Mountain biking holidays in Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire is famous for its beautiful coastline stretching 186-miles. But did you know it’s also a hotspot for mountain biking? 

Here, you can find trails suited for all levels of riders, from families to novices.

Here are some must-try trails in different parts of Pembrokeshire:

Llys-y-Fran Trail: Nestled in a country park with views of the Preseli Hills, the Llys-y-Fran Reservoir trail features a well-maintained track encircling the reservoir. Additional routes, totaling 1.5 miles, offer deviations from the main path, providing a variety of landscapes to explore. The routes are color-coded blue and red based on difficulty, with blue trails offering shorter but vigorous climbs and red trails featuring long, sustained climbs. Riders must adhere to an anticlockwise direction, and it’s important to share the trails with walkers, who have the right of way. After the ride, cyclists can replenish at the on-site café and enjoy the adventure playground and dog agility center.

Brunel Cycle Route: The Brunel Cycle Route, part of the Celtic Trail, offers a leisurely ride through picturesque landscapes and historic sites. Starting either at Haverfordwest or Neyland Marina, cyclists can enjoy views of colorful yachts at Brunel Quay before following the Cleddau Estuary through Westfield Pill Nature Reserve. The route then connects to the former Great Western Railway line, built under the guidance of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Highlights include a visit to Haverfordwest’s castle ruins and priory before returning to Brunel Quay. Spanning 19 miles, this route is rated easy to moderate, with a highlight being Merlin’s Bridge, where visitors can explore the water meadows of Cinnamon Grove.

Canaston Woods Cycle Trails: Situated near Narberth, Canaston Woods offers traffic-free paths suitable for families and riders of all levels. The trails, totaling 420 acres, are color-coded according to difficulty, ranging from well-surfaced, flat family trails to more challenging unsurfaced bridleways. The canopy of the woods provides shade during warmer months, and several streams offer refreshing splashes as riders traverse the area. Caution is advised to give way to horse riders who also share the trails. One of the highlights is the Canaston Wood Circular, a 3.8-mile easy route, offering a quiet trail experience with minimal encounters with other cyclists.

Last Invasion Trail: Starting from the coastal village of Goodwick, the Last Invasion Trail offers not only spectacular ocean views but also a journey through history. Riders can explore sites from the last invasion of Britain in 1797, when a French force landed near Fishguard. Despite its short duration, the invasion left a significant mark on the region’s history. The trail spans 18-miles and presents a moderate to difficult challenge, with highlights including a Neolithic burial site showcasing several exposed tombs beyond the Goodwick harbor village.

Preseli Stones Trail: Beginning in the village of Rosebush, the Preseli Stones Trail leads riders along the southern foothills of the Preseli Mountains, offering outstanding views and a glimpse into Welsh history. Passing through Maenclochog, Mynachlogddu, and Rhos Fach Common, cyclists can marvel at the dolerite rock outcrops of Carn Menyn, believed to be the source of Stonehenge’s bluestones. Spanning 12 miles, this moderate route offers a visit to Rosebush with its old zinc pub, slate quarries, and railway relics as a post-ride treat.

The Celtic Trail: For those with time to spare and a desire to explore the breadth of South Wales, the Celtic Trail offers an extensive adventure. Stretching 358 miles from the Irish Sea to the English border, this long-distance route encompasses coastal paths, riverside trails, and old railway lines. Family-friendly, traffic-free paths are abundant, with some sections offering slightly more challenging routes. Highlights include a stretch from Tenby to Pembroke, where cyclists can enjoy the beauty of South Pembrokeshire.

These trails offer a mix of scenery and history, making them perfect for exploring Pembrokeshire on two wheels.

Book your stay at Newgale Holidays for your next exhilarating mountain biking holiday!