Pembrokeshire Bikepacking Adventure: Three Days of Coastal Riding, Hills and Welsh Countryside

Three days riding through one of Wales’ most distinctive landscapes gives you a chance to experience quiet woodland, open moorland and coastal lanes at a steady, rewarding pace. This route is designed for riders with good fitness who want achievable daily distances, time to explore, and a proper sense of progression across a varied region. Expect rolling tarmac, pockets of gravel, punchy climbs, and the freedom to enjoy small towns, local pubs and the sea air along the way.

Terrain is mixed but manageable, with long uphill sections, short hike-a-bike stretches and regular opportunities to pause for a view, a café stop or a swim. Whether you camp under open skies or choose a B&B for comfort, the trip blends physical challenge with simple moments of quiet, rural Wales.

This is a self-guided route, with detailed navigation, full kit provision and backup support on hand should you need it.

Key Details 🗝️

• Duration: 3 days
• Terrain: Tarmac 89% | Gravel 11%
• Accommodation: Choose Camping or B&B
• Start/Finish: Narberth
• Distance: 88 miles | 2100m ascent

Route Overview 🗺️

This circular trip begins and ends in Narberth, linking a mix of woodland trails, the Preseli Hills, the Gwaun Valley, Fishguard, the northern coastline, St Davids and the sheltered lanes leading toward Haverfordwest. You’ll ride 4–5 hours per day, with manageable mileage and plenty of places to stop for food, photos or a swim. The route balances rural quiet with highlights across the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Itinerary 🚴‍♂️

Day 1: Into the Preselis ⛰️

25 miles · 4.5 hours · 710m ascent

The trip begins with a relaxed roll downhill through Canaston Woods, following the river and weaving through tall pines before the route rises steadily towards the Preseli Hills. The gradual climb is broken up by a café stop in Maenclochog before the terrain shifts to gravel inside Pantmaenog Forest. As the trees thin, views begin to open toward the north coast.

A short hike-a-bike section along the ridgeline helps you gain height before a long, flowing descent guides you into the Gwaun Valley. The final miles into Newport are gentle, giving you time to settle into the rhythm of the trip.

Day 1 Highlights ✨
• Long descent into the Gwaun Valley
• Coastal views from the Preseli ridge
• Woodland trails through Canaston Woods

Day 2: Coastbound 🌊

33 miles · 4.5 hours · 770m ascent

You leave Newport with an immediate climb into the top of the Gwaun Valley, a sheltered glacial valley known for its small farms and centuries-old traditions. The route follows quiet lanes before you drop into Fishguard for a coffee stop. Rolling farmland and isolated standing stones set the tone as you ride west toward the coast.

Narrow, hedge-lined lanes carry you through Abercastle and Trefin before reaching Abereiddi Bay. A short detour lets you visit the Blue Lagoon, a striking blue-green pool formed in a former slate quarry. The final headland section brings you into St Davids, your home for the night.

Day 2 Highlights ✨
• The Gwaun Valley and Fishguard stop
• Coastal lanes rising and falling past small coves
• Detour to the Blue Lagoon

Day 3: Final Glimpse of the Sea 🌅

30 miles · 4 hours · 640m ascent

Your last day begins with quiet lanes leading out of St Davids before rejoining the coast near the wide sweep of Newgale Sands. The route rises and dips sharply around Nolton Haven, offering your final taste of the sea before turning inland for good.

A short cycle-path section near Haverfordwest is quickly behind you. From here, the route threads through Slebech Park and Pickle Wood, tracing a peaceful estuary tributary. Rolling gravel through Canaston Woods closes the loop as you return to Narberth.

Day 3 Highlights ✨
• Coastal riding near Newgale Sands
• Estuary-side lanes through Slebech Park
• Final gravel section back into Narberth

Accommodation 🏕️ / 🛏️

Choose between full immersion in nature or a comfortable base each night. Both options are close to pubs and local amenities.

B&B Options

Pros: Less kit to carry, proper bed. Cons: Less time in nature, no campfire evenings.

Night 1: Cnapan Guesthouse or the Castle Inn (excellent for dinner), both in Newport.
Night 2: The Art House or St Davids Cross Hotel, centrally located and welcoming.

Camping

Pros: Full outdoor experience, evenings by the fire. Cons: More kit to carry, camping regardless of weather.
Expect simple, friendly campsites with toilets, hot showers, firepits and easy access to a pub. Tents (2- or 3-person), mats and sleeping bags are provided.

Food 🍽️

Meals are at your own expense, with plenty of pubs and cafés along the route and recommendations provided. B&B bookings include breakfast, while campers receive Firepot porridge and hot drinks to start the day. Lunch can be picked up en route or enjoyed as a packed option, and dinner is always available within walking or cycling distance, with advance booking arranged where choices are limited.

Logistics & Getting There 🚆

Start
Meet at the start point in Narberth at 10am, dressed to ride with your kit packed in the dry bag posted to you. Bike setup and briefing take 1–1.5 hours depending on group size.

Finish
Expect to return to Narberth by 3pm on Day 3. If travelling by train, allow two hours to hand back bikes and kit before heading to the station.

Travel Options
Train: Regular services to Narberth via Cardiff Central. The start is a 20-minute walk from the station. You may leave non-essential travel clothes with us.
Car: Contact us for free parking suggestions or use an official car park (up to £20/day). Vehicles left at your own risk.

Arriving Early?
Staying overnight in Narberth can make for a more relaxed start.

What to Bring 🎒

You’ll be carrying all your kit, so keep items light and packable. A dry bag is provided in advance and everything must fit inside it. Full guidance is given during your pre-trip video call.

To Cycle In
Trainers
Shorts (padded optional but helpful)
2 t-shirts/tops
Waterproof jacket (ideally high quality)
Thin thermal layer or microfleece
Socks and underwear

Evening Wear
1 t-shirt/top
Lightweight shoes (flip-flops, Toms, sandals)
Warm layer (synthetic jacket recommended)
Warm hat
Lightweight trousers (leggings, track bottoms, etc.)
Warm socks

Other Essentials
Swimming gear
Travel towel
Sunglasses
Mini toiletries
Suncream
A clean outfit for travelling home
Optional storage for items left behind if arriving by train

Difficulty Rating 💪

This route is graded Moderate – Challenging, suitable for riders with solid cardiovascular fitness. Expect:
• Persistent uphill sections, sometimes steep
• Short hike-a-bike areas
• Occasional gravel tracks
• Coastal roads that constantly rise and fall
• 4–5 hours on the bike each day

Preparation

If you’re not cycling regularly, build base fitness with commuting rides, spin classes or longer weekend sessions. Consistency helps enormously.

Why Choose Us 💬

These routes are built from years of riding, exploring and fine-tuning in Wales, shaped by people who live here and know the character of every hill, lane and valley. Trips are self-guided to preserve that sense of freedom that makes bikepacking special, while still giving you well-planned support, reliable kit and handpicked places to stay. Sustainability sits at the core of the experience, from low-impact travel to supporting local pubs, cafés and independent businesses throughout the route. Everything is designed to let you enjoy Wales at a slower pace, with room to pause, explore and experience the places between the places.