The best MTB trails around Cilgerran

Embark on the Preseli Hills Loop, a moderate mountain biking route that takes you through classic Welsh landscapes. You'll navigate treeless, open hills, wooded valleys, and rocky tors, experiencing a wild and historically rich journey. The 16.2-mile (26.0 km) trail involves a significant climb of 1444 feet (440 metres), offering panoramic views across Cardigan Bay. Expect to complete this adventure in about 2 hours and 3 minutes, riding across natural moorland and forestry tracks. As you pedal, you'll encounter ancient landmarks like the notable Waun Mawn Standing Stones, adding a unique historical layer to your ride.

Before you set out, be aware that conditions on the Preseli Hills Loop can vary significantly. Sections of the trail can become boggy and challenging, especially during wet weather and on ascents, so prepare for varied terrain. Due to the natural and less-defined nature of many paths, carrying a guidebook or using GPS for navigation is highly recommended. While an e-bike can assist on the steeper, muddier climbs, you might still find yourself needing to push your bike at certain points.

This route is a journey through time, showcasing the unique geology and rich cultural heritage of the Preseli Hills. You'll discover ancient burial chambers and other historical artifacts scattered across the landscape, providing a glimpse into the past. The open hills offer expansive vistas, and on clear days, you can even see as far as Snowdonia, making the Preseli Hills Loop a truly distinctive experience in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Embark on a moderate mountain biking adventure through the Preseli Hills loop via Rosebush Quarry. This 11.0-mile (17.7 km) route features a diverse landscape, from forestry tracks and open moorland to ancient bridleways. You will climb 1120 feet (341 metres) over varied terrain, including rocky sections and grassy singletrack, with the ride typically taking around 1 hours and 31 minutes. Expect panoramic views across west Wales, and on clear days, you might even spot Snowdonia or Ireland's Wicklow Hills, all while passing through the wild, ancient feel of the treeless hills and craggy tors.

To make the most of your ride, consider tackling this loop during drier months, such as spring or summer. This helps avoid the boggiest sections, which can be challenging even in warmer weather, and ensures better conditions for enjoying the views. Be prepared for quickly changing weather in this exposed landscape, and bring good navigation skills. The trail begins near Rosebush village, transitioning from minor roads to dirt tracks and forest roads.

This trail is steeped in history, featuring the 5,000-year-old Golden Road, an ancient moorland trail central to Celtic folklore. You will also pass by sites like Carn Menyn, believed to be the source of Stonehenge's bluestones, and other prehistoric monuments. The disused slate quarry at Rosebush serves as a distinctive landmark, reflecting the area's industrial past and adding another layer to the rich narrative of this Pembrokeshire Coast National Park route.

Embark on the St.Dogmaels, Poppit Sands and Pantsaeson Hill loop, a moderate mountain biking route that takes you through diverse landscapes. You will cover 13.1 miles (21.1 km) with an elevation gain of 1468 feet (447 metres), offering expansive views of Cardigan Bay from coastal paths and open hillsides. Expect to complete this ride in about 1 hours and 47 minutes, navigating ancient woodlands and enjoying the fresh sea air.

This route is situated within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, providing accessible starting points for your adventure. While specific parking details are not provided, Poppit Sands is a well-known area, suggesting general parking options are available for visitors. Plan your visit to make the most of the coastal scenery and ensure you have enough time to explore the area.

The trail offers a blend of natural beauty and historical interest, passing by the historic St Dogmaels Abbey. You will also experience the pristine Poppit Sands beach, famous for its soft sand and rock pools, which adds a unique coastal element to your ride. This loop highlights the rugged cliffs and sandy beaches that define the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Embark on a diverse mountain biking adventure through the Preseli Hills and around Llys-y-frân dam. This moderate route spans 33.0 miles (53.1 km) and features a total elevation gain of 2948 feet (898 metres), offering a rewarding challenge that typically takes around 4 hours and 12 minutes to complete. You'll traverse ancient bridleways and purpose-built trails, enjoying panoramic views from the historic Golden Road in the Preseli Hills before descending to the wooded slopes surrounding the Llys-y-frân Reservoir.

Planning your ride requires good fitness and advanced riding skills, especially for the more remote sections within the Preseli Hills. Be aware that parts of the Golden Road can become boggy in wet conditions, potentially requiring you to push your bike. The Llys-y-frân activity center provides convenient amenities like bike hire, a pump track, and a skills area, making it a great starting or finishing point for your journey.

This loop offers a unique blend of natural and structured mountain biking experiences within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. You'll ride along the historic Golden Road, an 11-kilometer bridleway that follows the main ridge of the Preseli Hills, known for its far-reaching vistas. The route then transitions to the modern trails winding through the scenic area around the Llys-y-frân Reservoir, providing a varied and engaging ride that highlights the region's diverse landscapes.