We departed at 10:00,
weather cold and cloudy but dry. A quiet narrow farm lane with primroses
along the verge took us up to the congested Talgarth village centre where
the signposting was absent. We worked out where to go then at the A470
junction someone had turned the signs around. I repositioned them as they
should be, then we proceeded along quiet pleasant lanes to Erwood where
we collected our stamp and stopped for coffee and a flapjack. By this
time the weather had deteriorated but we pressed on to Builth Wells where
we picnicked in a park shelter. By the time we'd finished the rain had
stopped and we continued along a short but attractive Wyeside path before
returning to country lanes. After Newbridge the route takes you along
a track connecting two lanes - this was a nightmare, being wet and muddy
with a significant clay component, impossible for laden tourers. The mud
gunged up our gears, got stuck between wheels and mudguards and made the
two miles seem endless. By the end we were exhausted but luckily it was
only a few more miles to our destination, Liverpool
House Guest House at Rhayader. We checked in then crossed the road
to the garage and hosed down our bikes with the car wash! The accommodation
was basic but cheap and comfortable, though they didn't have any cycle
storage facilities. After cleaning ourselves up we walked a short distance
out of town towards Brecon to Brynafon hotel where we had a very pleasant
meal in the Workhouse restaurant (friendly, not expensive, recommended).
I've since written to Sustrans in connection with the Hodrid Track and
they've promised to investigate.
The infamous muddy track