| Mountain
Bike Trails and holidays in Pembrokeshire
South West Wales:
The Mountain Bike trails in Pembrokeshire are more geared to the family
and novice riders than those  who demand the more adventurous and technically
difficult rides, There are many bike trails including road and off road
sections that are relatively easy rides, and though this might be a bit
disappointing for experienced bikers there are some more demanding trails
available including the Preselis. The Preselis are a range of hills in central
Pembrokeshire rising to 536 metres / 1,759 ft that are crossed by a primitive
trackway along the Preseli ridge which forms the basis of a tougher trail.
The area was a Neolithic settlement and you will find many examples of prehistoric
sites including the renowned Pentre Ifan burial chamber. Indeed the eastern
section of these hills is thought to have provided the bluestone of Stonehenge.
Brunel Cycle Route :
This 14 mile trail starts from the Brunel Quay in Neyland and
the route takes you along quiet lanes, bridleways and what was once part
of the Great Western Railway. The route is easy to follow and is suitable
for mountain bikes or plain road bikes with wide touring tyres. This is
an ideal family route as any off road sections are an easy ride and although
one part, Houghton Moor can become muddy after very heavy rain, there is
a dryer signed alternative.
Classed as easy.
The Llys-y-Frân Trail :
This 7.5 mile trail circumvents the Llys-y-Frân reservoir located
in the heart of Pembrokeshire in a country park of grass and mature woodland
with views of the Preseli Hills. Llys Y Fran reservoir trail offers off
road riding that is easy to follow on a very well maintained trail that
for the most part is a hard shale surface. The track is wide enough to ride
two abreast and the route is full of ups and downs as the path meanders
away from the lakeside and enters the little wooded valleys of the streams
that feed it. There are two steep downhill sections but they are clearly
marked with warning signs. Bikes can be hired at the cafe at the entrance
to the park, or you can bring your own bike and buy a one pound ticket to
ride around for as long as you like.
Classed as easy, off road.
The Last Invasion Trail :
This 14 mile route visits all the sites of the last invasion of Britain
which took place in 1797. The French invasion force of some 1400 soldiers
landed in the village of Goodwick just west of Fishguard, but two days of
drink and the resistance of the legendary Jemima Nicholas and her small
army of local people saw an end to the invasion as the motley band of French
men surrendered on Goodwick Sands. There are three steep hills on this route,
the hardest being at the beginning out of Goodwick, so allow plenty of time
for this ride. The section from Llanwnda to Trehowell is on an unmade road,
but it is well enough surfaced for road bikes and only becomes muddy after
really wet weather. The leg out to Strumble Head lighthouse is well worth
taking, with both the bird life and the views along the coast making it
an ideal picnic spot. The cafe at Tregwynt Woollen Mill is ideally situated
two thirds of the way round, just what you need for the steady ascent back
up to the top of Stop and Call hill overlooking Goodwick and Fishguard Harbour.
Classed as hilly.
Canaston Cycle Trails :
Canaston Woods trails are traffic free, purpose built and signed, mountain
bike trails with the peace and beauty of the woods all around you. Ideal
as part of a family mountain bike holiday. The trails do not really go anywhere,
they are there just for the fun of using them. The colour coded signs and
the map of the woods show both the easy family trails and the more demanding
and often muddy bridleways, the choice is yours.
The Celtic Trail :
This is the western end of the continuous cycle route
that stretches from the Severn Bridge in the East of Wales to the ferry
at Pembroke Dock and on up to Fishguard in the West. I have included one
section of the trail Tenby to Amroth to Tenby to be used as a one
day "there & back again" route.
This 12 mile section (out and back) starts from the entrance to the harbour
beside the Caldey Island Ticket Office in Tenby.
Head up hill and immediately turn right on to Crackwell Street overlooking
the harbour. At Junction turn right and over the mini roundabout, continue
down the hill past the car park and follow the Celtic Trail signs right
up Slippery Back, the old cobbled lane. At the top of the path follow the
Celtic Trail signs and cycle paths through New Hedges and down into Saundersfoot
the neighbouting holiday resort with a long sweep of sand and rock pools.
From the harbour in the centre of the town follow the one way system and
Celtic Trail signs until you reach the car park. From here you will have
to push your bike through the tunnels and along the footpath on the old
railway line that runs along the seafront to Wisemans Bridge. As you climb
away from the seafront look for a right hand turn to Summerhill, then take
the next right that takes you to an old greenway that follows the cliff
top into Amroth. Return to Tenby to complete the 12 miles.
Classed as easy
For further details contact :
To book accommodation online >
|
