Cycling in Carmarthenshire: Routes, rides and trails in West Wales

Carmarthenshire has an incredible variety of landscapes rich in cycling routes, ranging from gentle, traffic-free trails to challenging, lung-busting climbs.

Along each route lies a succession of attractions: mighty castles, spectacular gardens, even a Roman gold mine – as well as outstanding places to eat and drink, attractive market towns and bike-friendly accommodation, providing ideal bases for two-wheeled adventures.

When it comes to cycle routes, Carmarthenshire offers some of the most varied and beautiful in the country – a landscape of mountains, forests, and sea views, with trails for every ability.

You’ll find:

• Smooth, scenic roads ideal for training or touring.
• Family-friendly, traffic-free routes, perfect for beginners.
• Forest and gravel trails for those who like to ride off-road.
• Plenty of bike-friendly cafes, pubs, and accommodation.

The county has played host to major cycling events, like the Tour of Britain and Women’s Tour, while also catering to casual riders and e-bike adventurers looking for a slower-paced ride.

Thousands watched Tour de France winners Geraint Thomas and Chris Froome power from Pembrey Country Park – and today the same lanes and landscapes tempt leisure cyclists and endurance riders to explore for themselves.

Carmarthenshire’s network of cycling routes caters to every kind of rider. The county’s mix of winding roads, forest trails, and gentle riverside paths makes it easy to plan a ride that suits your pace and ability.

The county has over 20 mapped out road cycling routes perfect for all fitness levels, Whether you’re looking for a leisurely jaunt or a challenging day-ride, there’s a tempting array of routes that have made Carmarthenshire a favourite among road cyclists.

• Big Hills and Big Views: A challenging 101km/62 mile loop near Ammanford, that ascends to a high point of 2000m/6560ft and offers varied terrain.
• Teifi River Tour: A challenging route of 90km/56 miles, that follows the river upstream before climbing over the stunning Llanllwni Mountain to the village of Brechfa, before returning via quiet country lanes.
• Tywi Valley Tour of the Castles: A 95km/59 mile route which follows the river from Carmarthen all the way to Llandovery, taking in the remote ruins of Carreg Cennen, Dinefwr and Dryslwyn castles along the way.

Discover more road cycling routes on the Discover Carmarthenshire website.

For easy-going days winding through the cycle paths of West Wales, try Carmarthenshire’s traffic-free cycling routes.

• Pembrey Country Park: With 500 acres of beauty, the park includes trails through the woods, as well as the paths around the park. Bike hire is available, including 4 seater family bikes and a selection of adaptive bikes for a fun family activity for everyone.
• The Millennium Coastal Park, Llanelli: A mostly flat, well surfaced and easily accessible route that follows the Carmarthenshire coast along the route of the Wales Coast Path for a distance of approximately 22/km/13miles, from Bynea in the East, to Pembrey Country Park in the West.
• Amman Valley Riverside Path: A beautiful 11km/7 mile route from Pantyffynnon to Brynamman along the River Amman, with great views to the Black and Betws Mountains, and wonderful scenery with plenty of wildlife along the route.

Discover more family-friendly routes on the Discover Carmarthenshire website.

Looking for something a bit wilder? These mountain cycling routes in Carmarthenshire should get your adrenaline pumping.

• Brechfa Forest offers red and black routes designed by renowned trail builder Dafydd Davis. Expect flowing singletrack and steep challenges.
• Cwm Rhaeadr Forest delivers shorter loops and a red-graded mountain bike trail packed with technical features.

If intense mountain biking is your scene, check out Discover Carmarthenshire’s two-day MTB itinerary linking up three top mountain biking trails in the area.

Inject some culture into your cycling break with a visit to literary Laugharne, the last home of Dylan Thomas, where his Boathouse sits above the estuary. To truly experience Carmarthenshire, stroll along the longest beach in Wales – Cefn Sidan, or Pendine Beach, only slightly shorter, and famous for its land speed record history. Pay a visit to The Museum of Land Speed, right on the beach, with an array of interactive exhibits showcasing over 100 years of racing, land speed trials and records.

In addition to the ancient castles in the Tywi Valley, there are some glorious gardens to visit. If you need some tea-room action on your ride, head to the splendid National Trust-owned Dinefwr Park.

The National Botanic Garden of Wales and the stunningly restored Aberglasney Mansion and Gardens are within in miles of each other, while Llyn Llech Owain Country Park is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Discover more things to do and find places to stay in Carmarthenshire to make the most of your visit to West Wales.

• Plan your adventure with British Cycling's guide to what to carry when mountain biking
• Check weather forecasts – conditions can change quickly.
• Wear layers and bring waterproofs, even in summer.
• Respect trail signage and local wildlife.
• Wearing a helmet is required on mountain bike routes.
• Many trails are shared-use – slow down around walkers and horse riders.