The best walks and hikes around New Moat

The trails offer a balanced mix for most abilities. Out of more than 90 routes in the area, about half are rated as easy and half as moderate, with only a couple of trails considered difficult. You'll find everything from gentle lakeside paths at Llys-y-Frân to more sustained climbs in the Preseli Hills.

Yes, many of the best walks are loops. For a moderate riverside walk, the Gelli Bridge – Llawhaden Bridge loop from Llawhaden is a great option that follows the Eastern Cleddau river. Most trails starting from Rosebush or Llys-y-Frân Country Park are also designed as circular routes.

Llys-y-Frân Lake and Country Park is perfect for families, offering several easy trails under seven miles that wind through woodlands and along the scenic shoreline. For a shorter walk with a unique feature, the Quarry Swimming Spot loop from Rosebush is an easy 2.6-mile (4.1 km) trail suitable for most ages.

Many trails in the region are dog-friendly, but be mindful of the environment. In the Preseli Hills, you'll encounter open moorland with grazing livestock, including wild ponies, so dogs must be kept on a lead. Woodland and lakeside paths are generally more relaxed, but always check local signage.

The Preseli Hills are rich in history. The area is known for its Neolithic sites, including burial cairns and standing stones, many of which can be seen along the ancient Golden Road trackway. For a castle view, some routes pass near the ruins of Llawhaden Castle, offering a glimpse into the area's medieval past.

The landscape is very diverse. You can experience the wild, open moorland and rocky tors of the Preseli Hills, the tranquil woodlands and shoreline of Llys-y-Frân Lake, and the rolling farmland along the Cleddau rivers. The higher elevations in the Preselis offer panoramic views across Pembrokeshire.

For a more demanding day out, tackling the highest point in Pembrokeshire is a great objective. The Foel Cwmcerwyn Trig Point – Foel Cwmcerwyn summit loop from Rosebush is a 9-mile (14.5 km) hike with a significant ascent that rewards you with expansive views.

The village of Rosebush serves as a popular starting point for many hikes into the Preseli Hills, including trails to Foel Cwmcerwyn and the old slate quarry. There is roadside parking available, but it can be limited during peak times. Llys-y-Frân Lake and Country Park also has a large dedicated car park for visitors using its trails.

Yes, the village of Rosebush, a common trailhead for the Preseli Hills, has a pub that is popular with walkers for post-hike refreshments. Additionally, the redeveloped Llys-y-Frân Lake visitor centre includes a café with views over the water, making it a convenient stop before or after a walk.

The region is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Hikers often praise the variety of landscapes in such a compact area, from the ancient, myth-laden atmosphere of the Preseli Hills to the peaceful lakeside paths at Llys-y-Frân.

While New Moat is very close to Llys-y-Frân, most established hiking routes start from the lake's dedicated country park and visitor centre. This provides access to the well-maintained network of shoreline and woodland trails. It's a very short drive from the village to the park's main entrance.