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.