Coast & Countryside

Celtic Trails

The Celtic Trail has something for everyone. If you’re after a challenging ride with stunning coastal views or a family-fun activity with lots of lovely places to stop, then you will find it all here.

At 146 miles, this is the longest of the three circular routes on the Celtic Trail and it’s also the most spectacular, taking in the Preseli Hills and the stunning Pembrokeshire coast. Set out from Carmarthen and the route takes you to Fishguard, St David’s and then back via Haverfordwest and Tenby.

Be sure to make a stop Dylan Thomas’s Boathouse in Laugharne and head to Brown’s Hotel for a well-earned pint.

This is just 42 miles, but it makes a good weekend route that’s ideal for exploring castles and coastline. Head out of Carmarthen on route 47 and should plan a stop at the National Botanic Garden of Wales. There’s a great descent from Capel Sion into Llanelli. Take route 4 back, following the Millennium Coastal Path through Pembrey Forest to Kidwelly and then following the River Towy into Carmarthen.

Rent your bikes at the Pembrey Ski Centre and set out along one of the best traffic-free sections of the Celtic Trail. There are great beaches on offer and this is a superb place for families and anyone who wants to escape the motorcar. It’s a fantastic day ride.

Llanelli is at the hub of two long traffic free paths adding up to some 27 miles, all relatively flat and very scenic which can take you along the coast between Loughor Bridge and Kidwelly or up the gradual incline of the old Mynydd Mawr railway line as far as Cross Hands.

The coastal route has spectacular bracing views across the Loughor Estuary while the old railway path offers a more sheltered rural route. A bit of effort is needed on the Mynydd Mawr route up to Cynheidre but from there through to Tumble and Cross Hands you are rewarded with stunning views over the Gwendraeth Valley and beyond.

Access points to both trails are numerous and since their introduction cyclists have developed their own circular routes involving quiet lanes as their confidence and cycling ability improves. People who initially struggled with the six mile return trip between Llanelli and Burry Port now regularly cycle the 22 miles to Tumble and back. The most popular access points are at Llanelli, Burry Port, Pembrey Country Park, Tumble and Cynheidre.

(Cycling Map »)