Cycling Pembrokeshire Coast - Wales (UK)

Pembrokeshire is one of Wales most stunning regions in Wales Coastal National Park. Enjoy the wild landscape and breathtaking coastline of Wales and see some sea and birdlife during this self-guided bike tour!
Pembrokeshire is one of Wales most stunning regions, it is indeed Wales Coastal National Park. Although whale watching is possible along the breathtaking coastline you will most likely see dolphins and porpoises. In the north part of the tour Cardigan Bay is a permanent residence of these fabulous creatures. Here you can take boat trips to explore the sea life. The coastline is also a haven for great birdlife.
Trips start every Saturday.

Trip Highlights:

• Visit the Blackpool Mill which is one of Britain’s best examples of a corn grist mill
• Visit the castle in Pembroke
• Relax on one of the lovely sandy beaches
• Ride along the stunning coastline of Wales and up the Cym Gwaun Valley
• Total distance: 309 km, 192 mi.

The indicated routes are approximate on Google Maps.

Day 1 Arrive Fishguard 
Today arrive in the quaint port of Fishguard. From here you could catch the ferry to Ireland! Stay in our wonderful guest house overlooking the sea from the rear of the property and gardens.

Day 2 Cycle trip: Fishguard - Fishguard 
Distance: 32 km, 20 mi. Today you have a fabulous coastal ride heading west visiting first a tiny ancient chapel in Llanwnda before heading to the lighthouse at Stumble Head. After your look across the sea you head back inland, with occasional views of the ragged Pembrokeshire coast line you will reach a working Mill. Soon you will be back in Fishguard for a relaxing walk around the town.

Day 3 Cycle trip: Fishguard - Saundersfoot 
Distance: 52 km, 32 mi. Today you cycle in the wild area of the Preseli Hills famous for its ponies and blue stones. These blue rocks are where the stones used to build Stonehenge came from but you can only wonder how centuries ago these huge rocks were transported from Wales to South England!. Along this route you will see many Neolithic and Bronze Age standing stones used to build Stonehenge. You will soon turn south and follow the rolling hills towards the south coast and the beautiful fishing village of Saundersfoot. Take a walk on the wonderful sandy beach before enjoying the evening in one of the many local restaurants.

Day 4 Cycle trip: The Mills and Mining 
Distance: 60 km, 37 mi. Today's bike tour leads you inland through Canaston Woods which is steeped in mining history. This whole area was a major part of Pembrokeshires coal fields from the 17th Century. Soon you reach Blackpool Mill which is one of Britain’s best examples of a corn grist mill. Visit and see the milling machinery. Now you follow the river estuary upstream , look out for the birdlife on the River banks. Soon you will reach Carew Castle before circling back to Saundersfoot.

Day 5 Cycle trip: Saundersfoot - Haverford 
Distance: 40 km, 25 mi. Today you cycle west along the south coast of Wales along the Celtic trail. You arrive in Pembroke, visit the castle and have a break before continuing north to Haverfordwest . As an optional ride you can head towards the coast and Brides Bay. Relax on one of the lovely sandy beaches. You are now right in the coastal National Park.

Day 6 Cycle trip: Haverfordwest - Fishguard
Distance: 70 km, 43 mi. First you cycle back to the coastal National Park and onto St. David’s which is Wales smallest spiritual capital (St. David is Wales’ Saint Patron) and its cathedral. After you visit maybe cycle onto St David’s head to see the stunning views before heading north to Newport.

Day 7 Cycle trip: Fishguard - Near to Cardigan - Fishguard 
Distance: 55 km, 34 mi. This stretch of coastline is truly stunning, little commercialized means less people apart from real nature lovers. You will cycle up the stunning Cym Gwaun Valley right into the Welsh hills before looping back to the west coast of Pembrokeshire. You can take a detour to Cardigan, a superb town and the head of a beautiful river. A few chances to relax on a nice sandy beach before heading back over the hills to Fishguard.

Day 8 Fishguard
The cycling tour in beautiful Wales ends after breakfast.

Included:

• 7 nights bed and breakfast in 3 to 4 star hotels, guest houses and country inns (for an image selection, please see Flickr)
  
• Luggage transfers
• Telephone assistance, just a phone call away
• Detailed route description and map in English

Not included:

• Flights and public transportation
• Travel insurance
• Bike rental
• Any items not mentioned in the program

Optional services (to be booked in advance):

• Additional night(s) at any of the accommodations (please use booking remarks field)
• Airport or station arrival and/or departure transfers
• Single supplement
• Bike rental $Cdn 113.-

Additional information:
Moderate trails along the coast line and on sometimes rolling hills.

How to get there:
The main airports are Cardiff International Airport or Bristol Airport. From Bristol and Cardiff it is then by train to Haverfordwest. You can also fly into London and then by train from London Paddington to Havefordwest, change once in Swansea.

Travel time 4 hours 50 minutes, trains every 2 hours.Train timetables at www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk. Bike handover is the local bike shop usually before 5 - 5.30pm in Fishguard on day 1.

Tip: For online rail connections and reservations visit Rail Europe.