When a beer with a mate is long overdue, what better excuse than to jump on a bike and cycle 250 miles (400km) from London to Wales to meet up? Or that’s at least what army veteran Aled Davies thought…
Cycling from London to Aberystwyth is a fair old distance, what was the motivation behind your adventure?
Honestly, it was ultimately because I wanted to have some beers with an old army friend that I had not seen for years. So I decided to cycle! It was as simple as that.
Though I guess the underlying motivation behind my cycling adventure from London to Wales was driven by a yearning for autonomy; the desire to relish the freedom of the open road, and seek solitude in the midst of the serene English and Welsh landscapes. It offered me a unique opportunity to disconnect and embrace the simplicity of nature – and human-powered transport.
Meeting a mate for a drink was perhaps just the excuse!
How did you plan your experience? Did you do any specific preparation?
I didn’t extensively plan my experience, which is typically my adventure travel style, but I did rely on offline maps and followed the canals in England and Wales for navigation.
While I didn’t have a structured plan, this approach allowed me to explore freely, embracing the spontaneity of the journey while making the most of the available resources for guidance, only when I really needed them.
So describe your journey to us…
My journey commenced in my hometown of London. Leaving the bustling city behind, I initially followed the Thames River, pedalling through Kingston and basking in the historic charm of Hampton Court.
Continuing westward, I ventured into the picturesque landscapes of Windsor and onwards to urban Reading. From Reading, my course led me towards the historic city of Bath, where I soaked in the Roman heritage before heading further west to Bristol.
Crossing the iconic Severn Bridge, a motorway suspension bridge connecting South Gloucestershire in England and Monmouthshire in South East Wales, I finally entered the realm of Wales, with Newport as my gateway.
Once in Wales, the weather turned in true Welsh style! My journey veered northwards, and I cycled through the quaint town of Abergavenny, and onwards to Brecon and the peaceful serenity of Builth Wells, the charming town of Rhayader and northward towards Langurig. With Langurig behind me, I turned westward, embracing the final leg of my adventure towards the coastal destination of Aberystwyth.
I utilised canals as much as I could due to their flat and straight characteristics, which offered a cyclist-friendly route.
The canals not only provided an efficient path but also, on a clear day, unveiled extremely pretty and tranquil scenery that added an extra layer of beauty to my adventure.Â
Upon arriving in Aberystwyth, I reconnected with an old army comrade, and we decided to unwind with a few beers. Our weekend escapade led to some lively times in Aberystwyth!
When it was time to bid adieu and make my way back to London, I retraced my path eastward, passing through Langurig and Newtown before heading further east.
My route took me through Bishops Castle, Much Wenlock, Bridgnorth, and eventually to Birmingham. Here, I rejoined the Grand Union Canal, transitioning from tarmac to a more rustic canal path.
The canals, much like those in Wales, had suffered from government neglect and were in disrepair, despite their historical significance to British heritage.Â
Heading south, I encountered numerous challenges due to the deteriorating conditions of the canals, including patches and tire issues.
Continuing along the Grand Union Canal southwards, I pedalled through Royal Leamington Spa and then east towards Daventry and Weedon Bec. My journey continued through Milton Keynes, Leighton Buzzard, Two Waters, Uxbridge, and finally culminated at Brentford’s – Soaphouse Creek, marking the end of the canal.
From there, I turned eastward, homeward bound, making my way to Morden, bringing an end to this memorable cycling adventure through the stunning English and Welsh countryside.
What was the most memorable moment cycling from London to Aberystwyth?
One of the most memorable moments of my journey occurred just before crossing into Wales. I was staying at a campsite and had the opportunity to meet another army veteran who was living in a caravan.
He’d been through a challenging period in his life, as his marriage had ended at the conclusion of his military service, resulting in him losing nearly everything.
We connected instantly, bonded by our shared military experiences, and found solace in each other’s company.
As we swapped stories from our service days, the camaraderie deepened. We spent the evening swapping stories and reminiscing over numerous bottles of whisky. Our encounter was a poignant and powerful one.
Though the morning after our memorable whisky-fuelled conversation, I awoke with a terrible hangover!
Was your cycle all smooth sailing (or should I say, pedalling)?
No – one of the most significant challenges I encountered while cycling was my failure to thoroughly inspect my tires when dealing with punctures. This oversight often led to immediate re-puncturing of the inner tubes shortly after inflation!
I’m an experienced long-distance cyclist, previously having embarked on a journey from London to Santorini through Europe, and so I had learned valuable lessons about equipment reliability.
This time, I made significant investments in high-quality gear to minimise potential challenges, as I was determined not to repeat the same mistakes I did then.
That being said, sometimes punctures are just inevitable!
What items of gear (aside from the obvious) could you not have done without on your cycling journey?
The USB charger integrated into the bike’s front hub was a game-changer. It not only powered my phone but also provided a reliable energy source for other electrical equipment, ensuring my devices remained fully charged throughout the journey.
My JetBoil stove – it’s lightweight, highly efficient and compatible with many widely available gas canisters so I didn’t need to carry any bulky fuel containers.
Also, my flint and steel made for a reliable and compact ignition method for lighting camp fires after a long day and gave me an added layer of self-sufficiency.
Is there anything you would have done differently?
Reflecting on the journey, I can’t help but feel content with how smoothly it went, especially in comparison to previous trips! I wouldn’t change a thing.
The adventure was relatively hassle-free, and I was genuinely pleased with the experience.
If I were to consider doing things differently for a future tour, perhaps I’d just explore a different route.
Has this adventure influenced or changed your perspective on outdoor travel or personal growth?
This journey has profoundly changed my perspective on what my home country has to offer.
Exploring the beauty of England and Wales has given me a deeper appreciation for the diverse landscapes, history, and outdoor experiences that can be found right in my own backyard.
It’s shown me that I don’t always need to go overseas – there’s a wealth of adventure and natural wonder to be discovered close to home.
Lastly, what advice or tips would you give to someone looking at cycling London to Wales?
Personally, my approach is quite unconventional as I don’t plan much for my cycling adventures. In the military, we had a saying, “no plan survives contact,” highlighting the unpredictability of situations.
I cycle alone and I’m adaptable, accepting of whatever comes my way, be it challenging circumstances, basic (or minimal) food, or unorthodox sleeping arrangements.
Adaptability really is key – as is a positive mindset.Â
After my cycling trip from London to Santorini, and also this trip cycling from London to Aberystwyth, I would recommend these things, especially for beginners:
- Plan: Plan your route, gear, and accommodation (as much as you can)
- Quality Gear: Invest in a good bike and essential gear including spanner inner tubes and punch repair kits.
- Maintenance Skills: Learn basic bike repair.
- Navigation: Use offline mapping and download GPX/KML files for guidance. However, have an understanding of your route and/or bring a physical map too.
- Packing: Travel light; bring only essentials, including good waterproofs.
- Camping: Practice setting up gear and check camping rules.
- Flexibility: Be open to plan changes – roll with the punches!
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