Children’s TV icon Timmy Mallett has been on a tour of picturesque Pembrokeshire this week, with his biking buddies, taking inspiration along the way from the Welsh scenery and memory of his late brother, giving a welcome ‘Wac-A-Wave’ greeting to those he’s met across West Wales!

The former ‘Wacaday’ and ‘Wide Awake Club’ presenter known for hitting guests with a giant foam mallet, who also scored a Number One in 1990 with a cover version of Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini after teaming up with Andrew Lloyd Webber as Bombalurina, is a lifelong fan of getting on his bike, and always keen to explore new places on two wheels.

Three years ago Timmy took on his biggest challenge ever, inspired by his late older brother Martin, who he had buried just days earlier, he set off from his home in Berkshire to ride across France, over the Pyrenees and through northern Spain on the Camino de Santiago, the ancient pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela and the cathedral where the apostle St James is buried.

Born with Down’s syndrome, Martin was not expected to survive much beyond his teenage years, but ended up living what Timmy described as ‘64 filled years’.

Taking inspiration from Martin’s life, Timmy set about on more and more cycling journeys, and was even influenced by his brother’s smartly dressed appearance en route, which has seen Timmy modify his usual attire, taking to wearing a tie along with his hi-vis lycra gear!

He’s even written a book - ‘Utterly Brilliant...My Life’s Journey’ telling the story of his big cycle adventure dedicated to his late brother and Mallett’s Mallet.

“Cycling is brilliant inspiration for me and my paintings and it’s great for bringing a smile to my face!” Timmy who is also known as the ‘Cycling Artist’ told cyclinguk.org earlier this year.

“A bike ride is a way of being involved in the here and now of living. I love it.

“My brother Martin, with Down’s syndrome and language and learning difficulties, made the most of every single day of his life.

“He and I would cycle like crazy, we’d cycle a lot together. He was always saying - ‘you and me, let’s do it!’ - whatever it was. I took him in my heart on my journey and he inspired me to reach my potential every day.

“When you’re cycling you have time to consider, and see yourself in the environment and in the big wide world and how you fit into it.”

Timmy and some of his pals nicknamed the ‘bike boys’ have embarked on a ride of West Wales this month, and over the past week have visited picturesque places in Pembrokeshire such as Manorbier, St. David’s Cathedral, Pembroke Castle, Neyland, and Fishguard; as well as calling in at Haverfordwest AFC’s ground.

“Wales is full of great castles,” Timmy posted on Twitter, describing Manorbier Castle as “Wow!”

“Loved our visit to magnificent Pembroke Castle,” he said, thanking manager Jon Williams for a “great tour with tales of our medieval hero William Marshall.”

“Pembrokeshire also boasts the Cleddau Bridge with great views for cyclists who can stop to admire!” said Tenby, who also loves to paint, managing to sketch some of what he called ‘magical Wales’ on his journey.

You can follow Timmy’s adventures on his Twitter account at @TimmyMallett