Cycling through South Wales

Self-guided tour: 8 days/7 nights

Pembrokeshire is one of Wales most stunning regions, it is indeed Wales Coastal National Park. Althoughwhale 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.

The itinerary

Saturday day 1: Individual arrival 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.

Sunday day 2: Fishguard-Fishguard loop ride 32 km/20miles
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.

Monday day 3: Fishguard to Saundersfoot – 52 km/33 miles
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.

Tuesday day 4: The Mills and Mining Trail 60 km/38 miles
Today you cycle inland through anaston 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.

Wednesday day 5: Saundersfoot to Haverfordwest 40 km/25 miles
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.

Thursday day 6: Haverfordwest to Fishguard 70 km/44 miles
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.

Friday day 7: Fishguard – Near to Cardigan – Fishguard 55 km/34 miles
This stretch of coastline is truly stunning , little commercialised 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.

Saturday day 8: Departure or extension of your trip in Wales

 

Dates & Prices

Dates 2009	Available from May to September starting on a Saturday.

Per Person in doble room	Euro 778
Per Person in single room	Euro 1050
Bike Rental	Euro 80

Extra nights: Please ask.

Included

*7 nights bed and breakfast in 4-star hotels, guest houses and country inns ( occasional we need to use good quality 3-star hotels and guest house), welcome meeting, luggage transfers, maps,route instructions.

Getting there:

There are some flights into Cardiff International airport from Brussels and charter from Verona. You can also fly into Bristol airport. From Bristol and Cardiff it is then by train to Haverfordwest. You can fly into London and then by train from London addington to Havefordwest – change once in Swansea – travel time 4 hours 50 minutes – trains every 2 hours. Train timetables at www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk.