16 cyclists assembled on the Promenade at the Observatory end of the beautiful Swansea beach on a cloudy afternoon for their introductory ride round the bay to Mumbles. ( 3 were away, dutifully recce’ing their holiday rides in other locations )

The entire 6 mile bay path is a safe, shared route, running parallel to the busy Oystermouth Road. Cycling to Mumbles is often quicker than driving! The route follows the line of the first passenger tram and train line service in the world, with historic evidence of bridges and platforms along the way.

The Promenade at the Mumbles end has recently been rebuilt, set with attractive garden and play areas. Choosing not to peruse the pretty town of Mumbles, we continued instead the further mile to the pier area - long in dispute over the costs of its abandoned restoration. We amused ourselves at the Upside Down House attraction, sadly closed now for the end of its season, where our most athletic member did an impressive headstand to confuse us even further!

The group dispersed and made their own way back, with those of us who lingered longest getting rained on, on our return.