride leader was late, not by planning, but thanks to the reliable efforts of TFW. Cardiff central was heaving packed by the time I arrived with the contents of the Principality stadium, all Stereophoniced up. I hooked up with Peter H, and we wove our way through the melee, and down to the docks, where the group was already assembled and wondering if this was the right place, or even the right day. Ten minutes late, no matter, roll call made our small but perfectly formed group 17, and following the introduction, welcome to new riders, and safety talk, we made a start. 

As promised, there was indeed a full moon, clear sky, no wind, and a rare opportunity to wear shorts and short sleeve shirts overnight. A long gradual pull to our first comfort stop at 10k marked the end of the city, and the start of the country, though still on a main road, it is very quiet at this time of night. A few k’s further, and we plunged into the narrow lanes of The Vale of Glamorgan. Tall hedging giving the occasional glimpses of the moon and stars. A bat darted in front of me, and secret rustling could be heard in the hedgerows. 

Progress was good and steady, and then the sight of the moon reflected on the Bristol Channel near Southerndown, with the lights of North Devon and Minehead in the distance brought us all to a halt. Pictures had to be taken. Just a few more k’s following the coast through Ogmore, Ewenny, and so to halfway stop at MacD’s. Not the most salubrious of restaurants, but it did, eventually, serve a purpose, and there really isn’t a choice, so we should be grateful that there is at least, something.

There is a fairly significant hill leaving Bridgend straight after the stop, upwards of course, and so up and out of the town, and back into the now growing light of the early morning. The sky had turned to an orange glow in the east, by 4.30am lights were not needed, the sunrise at 5.13am was hard to see, the glow was obvious, but the hills had been badly designed, and obscured our view. 

Down now towards the industrial town of Port Talbot, with its sadly quiet air where once were the roaring furnaces, are now no more. The third MacD of the night (is this a record?) for a comfort stop was followed by a very lovely quiet ride down a canal. Well lovely for most of us, as Phil lost balance, pushed his lovely electric bike away from the water, and went in himself. Chapeau for emerging with a smile, getting back on, and continuing as if it was something he did every day.

There was some more climbing to do to get out of Neath, but the reward was the narrow lane running above Crymlyn Bog, the largest lowland fen in Wales. The last part of our ride down into Swansea, along the glorious bay with the sun sparkling on the sea, to arrive at The Secret Beach Bar for a very delicious and well earned breakfast.

Thank you to everyone, particular mention to Johnny F for his All Upping skills, and all who helped with waymarking, excellent work. Without your participation, this would be just a night ride.