Cycling in Southern Wales
South Wales Wales: (ZZ-BKWA-H01)
URL: https://www.hiddentrails.com/tour/outdoor_biking_wales_south.aspx
Introduction
South Wales
Wales
This biking vacation in Wales follows the wonderful Pembrokeshire coastline, sections of which are a national park. The region of Pembrokeshire is in South West Wales. Not only is the scenery simply stunning but the region also has a number of historic attractions such as Pembroke castle. A castle was first built in the town of Pembroke in the 11th century. Carew Castle is also from the 11th century but was then rebuilt in stone in the 14th century. The most famous historic landmark on the route though is St David’s Cathedral, a vast building making the small hamlet of St David’s actually a city.
As tou cycle through Wales Coastal National Park, it is possible along the breath-taking coastline, to 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.
Inland the national park homes badgers and otters although they can be particularly hard to spot.
Not only will you cycle on some safe cycleways but also on minor country lanes as you take a circular route around the region.
Accomodation
Accommodation
This is a progressive trip so overnights will be spent at different locations along the way.
Description
You will stay in 3/4 star hotels, guests houses, country inns and bed and breakfast. Occasionally we have to book a nearby village in peak times which would mean a shorter day and a long days walk the next day.
Our handpicked accommodations are chosen for their accessibility to the route and warmth of welcome. We try and find accommodation which is interesting, and we are sure all our providers of accommodation will show an active interest in your tour progress.
We try and provide en-suite rooms where possible but on occasions, this may not be possible on some tours. If you insist on an en-suite room then please provide this request during the booking process.
Accommodation Itinerary for 8-day option - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Accommodation in Fishguard
Night 3 & 4: Accommodation in Saundersfoot
Night 5: Accommodation in Haverfordwest / Broad Haven
Night 6 & 7: Accommodation in Fishguard
Accommodation Itinerary for 6-day option - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Accommodation in Fishguard
Night 3 & 4: Accommodation in Saundersfoot
Night 5: Accommodation in Haverfordwest / Broad Haven
Meals
All Breakfasts are included in your package.
Riding
Insurance
It is essential that you have adequate travel insurance that you have purchased to cover cancellations, accidents, and repatriation etc. You will need to provide details (insurer, policy number and medical emergency telephone number) of the insurance you have purchased.
It is your responsibility to ensure that the insurance cover you have purchased covers you for your particular activity. We will not accept liability for any costs, losses or expenses which you incur as a result in not getting the correct level of cover.
Itinerary
Sample Itinerary: 8-day option - subject to changes
Note: It is possible to book a shorter version of this tour (6 days).
Bike (Cannondale Quick Hybrid Bikes or Lapierre/Raleigh eBikes) handover is usually on the evening of Day 1, at your first accommodation (or morning of Day 2).
Day 1: Arrival
Make your own way to the quaint port of Fishguard. Stay in a lovely guest house overlooking the sea.
Meals included: none
Overnight in Fishguard
Day 2: Cardigan Loop
This stretch of coastline is truly stunning, with 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.
Distance: 56 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Fishguard
Day 3: Fishguard to Saundersfoot
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. 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.
Distance: 52 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Saundersfoot
Day 4: Mills and Mining Trail
Cycle inland through Canaston Woods which is steeped in mining history. This whole area was a major part of Pembrokeshire's 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. Then, 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.
Distance: 64 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Saundersfoot
Day 5: Saundersfoot to Haverfordwest / Broad Haven
Make your way west along the south coast of Wales, following the Celtic trail. When 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.
Distance: 42-47 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Haverfordwest or Broad Haven
Day 6: Haverfordwest / Broad Haven to Fishguard
This morning, you cycle back to the Coastal National Park and onto St David’s which is Wales' smallest spiritual capital (St David is Wales’ Patron Saint). Visit the grand cathedral. After your visit, you can cycle to St David’s head to see the stunning views before heading north to Fishguard.
Distance: 64-69 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Fishguard
Day 7: Fishguard Loop
For your last full day, 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 you look across the sea, head back inland, with occasional views of the ragged Pembrokeshire coastline. You will reach a working Mill. Soon you will be back in Fishguard for a relaxing walk around the town.
Distance: 36 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Fishguard
Day 8: Departure
Make your own transfer arrangements.
Meals included: Breakfast
----------------------------------------
Sample Itinerary: 6-day option - subject to changes
Day 1: Arrival
Make your own way to the quaint port of Fishguard. Stay in a lovely guest house overlooking the sea.
Meals included: none
Overnight in Fishguard
Day 2: Cardigan Loop
This stretch of coastline is truly stunning, with 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.
Distance: 56 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Fishguard
Day 3: Fishguard to Saundersfoot
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. 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.
Distance: 52 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Saundersfoot
Day 4: Mills and Mining Trail
Cycle inland through Canaston Woods which is steeped in mining history. This whole area was a major part of Pembrokeshire's 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. Then, 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.
Distance: 64 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Saundersfoot
Day 5: Saundersfoot to Haverfordwest / Broad Haven
Make your way west along the south coast of Wales, following the Celtic trail. When 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.
