The best cycling routes in Pembrokeshire

Embark on an easy touring bicycle ride around the Llys-y-fran Country Park & Reservoir, a tranquil escape nestled within the picturesque Preseli Mountains. This 6.2-mile (10.1 km) loop, which you can complete in about 56 minutes, offers scenic views as you wind through woodlands and ride closely alongside the water. You will gain about 385 feet (117 metres) in elevation, encountering a varied surface of stone, gravel, and occasional muddy stretches, with some

Embark on a difficult touring bicycle adventure along the Fishguard to St. Davids loop, a 39.9-mile (64.1 km) route with 2542 feet (775 metres) of elevation gain. This challenging ride, taking around 4 hours and 5 minutes, immerses you in the dramatic coastal scenery of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. You will encounter towering cliffs, picturesque harbors, and glimpses of the sea, with the approach to St. Davids offering particularly fantastic views of the UK's smallest city.

This route demands very good fitness due to its hilly nature and significant elevation changes. While predominantly paved, consisting of roads, state roads, streets, and cycleways, be prepared for some unpaved segments that might require you to push your bike. The section south from Fishguard transitions from a traffic-free path to hilly country lanes, and the final part from Carmarthen to St. Davids and Fishguard follows continuously undulating minor coastal roads.

The Fishguard to St. Davids loop is part of the National Cycle Network and lies within the acclaimed Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, celebrated for one of Europe's most spectacular coastlines. The park is rich in cultural and historical heritage, featuring ancient castles and Neolithic burial chambers. Your journey culminates in St. Davids, home to a magnificent cathedral, making this a truly notable touring bicycle experience.

Embark on a touring bicycle adventure through the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park with the Solva and Croes-goch loop from St Davids. This moderate route spans 21.9 miles (35.3 km) and includes 1075 feet (328 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 2 hours and 11 minutes to complete. You will cycle along rugged coastal stretches, offering views of dramatic cliffs and sheltered coves, particularly as you approach the picturesque Solva Harbour. The trail then guides you inland, revealing tranquil landscapes and a different side of the region's natural beauty. Expect a varied terrain that keeps your ride engaging from start to finish.

When planning your ride, be aware that approximately 39% of the route's surfaces are undefined, meaning you may encounter unpaved sections. These segments can be challenging to ride and might require you to dismount and push your bike at times. The trail transitions from the main A487 road to quieter back lanes, so be prepared for varying traffic conditions. Ensure your touring bicycle is suitable for mixed surfaces to fully enjoy the experience.

This loop offers a unique blend of natural and historical interest. Beyond the stunning coastal vistas, you will pass a disused Second World War airfield, which has now been repurposed as a nature reserve. This provides a fascinating contrast to the ancient landscapes and offers a moment to reflect on the area's past. The route highlights the diverse character of the Pembrokeshire Coast, from its dramatic shoreline to its peaceful inland expanses.

Embark on the Pembroke Castle to West Angle Bay loop, a moderate touring cycling route spanning 23.3 miles (37.5 km) with an elevation gain of 1020 feet (311 metres). This ride typically takes around 2 hours and 17 minutes to complete. You'll experience a diverse landscape, from the dramatic coastal scenery of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park to historical landmarks. The route is predominantly on paved surfaces, offering picturesque views of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and rolling inland hills. A major highlight is Pembroke Castle, a magnificent medieval structure that dominates the town and marks the start of your journey.

This popular loop is suitable for touring cyclists with good fitness, though most gradients are shallow. While the route is largely paved, some sections in the wider Pembrokeshire Coast National Park can be unpaved, requiring more effort. The path from Angle skirts East Angle Bay, providing views of estuarine inlets and sheltered bays. You can expect to encounter golden beaches, extensive sea views, ancient woodlands, and marsh wetlands along the way.

This loop is one of the most highly rated touring cycling routes around Pembroke, blending natural beauty with significant historical sites. The southern Pembrokeshire Coast, while generally flatter than its northern counterpart, is equally dramatic, featuring pristine beaches and impressive vertical sea cliffs. Beyond Pembroke Castle, you might spot Thorne Island with its Victorian fort or Chapel Bay Fort, now a museum. Angle Bay itself is a haven for wading birds, adding to the rich wildlife you can observe.

Embark on the St. David's Head beaches to Blue Lagoon loop, a moderate touring cycling route that takes you through the diverse landscapes of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Over 22.2 miles (35.7 km), you will experience spectacular coastal views, rugged cliffs, and golden sandy stretches like Whitesands Beach. The route also includes a total elevation gain of 1196 feet (365 metres), offering a good workout as you cycle past picturesque harbors and inland farmland dotted with rocky outcrops. You can expect to complete this journey in about 2 hours and 13 minutes, immersing yourself in the unique Welsh scenery.

When planning your ride, consider starting from Abereiddy Beach, where convenient parking is available. This makes it an ideal base for exploring the striking Blue Lagoon and its surroundings. The trail is mostly paved, with approximately 24.0 km of asphalt and 11.3 km of other paved surfaces, ensuring a smooth ride for much of the way. However, be prepared for some short segments that might be unpaved or challenging, where you may need to walk your bike for a brief period.

This touring cycling adventure offers a chance to discover the dramatic beauty of the Pembrokeshire coastline, including the unique Blue Lagoon at Abereiddy. This flooded slate quarry is known for its deep, greenish-blue waters, providing a memorable visual highlight. As you cycle, you will pass through charming harbors such as Porth Clais and Porthgain, each adding to the rich tapestry of the region's natural and historical appeal. The varied terrain and coastal vistas make this loop a rewarding experience for any cyclist.

