This route begins in the Gwaun Valley just inland from Newport on the Pembrokeshire coast. The ride was taken in June 2009 and follows half of the Sustrans route 47 which in total runs from Fishguard to Carmarthen.

Gwaun Valley section is also part of Sustrans route 82 which heads north to Aberystwyth. I am heading west down the valley through Pontfaen to pick up the route 47 at T junction with B4313.

Route 47 is the mountain road, climbing in part into the Preselli hills in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

As a 90 kg rider I always ride with a Truvativ Stylo mtb chainset 44-32-22 and in this case xtr rear mech and 12-34 cassette.

There are a couple of 1:6 power climb ramps at the end of the Gwaun then it is straight up to Puncheston, and I mean straight up! A good 4 miles just about. Panoramic views await out to the coast at Fishguard and to Milford Haven to the South.

The road follows the escarpment and outline of the Preselli's and swoops down to the flat lands before rearing up again.

You can see from the photographs how the terrain flattens to the south towards the coast.

After crossing the B4329 care is needed with sign spotting near Henry's Moat. There is an easily missed sign (overgrown tall grass) that signals left, the passing of which could lead to a rapid drop towards Lys-y-fran Country Park until you realise your mistake and have to back-track.

Steep climbing again on the approach to Rosebush and a right turn off the B4313.

All the hills are into your left and the flat lands out to your right as you take a peaceful section towards Mynachlogddu. Barely a soul about and just the odd car on the route of the 47. Caution should be exercised at the B road junctions as these are the major arteries in the locality.

The scenery is ever changing with something new and very different to see round every bend. As well as several changes of terrain, the agriculture, land use and housing also changes by the mile.

At Mynachlogddu is the standing stone monument to the most romantic Welsh author, a great spot for a picnic in a prehistoric environment.

You will hit civilization at Crymych where for a while route 47 follows the A478. It is a busy road and there is a fast downhill out the far side of the village exactly where you need to turn right towards Penlanuchaf. Take care here, lots of traffic moving quickly. You will be climbing again after the pastures near Mynachlogddu.

Plan A was to ride as far as Trelech then turn left up over the top and follow the Afon Cych down its course to the B4332 close to Abercych. I could then follow the route 82 signs to get back to Newport.

Stopping to take pictures, the climbing and enjoying the scenery had eaten into my time and a plan B was needed. At Penlanuchaf the road descends to Tegryn before climbing again to Trelech. I decided that at my rate of progress I needed to start heading for home so took a left turn signed Bwlchygroes. The road climbs and I then took the first left signed Boncath. You start to go down and then you go down very fast for a very long way! A great descent to the valley floor. Was I glad I was not riding the other way!

Boncath is not in the National Park, lying to the east in yet another 'country' and changed landscape. The road climbs through the village to junction with the B4332 towards Eglwyswrw, my next destination.

Still going up, eventually the B road arrives at T junction with A487. I always ride self sustained with drinks and energy bars, but if you are travelling light, pubs and local shops here to top up, as there are at plenty of places along the route.

Following the 'as the crow flies' approach, a brief stay on the A487 and then left on the B4329 to Crosswell, over the ancient single track bridge above the Afon Nyfer. Then the fun starts. The shortest journey between two places may not always be the quickest but in this case proved to be very entertaining.

After climbing out of Crosswell the first right takes you down and then up again. 1:4 or close to it both ways with some wag having painted Rook and Pantani on the ascent up the other side. This is literally V shaped as is like an alpine road squashed into 400 yards of tarmac with hairpin bends to help you climb up the cliff face!

The road ascends to the top of the Preselli where you will encounter grazing sheep. Half way up at crossroads is the right turn to Pentre Ifan burial chamber. Bluestone outcrops on the summit that you can walk to.

A flat bit on the top and then plummit down to Cilgwyn just abouve Newport and you are back in the Gwaun Valley road. gddu