Distance: 42-47 km
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Haverfordwest or Broad Haven
Day 8: Departure
Make your own transfer arrangements.
Meals included: Breakfast
Rates and Dates for Cycling in Southern Wales
Rates include:
Accommodations, All breakfasts, Luggage transfers & Navigation by Smart Phone App (Access code for App emailed around 3 weeks before departure)
Packages and Options
A | 2024 | 8 day trip | €1210 | $1330 |
Single supplement | €975 | $1070 |
B | 2024 | 6 day trip | €1050 | $1155 |
Single supplement | €785 | $865 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Transfer and Other Charges:
2024
|
Make your own transfer arrangements
|
€
0
|
$0
|
2024
|
Bike rental, pp
|
€
275
|
$300
|
2024
|
E-Bike rental, pp
|
€
500
|
$550
|
|
A |
2024
|
09/20
- 09/27
|
8d / 7n
|
/
|
Expired
|
B |
2024
|
09/20
- 09/25
|
6d / 5n
|
/
|
Expired
|
B |
2024
|
09/21
- 09/26
|
6d / 5n
|
/
|
Expired
|
A |
2024
|
09/21
- 09/28
|
8d / 7n
|
/
|
Expired
|
B |
2024
|
09/22
- 09/27
|
6d / 5n
|
/
|
Expired
|
A |
2024
|
09/22
- 09/29
|
8d / 7n
|
/
|
Expired
|
B |
2024
|
09/27
- 10/02
|
6d / 5n
|
/
|
Expired
|
A |
2024
|
09/27
- 10/04
|
8d / 7n
|
/
|
Expired
|
A |
2024
|
09/28
- 10/05
|
8d / 7n
|
/
|
Expired
|
B |
2024
|
09/28
- 10/03
|
6d / 5n
|
/
|
Expired
|
B |
2024
|
09/29
- 10/04
|
6d / 5n
|
/
|
Expired
|
A |
2024
|
09/29
- 10/06
|
8d / 7n
|
/
|
Expired
|
|
Dates Note:
Rates do not include:
Transfers before and after the tour, Lunches, Dinners & Travel insurance (mandatory)
Other Info
Meeting: Fishguard
Airport:
Transfer:
Climate:
Fishguard area
Month
|
Jan
|
Feb
|
Mar
|
Apr
|
May
|
Jun
|
Jul
|
Aug
|
Sep
|
Oct
|
Nov
|
Dec
|
Average High Temperature (°F)
|
45
|
44
|
47
|
51
|
57
|
61
|
65
|
64
|
60
|
56
|
50
|
47
|
Average Low Temperature (°F)
|
37
|
36
|
38
|
39
|
44
|
49
|
53
|
53
|
50
|
46
|
41
|
39
|
Average High Temperature (°C)
|
7
|
7
|
9
|
11
|
14
|
16
|
18
|
18
|
16
|
13
|
10
|
8
|
Average Low Temperature (°C)
|
3
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
7
|
10
|
12
|
12
|
10
|
8
|
5
|
4
|
Average Precipitation (days of rain)
|
15
|
11
|
12
|
11
|
10
|
9
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
14
|
15
|
15
|
Source: NOAA
Seasons
Wales has a maritime climate, characterised by weather that is often cloudy, wet and windy, but mild. Whilst some upland areas can experience harsh weather, the coasts enjoy more favorable conditions.
Spring
It's a season that's all about vivid colours, as the trees come into leaf and wildflowers bloom. Among the earliest to arrive is the wild daffodil, just in time for St David’s Day on the first day of March. One of the best displays can be found at Coed y Bwl, near Bridgend, carpeting the woodland floor in pale gold.
In April, blue becomes the theme colour. A walk in a bluebell wood is a sensory experience that’s at its best in the early morning, when the dew is lifting and the air is heady with the scent of thousands of the tiny flowers.
The waterfalls of Wales impress at any time of year, but they’re at their best in early spring. They’ve been well-fed by winter rain, ensuring a decent cascade, but the surrounding trees are leafless, creating the perfect light for photography.
Summer
Early summer brings an influx of seabirds to the coast to raise their young, turning clifftops into avian cities. Summer is also the most likely time to see dolphins, porpoises and whales.
Autumn
The annual deer rut, when a temporary madness descends on the normally placid herds, is among autumn’s greatest wildlife spectacles. A woodland walk is an autumn must-do. Wherever you go in Wales, there are forest trails where you can scuff through the fallen leaves.
And while grey seals are year-round residents of the Welsh coast, you’ll see the milky-white pups only in autumn. Seal mums choose to give birth in company, making for large colonies on many islands including Bardsey in the north and Skomer, off Pembrokeshire.
Winter
Wrap up warm for walks on windswept beaches: you’ll often find you have one to yourself. In most parts of Wales, you’re more likely to have a light dusting of snow than a full-on flurry (though it does sometimes happen). Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) blanketed in white is a magnificent sight, though you probably won't be able to get to the top: the mountain railway gets a well-earned rest each winter, and the ascent by foot is for expert climbers only.
What To Bring:
Your luggage is transported for you every day. Luggage is limited to one bag per person and with a weight limit of 20kg.
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