Discover four of the best family bike rides in Pembrokeshire. We love going for family bike rides, but don’t love hills! Surprisingly there is a good choice of flat routes that you can take if you want to go for a bike ride in Pembrokeshire with kids.
This travel guide will help you plan your own family bike ride. It will tell you the starting point, distance and things to to see on the family bike ride. More importantly, it will provide a map of each route. All of the bike routes are away from roads and make the most of the spectacular Welsh countryside and coastline.
Here are our favourite traffic-free, flat family bike rides in Pembrokeshire:-
The Dramway Trail
Distance: 4 miles return
The Dramway Trail starts in the lovely seaside town of Saundersfoot. It is flat, easy and surfaced and extremely family-friendly.
From the town centre, head to The Strand, near the beach front. Then, follow the disused railway line through the old railway tunnels to Wiseman’s Bridge.
This is a scenic 4-mile return bike ride along the coastal path, so perfect for little legs or a beginner. There are great views of the Pembrokeshire coast and you could stop at the beach or Coast restaurant on the way.
Refreshments: Stop for a drink at Wiseman’s Bridge Inn when you get there
St Govan’s Head
Distance: 8 miles return
Start: Car park at Broad Haven (South) – National Trust fee applies for non-members
This is our favourite of the family bike rides in Pembrokeshire, as there is so much to see on the way. The trail follows the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path from Broad Haven South and is the only part of this coastal trail that is accessible by bike.
It is a really picturesque cycle ride across the cliff tops and has many natural and historical attractions. (see below)
Take a picnic, as there are plenty of beautiful viewpoints to stop and eat.
Things to see on the St Govan's bike ride:-
St Govan’s Chapel –– This 13th Century chapel is in the cliffside, so you have to leave your bikes to climb down.
Green Bridge of Wales – This is a dramatic natural arch which has formed in the limestone cliffs. The famous geological feature is a great spot for a selfie.
Nesting seabirds – You can get a good view of razorbills (black with white tummy) and guillemots (brown with white tummy) at Stackrocks before you get to the Green Bridge of Wales.
Grey Seals – Pembrokeshire has one of the biggest breeding colonies of grey seals in Britain. If you are lucky you can see them from the cliff tops in the secluded coves (not accessible by humans). August to November is the breeding season, so if you go then you may see a seal pup too.
Iron Age Forts – These forts were built over 2000 years ago.
The trail goes through the Castlemartin Firing Range, so check the area is not in use before you go!
Brunel Trail
Distance: 18 miles return
Start: Neyland (parking next to the marina)
This is the longest of our family bike rides in Pembrokeshire. However, it is an out and back route, so you could return earlier if you are cycling with younger children. It’s a fantastic traffic-free bike ride with great views of woods and open countryside.
The Brunel Trail is fairly flat, with a very gentle ascent. Of course, you get a relaxing descent going on the return. The trail is part of the National Cycle Network and is signposted and easy to follow.
Park in the small car park at Neyland. Then, start your bike ride by cycling past the boats at Neyland Marina. From here you can follow the former route of the Great Western Railway. This disused railway was built under the direction of Isambard Kingdom Brunel in the 1850s. You’ll see a statue of Brunel at the start point.
Th Brunel Trail will take you on country paths through Westfield Pil Nature Reserve to Rosemarket, Johnston and Haverfordwest.
Haverfordwest is an ancient port, that sits on the River Cleddau. You’ll find many places to eat, but we walked up to the castle and picknicked there.
Haverfordwest Castle was built about 1120 and looks down over the town from the hill. Although the castle is in ruins, the outer walls are still standing strong and we were able to walk round the grounds.
There’s also picnic tables in the gardens, so is a good place to catch your breath halfway through the bike ride (even if it does add an extra climb to your journey!)
Llys y Fran Country Park
Llys y Fran Country Park is a 350 acre country park, set in the heart of Pembrokeshire. It is about 11 miles north of Haverfordwest and easily accessible from the A40.
The main focus of the park is the reservoir and an impressive 100ft dam which sends water down into the River Syfynwy. This creates a stunning backdrop for your bike ride.
The Llys y Fran Country Park has a choice of trails to suit all abilities. It also has a network of additional mountain bike tracks. If you don’t have your bike, you can hire them at their Cycle Hub.
Family Route Cycle Trail
Distance: 3.19 miles (5.13 km))
We started with the Family Route Cycle Trail, an out and back route that starts near the car park. From the Visitors’ Centre, the trail follows the water edge for about 1.5 miles. It is an easy, scenic trail, that is perfect for children.
When you get to the little bridge over the Afon Syfni, you can retrace your route back to the start. Here we found a small playground and picnic spot.
Reservoir Route Cycle Trail
Distance: 6.27 miles (10 km)
Although we turned back at the bridge, my husband continued with the more challenging Reservoir Route. This mountain bike trail is about 6.5 miles (10 km) and follows the full perimeter of the reservoir, finishing at the dam.
Be warned there’s a fast and steep descent down in front of the dam, followed by an equally gruelling climb back up to the visitors’ centre. Plus, you can also expect some sharp hairpin bends.
Other things to do at Llys-y-Fran Country Park
As well as cycling, you’ll find lots of options for watersports at the country park. Since its re-development, you can now try your hand at paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing on the water.
PIN FOR LATER: 4 Fabulous family bike rides in Pembrokeshire
