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NATIONAL CYCLE NETWORK ROUTE 4

I have just completed the whole of NCN4 (National Cycle Network route 4) between Fishguard (Wales) and Greenwich (London). 

420 miles (670km) in five days.

The weather was perfect, apart from one day of (Welsh!) rain. The route went along quiet country lanes and dedicated cycle paths and was extremely hilly in places. It ranged from absolutely brilliant, wide cycleways to atrocious stony, near impassable tracks up in the hills. There were some spectacular scenic coastal views, especially in Wales.
 

The signage was mainly good but I noted no less than 40 instances of signs either confusing, pointing the wrong way, in the wrong place or simply missing.

I am an experienced cyclist, but doing some 80 miles a day, with10kg luggage, was pushing it. Average speeds through the Welsh hills, which can sometimes be punishing, for me was less than 10mph.
I lost 4kg in those five days...

Cycling the whole of NCN4 requires stamina and perseverance! 

Welsh breakfast: Caerphilly Cheese and leek sausages

Laugharne castle

Pembroke castle

River Thames

Previous long-distance rides:

Land's End to John o'Groats (938miles, 1500km) : http://lejogjuly2013.blogspot.nl/ 

North Sea Cycle Route (Holland) LF1/LF10: Sluis to Nieuweschans (570km)

The Thames Path:  The Source (Kemble) to the Sea (Southend) (347km)