A perfect start to the day
I often cycle to work at the National Botanic Garden of Wales. I’m fortunate to live in the Towy Valley and just 8 scenic miles from the Garden. The gentle undulating hills and quiet roads make for a perfect start to the working day. My route takes in views of Paxton’s Tower, pass Dryslwyn Castle and through the village of Llanarthne.
Cycle Route 47
At Llanarthne my journey joins the Sustrans Route 47 . This is part of the Celtic trail West which runs from Newport to Fishguard. It passes the entrance of the Garden on the Carmarthen-Llanelli loop. The Garden offers a pleasurable addition to a days outing on bikes. After all that fresh air and exercise stop at the Garden to smell the roses and relax tired muscles. Anyone who cycles to the Garden can, on handing in their helmets for safe keeping, gets into the Garden for half price.
A Garden for everyone
From a tour of the temperate regions of the world in the Great Glasshouse to the botanic timeline in the Double Walled Garden, there is much to discover. There are lakeside and nature walks and vegetable extravaganzas to inspire you. The new play area and zorbing are a bonus for kids of all ages, not forgetting the spectacular butterflies in Plas Pilipala. Making the Garden a place of enjoyment for everyone.
A refreshing stop
If you don’t have time to spend the day in the Garden, you could stop off at Our Y Pot Blodyn Garden Centre. It is situated at the visitor entrance and is free to enter. It’s a great place to refresh yourself and enjoy a taste of Wales with locally made and sourced light food food and drinks.
Benefits of cycling
Cycling saves you money on the cost of transport. It gets you fit and is one of the easiest ways to fit exercise into your routine as it’s also a form of transport. It also helps the environment by offering a pollution free form of transport. I try to cycle to work at least 2 days a weeks during our more clement seasons. As well as making me feel physically fit, I find it also adds to my mental well being.
For a sustainable and enjoyable day get on your bike and head to the Garden and delight in what our natural environment has to offer.