Explore the beautiful landscape and varied routes of west Wales
Wild forest trails, winding coastal roads, dramatic climbs and thrilling descents – Carmarthenshire, in south-west Wales, offers beautiful views and a range of routes for riders of all disciplines, abilities and ages.
With breathtaking landscapes, challenging peaks, closed-road routes, mountain biking trails and a host of events, UK riders looking for an unforgettable cycling experience on home soil should look no further than Carmarthenshire.
The county boasts natural diversity and plentiful opportunities for cyclists. Whether you’re searching for a challenging climb, a family-friendly meander or a gnarly mountain bike trail, you’re spoilt for choice.
Here are a few more reasons why Carmarthenshire offers some of the best cycling experiences in the UK.
Racers and weekend warriors: cycling for all in Carmarthenshire
Roadies have plenty of options, with miles of wide-open roads along coastal routes to explore. Or you can head inland for gruelling leg burners, such as the Gwrhyd road climb – one of the highest roads in Wales, topping out at 502m.
This tough but inspiring ascent concludes at the summit of Black Mountain. A gradual start turns into a more testing climb as the twisting, open road of the second half of the route creeps up the mountain.
The tight hairpin bend Tro Gwcw (Cuckoo Corner) is challenging, but once it’s conquered it’s not far to the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views.
Pretty market towns such as Llandovery and Llandeilo provide welcome pit stops. Carmarthenshire has developed a well-deserved reputation as a cycling-friendly hub that offers visitors fine food, cosy places to stay and a welcoming chat – in Welsh if you can! Head here to discover more epic cycling.
Carmarthenshire: an MTB paradise
Flanked by the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), Carmarthenshire is also blessed with lush, wooded valleys. It’s perfect terrain for mountain bikers looking for downhill thrills and flowing forest roads.
Explore 19km of climbs and descents on the Gorlech Trail at Brechfa, or test your skills on the black-graded Raven Trail.
Carmarthenshire’s newest trail, Hafod, offers an uplift service, jump lines and a progressive skills area, alongside more family-friendly routes. For more information, explore Carmarthenshire’s Trail Thrillogy.
Tracks, circuits and velodromes
If you’re looking for a closed-road experience, head to Pembrey Country Park and its 1.9km, 6m-wide circuit.
This traffic-free track has been designed to British Cycling standards and has hosted an array of top-tier events.
Carmarthenshire is also home to the oldest velodrome in Wales. Built in 1900, the velodrome was refurbished with 232 surface panels, a new safety zone and fence in 2022. Learn more about Carmarthenshire’s tracks and circuits here.
Family-friendly cycling, gentle routes and challenging events
Quiet, flat and accessible, the Millennium Coastal Park in Llanelli is ideal for families and younger riders – or as a gentle intro for beginners.
The tarmacked path follows the natural curves of the coast, offering 13 miles of astounding views, sweeping past wildlife reserves, sandy beaches and cafes.
Plans are underway to develop the Tywi Valley Path. When complete, cyclists will be able to enjoy a 25km/16-mile traffic-free route along some of the most scenic routes in the county.
You can discover Carmarthenshire’s traffic-free routes, including Sustrans Routes 4, 47 and 437, here.
If a challenge is on your horizon for 2024, Carmarthenshire proudly hosts an impressive array of cycling events. Battle on the Beach, the Merlin Sportive, Gritfest? Take your pick – there are plenty of ways to push your riding.
The professionals also look west to Carmarthenshire.
Geraint Thomas tested his legs in the county in 2018 on the Tour of Britain.
The last stage of the 2019 OVO Energy Women’s Tour of Britain featured 1,700m of climbing, starting at Llandeilo and ascending the Black Mountains before a dramatic descent to Brynamman. Why not try it for yourself?
Weekend cycling holidays in Carmarthenshire
Bike boxes and the stress of early flights are unnecessary when you can enjoy varied routes, empty roads and sublime views without the hassle of international travel in Carmarthenshire.
Carmarthenshire is easily accessible, with mainline train stations in both Llanelli and Carmarthen. This pretty market town is also situated just 15 miles from the M4.
To make a two-wheeled weekend break even easier, Discover Carmarthenshire has designed a trio of suggested weekend, or week-long getaways called Bikecations.
Explore the history of Wales on two wheels on the Coast and Castles Weekend, test your mettle on Conquer the Mountains or discover the joy of bikepacking with the Gentle Week.
Bikecations
Coast and Castles Weekend
The Coast and Castles weekend pairs two moderately challenging scenic routes tracing secluded river valleys and bracing coastal trails. It’s a weekend of wild landscapes with the comfort of Carmarthen as your base.
- Duration: Two to three days
- Day 1: 95km/59 miles
- Day 2: 61km/38 miles
- Base: Carmarthen
Conquer the Mountains Weekend
The Conquer the Mountains Weekend promises big climbs and epic views, including a dramatic ascent of Y Mynydd Ddu (Black Mountain). This one is designed for experienced cyclists who enjoy a challenging but rewarding route.
- Duration: Two to three days
- Day 1: Big Wilderness Adventure – 104km/65 miles
- Day 2: Big Hills Big Views – 101km/62 miles (short version: 53km/33.5 miles)
- Base: Llandovery
Gentle Week
This week-long itinerary offers a taster of Carmarthenshire’s diverse landscape through a selection of 30-mile circuits, with options for longer rides on an otherwise moderate 7-days of roaming.
- Duration: One week
- Bases: St Clears, Newcastle Emlyn, Login, Llandeilo, Llandovery
Go west: discover cycling in Carmarthenshire
Roadie, gravel rider, XC racer – whatever your preferred discipline, Carmarthenshire has a route and landscape to suit.
From the easy to the epic, take your pick from 23 suggested road cycling routes, or design your own (or check out our round-up of the best cycling routes in Carmarthenshire).
Or find your flow with the two-day MTB Trail Thrillogy weekend break. Or why not set the timer and head to Pembrey Country Park and test yourself on a fast circuit?
Families and easy riders are blessed with traffic-free gentle routes that allow plenty of time to absorb the wonderful views and enjoy the warm Welsh welcome.
With stunning landscapes, routes and experiences for all disciplines, and a legendary welcome for visitors, Carmarthenshire is the natural cycling hub of Wales.