After an enjoyable day looking around Aberystwyth yesterday, today would the real thing, our first day of cycling on our Mid Wales tour. We would be making the journey from Aberystwyth to Machynlleth.

We met Andy and Neil at Aberystwyth Rail Station when they arrived around lunchtime.

Then got our priorities right by heading straight for a cafe and some food.

Following lunch we headed down to the seafront and the start of our Mid Wales cycle route.

Photos taken, we started by following NCN Route 81 and cycling along the promenade.

Still following NCN Route 81, we left the coast at the quay.

We then followed the Ystwyth Trail for a short while before turning off and heading towards the university.

The university sits on the top of a hill and so required tackling the first stiff climb of the tour to get up to it. 

A few miles further on there was a sharp twisting drop down into Borth. I must admit, with my fragile hill descending confidence following last years fall, I was rather nervous and so descended this particular hill very slowly.

On the seafront we took a short breather. 

After Borth we turned inland on our way to Machynlleth.

Along the way we came across Dyfi Furnace.

We decided to have a look around.

Built around 1755 and now restored. It was a charcoal-fired blast furnace used for the smelting of iron ore. 

It was actually only in use for about 50 years before being abandoned. The waterwheel is a left over from the mills second life as a sawmill.

Eventually, we arrived on the outskirts of Machynlleth.

First things first! Upon arrival a ‘perfect pint’ was called for.

We were staying at The White Lion Hotel.

You can view our Mid Wales Day 1 route from Aberystwyth to Machynlleth below:

Later in the evening we went for a walk around Machynlleth.