The Pembrokeshire Tourism Blog

The Best Cycling Tours and Trails in Pembrokeshire

With its spectacular landscape, winding country lanes and fresh sea air there’s no better place than Pembrokeshire to go for a spin on your bike. Whether you’re a budding Bradley Wiggins or more of a relaxed cyclist, our stunning county has fantastic tour events and scenic trails to tempt riders of all abilities. Here are our picks of some of the best cycling experiences in Pembrokeshire.

 

Photo credit: Preseli Angel

Sunday 30th April sees the 10th anniversary of the Preseli Angel,

Photo credit: Tour of Pembrokeshire

Further down the coast on the St David’s peninsula, this year’s Tour of Pembrokeshire takes place on the 20th and 21st May. Twinned with the Tour of Brittany and popular with British and continental riders this is an event with a big reputation. Also in its tenth year, it has attracted legendary riders such as cycling great Chris Boardman and is going from strength to strength. There are a few routes to choose from: on Saturday 20th you can cycle 60 miles, 80 miles or, if you’re really up for a challenge, 130 miles. If you fancy yourself as a King of the Mountains, this is your route - with 13,000 feet of incredible climbs it’s certainly not for the faint-hearted! On Sunday 21st there's a choice between a 28 or 40 mile tour designed for families or those wanting a recovery ride after all that effort on Saturday. Like the Preseli Angel, the routes combine stunning coastal terrain with the wooded valleys and moors that lay further inland so there's no better way to experience the beauty of Pembrokeshire.   

Photo credit: Pembrokeshire Cycle Trail

If an organised touring event isn’t your cup of tea, there are plenty of alternative cycle routes that you can tackle in your own time. The Legends Cycle Trail

 Photo credit: explorebritain.com

Of course, if you’re more of a cycling maverick you can always just grab a map and go where the mood takes you; it’s all part of the fun of exploring our beautiful county! Detour on a whim, stop off in one of our charming villages to refuel or pause to enjoy the incredible views when your legs get a bit tired – there’s so much to enjoy about cycling around Pembrokeshire. The abundance of country lanes and off-road trails crossing the landscape make it a really accessible and exciting place for cyclists of all abilities, with a mix of terrain and stunning vistas you won’t find anywhere else. So what are you waiting for? Dust off that lycra and get on your bike!

From broad swathes of golden sand to cosy coves hidden amongst the towering cliffs, Pembrokeshire is home to some of the world’s most stunning beaches. We also boast some of the freshest air and cleanest waters in the country, with many beaches being given Green Coast and Blue Flag recognition. On a warm day, our shores are the perfect spot for a cooling dip, playing a lazy round of cricket or simply relaxing in the sun. But if the weather isn’t so obliging there’s still plenty to do, from exploring mysterious rock pools and caves to flying a kite or just taking a leisurely stroll. Now that spring is in the air, it’s the perfect time to pack that picnic, dig out the bucket and spade and enjoy a great family day out.

Poppit Sands

In the north of the county on the Teifi estuary near St Dogmaels, lies Poppit Sands. At low tide, this is a long, wide beach which never feels overcrowded and has spectacular views of Cardigan Island. At high tide, only a thin stretch of sand remains but the path-streaked dunes that lie behind it are the perfect place for a walk or game of hide and seek. There is a car park and small cafe opposite the lifeboat station.

Ceibwr

An isolated cove about 6 miles north of Newport reached via a narrow road from the village of Moylegrove and great for sea fishing or as a route to the coast path. Probably not a bucket and spade beach or one suited to younger children but it has other charms - 1km to the south lies The Witches’ Cauldron, a spectacular blowhole where the sea rushes up through an old collapsed cave. No facilities or parking available, though you can park in Moylegrove village.

Whitesands

If you’re a keen surfer, Whitesands is the place for you but it’s equally popular with ordinary beach-goers. Located 2 miles from St Davids on the rocky headland, it has fine white sand, views of Ramsey Island and is sometimes visited by curious seals and porpoises. Parking is available above the beach with toilets, a cafe and surf hire available.

Druidston Haven

This is a more remote treasure but is well worth a visit to marvel at the spectacular cliffs and natural arches. It’s perhaps more suited to families with older children as the paths to the beach are quite steep. There are a few parking spaces on the narrow coast road between Newgale and Broad Haven but the nearest facilities are located in the neighbouring villages.

Marloes

A beautiful and rarely crowded expanse of sand , this beach was used as a location for the Hollywood film Snow White and the Huntsman. At points, lines of rock stretch from the cliffs towards the sea creating separate bays, though be careful the tide doesn’t cut you off whilst exploring the rock pools. This is a great place to enjoy a stroll and look for wildlife. The nearest facilities are in the nearby village of Marloes but parking is available above the beach.

West Angle Bay

Follow the signs from the village of Angle on the Milford Haven estuary and you will reach the small, sheltered cove of West Angle. This sandy beach looks out over Thorn Island Fort, an old coastal defence and is great for swimming, fishing and rock-pooling – if you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of the rare cushion starfish here. There is a car park, toilets and a cafe at the beach.

Broad Haven South

A popular spot all year round, this large beach lies below the dunes next to Bosherston Lily Ponds, just south of Pembroke. Its famous Church Rock juts dramatically from the sea and at low tide there are spring-water pools and streams for children to play in. Steep paths lead from the car park to the south but access for those with pushchairs or wheelchairs is easier via the Lily Ponds. Parking and facilities are available in Bosherston village.

Swanlake Bay

Between Freshwater East and Manorbier is the hidden gem of Swanlake Bay. It’s a bit more remote than some nearby beaches but this means it’s quieter – a great place to spot birds, take a walk or run off excess energy. There are no facilities on site so it’s best to park at Manorbier and walk to Swanlake on the coast path.

Manorbier

A favourite of families and surfers located 6 miles from Tenby. If you like a bit of history with your trip to the seaside, this dune-backed beach is overlooked by the imposing Manorbier castle and has a Neolithic burial chamber on the headland to the south. There is a cafe, toilets and parking near the beach and good wheelchair access.

Glen Beach Saundersfoot

A small, sandy beach with streams and rock pools, there’s plenty to keep the kids occupied. The sea is also quite shallow here so it’s good for swimming. At low tide it is connected to the western end of Saundersfoot beach but it is covered at high tide so take care not to get cut off. There is access via the harbour ramp or you can take a path from the road through Glen Woods, though this way is a little steep. The nearest facilities are in Saundersfoot.

We hope you have a great time enjoying our wonderful shoreline. Please remember to stay safe by being mindful of strong currents and by checking the tide tables before you set off.

If you or someone else are in danger on the coast DIAL 999 and ask for the Coastguard.