Tri 2

coastal triathlon challenge. After taking the plunge with a swim in the beach’s sparkling waters, you’ll head along the famed Millennium Coastal Path for the cycle portion of your challenge all the way to Bynea, before returning back to Cefn Sidan and Pembrey for a run or walk through the lush woodland of Pembrey Forest. This is ideally suited for those with a good base level of fitness. To follow the route, please follow the Google Map routes and detailed descriptions below (routes are not signposted).

 

SWIM - Cefn Sidan Beach (1.5km)

This fantastic swimming beach totals 9km in length, framed by golden sands and magnificent views out to Carmarthen Bay. Start your swim from the main beach entrance, heading north west (right as you look at the beach). From here, you’ll swim 750 metres until you see a second larger path coming onto the beach, turn back and start your swim journey back to the main beach entrance to complete your 1.5km challenge. With cool, wavy waters, the swim is sure to be a physical challenge; we recommend heading up to the Sidan Pub for a bite to eat or a refreshing drink after your water-based challenge!

CYCLE - The Millennium Coastal Path (45km)

Running from Pembrey to Bynea, this stunning ribbon of path along Carmarthen Bay makes for the ideal cycle route for those in search of a challenge with incredible sea views; at a 44km round journey it’s certainly not a cycle for the feint hearted either! Begin your ride at Pembrey Country Park Dry Ski Slope (bike hire also available here, please contact 01554 834443), after leaving the centre, turn right then left, then left again (caution here - narrow busy road), follow the Millennium Coastal Path eastwards, taking you along the glorious Carmarthen coast. En-route you’ll pass sandy beaches, vast sand dunes, secluded bays, the picturesque Burry Port Harbour and vibrant Llanelli, with its Discovery Centre (and great cafe should you be in need of sustenance!). From there, you’ll follow the cycle path around Machynys Peninsula passing the 'Jack Nicklaus' designed golf course and the Welsh Wetlands Centre, continuing along the estuarine section of path until you reach Bynea. Here, you’ll see a bridge across the main road which marks the end of the route, turn back here and re-trace your path westwards along the Millennium Coastal Path to complete your 44km ride, finishing at Pembrey Country Park Dry Ski Slope.

RUN / WALK - Pembrey Forest (10km)

Once your cycle is complete there’s just one leg of the coastal triathlon to complete - the run - and what better a setting than the miles of glorious forest and beach paths of Pembrey Country Park. For a 10km route, head off from the cafe nearest the beach. Head inland from the cafe and start your run by turning first left and following the track behind the sand dunes. Run for 750m, path bends to the right, continuing for 200m, at the fork in the road bear left passed the nature pond. Continue for 300m, then straight ahead at the junction and continue into the trees for 1200m, before taking the 4th turning on the right. Continue along the track, taking the 2nd right after around 700m. Follow the track as it curves through the forest for approx. 3.7km. Eventually you'll get to the main Country Park entrance road, where you'll turn right and follow this road (Factory Road) to the Park gates. Take the first left when in the Park (at the Ski Slope sign), then bear left and follow the road around to the right, which will bring you back to your starting point by the cafe, completing your run. The beach cafe is a great spot for a cold drink to reward your hard work!