Rugby World Cup: The quirky ways Wales fans are travelling to France

Flying out to France in an aeroplane that allegedly weighs less than Wales' scrum may sound like the stuff of nightmares.

But for Dave Pitman and Gavin Johns, the proximity of Wales' final Rugby World Cup group game in Brittany meant it was an opportunity they had to take.

The two friends touched down in Rennes on Friday, before soaking up the tournament atmosphere in Nantes.

The private pilots said the "sense of relief" after landing was "fantastic".

Dave, from Rumney in Cardiff, and Gavin, from Miskin in Rhondda Cynon Taf, had already travelled out to Lyon to watch Wales earlier in the pool stage - via the more traditional method of a travel agency.

"Because we had such an amazing result against Australia, it was decided that we would try [to fly] if the weather was perfect, and it was," said Dave.

Fully-fuelled, the plane weighs 880kg - making it "very susceptible to weather"

The two have previous experience of flying to France in their light aircraft, including for the famous Le Mans motor race earlier this year.

"Crossing the Channel can be a little nerve wracking because we're in a single-engine plane, so you have to take a lot of safety measures, but other than that it's a bit of an adventure," said Gavin.

"Once we get here, the sense of relief and achievement is fantastic.

"But in all seriousness, we wouldn't do anything reckless - if the weather was poor we'd turn back, if the aircraft's not right we turn back."

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The two departed from St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan on Friday, before making the journey home on Sunday.

But Dave admitted it was not for the faint-hearted, with turbulence felt all the more strongly in a light aircraft.

"Our aircraft weighs 880kg (1,900lb) fully-fuelled, fully-loaded, so it's very susceptible to weather - we were bouncing around," he said.

"In fact I think the Welsh rugby pack is 912kg (2010lb), so we're incredibly light [in comparison]. But the experience is quite amazing."

Gavin and Dave in the Nantes fanzone after arriving by light aircraft

Gavin said he was "quietly confident" that the two would take the plane for another spin to France before the tournament is over.

"If we get past Argentina, there's a very nice airfield in Paris that Dave wants to land into, so we'll be at the semi finals," he said, smiling.

They are not the only fans who have found novel ways of travelling to the tournament.

Mike Kelly, from Pembrokeshire, has spent five weeks cycling more than 1,600 miles (2,574km) to attend the four group matches.

"Last year I got diagnosed with epilepsy, so I had to give up my driving licence," Mike explained.

"And so I decided, why not do it on the bike instead? It was a better idea last October than it was by the time I started, but it's been really good fun."

Mike Kelly has spent five weeks cycling more than 1,600 miles

Apart from one bout of food poisoning which cut short his journey to Bordeaux, Mike has managed to make it all the way from city to city.

Describing himself as a typical "weekend warrior" cyclist, Mike said he was motivated to push on by thinking of the charity Tŷ Hafan, which he is raising money for.

"We went down to the hospice on the first day of the trip and it just hit you like a brick. So I just felt I wanted to do some more for them," he said.

"That's what kept me pedalling when I thought I might want to take the train, it made me carry on."

'I haven't eaten anything but croissants'

Mike said he was spurred on by the "fantastic" locals and picturesque countryside.

"I can't really speak French, but we make do, and everybody's been lovely, shown lots of kindness to me along the way," he said.

"I also took some mountain paths, and had about two days where I saw nobody, and the wildlife was amazing.

"I was seeing otters, beavers - one surreal morning I came out by the canal and there was a crayfish on the path, just waving his claws at me.

"Ten metres along, another crayfish, and for about a mile there were just crayfish all along the way, really angry, some with their claws in the air giving it some."

Mike said he's seen some "amazing" wildlife along the way - including some "angry" crayfish

Mike added: "That was a bit bizarre. But it's been lovely, and the countryside is so beautiful."

His trip will end this week as he returns to Wales, and Mike said he doesn't plan on returning - despite it being the "best five weeks" of his life.

"My son Sam did ask if I was going to - but to be honest, I think my wife Kate might not be there if I go back out again," he laughed.

"I risk scurvy as well - I haven't eaten anything but croissants and kebabs for five weeks. So I'm desperate for some vegetables!"

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