This touring cycling route takes you along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, offering a moderately challenging ride of 21.1 miles (34.0 km) with 1055 feet (322 metres) of elevation gain. You can expect to complete it in about 2 hours and 19 minutes. The trail features spectacular coastal scenery, including the magnificent natural rock arch of the Green Bridge of Wales and the impressive limestone pillars of Stack Rocks, home to numerous seabirds. While much of the route is on mostly paved surfaces, be aware that sections within the Castlemartin Range are bridleways with a stony surface.

Before you set out, it is crucial to check access information, as the trail runs through the Ministry of Defence's Castlemartin Firing Range. Access can be restricted at certain times for military exercises, so always check the firing notice or contact the Pembroke Visitor Centre for opening times. This ensures you can plan your visit without unexpected closures. The area is generally remote and windswept, so prepare for varying weather conditions.

This route is particularly notable as one of the few sections of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path where cycling is permitted, offering a rare opportunity to explore this dramatic coastline by bike. Beyond the natural wonders, you will also encounter St. Govan's Chapel, a tiny 13th-century chapel nestled into the cliffs. Its atmospheric location is well worth the descent down a long, steep set of steps. The area's history as a firing range has inadvertently preserved its wild character and rich wildlife.

Embark on the Preseli Hills loop, a challenging touring bicycle route through the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. This difficult 34.6-mile (55.7 km) journey, which typically takes around 3 hours and 36 minutes, features a significant elevation gain of 2413 feet (735 metres). You will cycle on a mix of quiet country roads and some unpaved sections, traversing wild, open moorland and heather-swathed slopes. Expect panoramic views across West Wales, with glimpses of Snowdonia and even Ireland's Wicklow Hills on clear days, as you pass through ancient woodlands and the peaceful Gwaun Valley.

Planning your visit requires good fitness due to the substantial climbs and varied terrain. While mostly paved, some sections may include dirt tracks or moorland bridleways, and you might even need to push your bike on steeper segments. The route is suitable for well-prepared touring cyclists comfortable with climbs and potentially boggy conditions. Refreshment opportunities, such as Tafarn Sinc in Rosebush, are available along some routes, offering a chance to refuel and enjoy local fare.

The Preseli Hills are steeped in history and natural beauty, making this route particularly notable. You will encounter an ancient landscape with megalithic monuments and stone circles, including the legendary 5,000-year-old "Golden Road." This area is reputedly the source of the bluestones used in Stonehenge and is connected to King Arthur. The region offers a remote and unspoilt escape, showcasing diverse ecosystems from wooded valleys to expansive mountains, providing a deep historical immersion alongside physical exertion.

Embark on the Tenby and Saundersfoot loop from Pembroke Dock, a difficult touring cycling experience through the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. This challenging route spans 30.8 miles (49.6 km) with a significant elevation gain of 1598 feet (487 metres), typically taking around 3 hours and 4 minutes to complete. As you cycle, you will encounter dramatic cliffs, expansive sandy beaches, and picturesque fishing harbors, with tantalizing glimpses of the sea and ancient woodlands. Look for Tenby's vibrant, pastel-colored townhouses, its golden sandy beach, and the 13th-century medieval town walls, alongside Saundersfoot's beautiful wide sandy beach and pretty harbor.

Cyclists undertaking this route should possess very good fitness due to the significant elevation gains and length. While much of the route features mostly paved surfaces, be prepared for some segments that may be unpaved and difficult to ride, potentially requiring you to dismount and push your bike. The coastal path between Tenby and Saundersfoot offers stunning views, passing serene beaches like Waterwynch Bay and Monkstone Beach. Plan your visit to allow ample time to navigate these varied terrains and enjoy the coastal scenery.

This loop is particularly notable for combining the natural beauty of one of Europe's most spectacular coastlines with rich historical elements. You can explore diverse landscapes, from coastal paths to verdant countryside, and encounter historical sites such as Pembroke Castle and Tenby's medieval fortifications. The region also features unique sections that utilize old railway lines converted into traffic-free paths, offering wide, well-surfaced sections that traverse wooded valleys and tunnels. This makes the area an excellent base for cycling, promising scenic coastal views and a memorable touring experience.

Embark on a moderate touring bicycle adventure along the Milford Haven to Little Haven loop, a 27.6 miles (44.5 km) journey that takes about 2 hours and 46 minutes to complete. You will experience a diverse landscape, from the tranquil Cleddau Estuary to the vibrant Neyland Marina. As you cycle, you will gain 1452 feet (442 metres) in elevation, encountering both flat, traffic-free sections and some varied terrain with uphill segments. The route offers picturesque views across open countryside and passes through the Westfield Pill Nature Reserve. You can also look forward to seeing the sheltered shingle and sand of Gelliswick Bay, a perfect spot to pause and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.

This loop is best suited for those with good fitness due to its moderate difficulty and varied terrain, which includes some road sections. While much of the route is paved, be aware that you will encounter a small unpaved section. Consider starting your ride early in the day to fully enjoy the scenery and avoid busier times, especially around popular coastal spots. Always check local conditions before heading out, as weather can change quickly along the coast.

The trail offers a unique blend of historical significance and natural beauty, making it a standout route in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. You will follow parts of the historic Brunel Cycle Trail, which adds a layer of heritage to your ride. Keep an eye out for the viewpoint overlooking Musselwick Bay, providing another stunning coastal vista. This route is an excellent way to explore the diverse landscapes and charming coastal communities of this protected area.