This week we're celebrating a sunny bank holiday weather forecast with a cycle route in the UK: Beeliner Sam's ride down Wales' Pembrokeshire coast.
Where to go
Set off on this cycle route from Fishguard and follow NCN 4's country lanes all the way, through the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, with stops in St Davids and Tenby.
Why go
Beaches, deserted country lanes, challenging hill climbs, medieval castles. Need we say more?
When to go
Wales, like much of the UK, is prone to miserable weather. While it can be cold and rainy at any time of the year, your best chance of some warm sunshine is between April and October. The much longer days also give you the flexibility that you need to make the most of all of what the Welsh coast has to offer.
How to prepare
Sam and his friends took on this 122 mile cycle route over four days. It's a hilly one so blasting through is a big challenge but it really can be shortened or extended in any way you like.
Swansea is a great hub in terms of getting to Pembrokeshire. Head to Swansea from where there are plenty of trains to get you into the heart of the county.
In terms of bikes: this ride is definitely do-able on a road bike but you'll find yourself limited to the roads. For ultimate flexibility, Sam and his friends kitted their bikes up with all-rounder tyres so that they could get across fields and muddy patches to explore parts of the coastline that were off the beaten path.
With panniers on their bikes and a tent strapped to the back, they stopped each night at campsites along the way but there are plenty of small towns with BnBs along the way if you fancy more solid shelter.
You're never too far from a tearoom selling delicious Welsh Cakes (for those who've never had the pleasure, think Eccles cakes but better) so there's no need to plan too rigourously. Just jump on your bike and see where the days take you. The route is dotted with cosy little pubs, many of which offering classic Welsh dishes such as delicious Pembrokeshire black beef.
What to see
Pembrokeshire isn't short of places of interest so Sam had no trouble selecting a few highlights along this Pembrokeshire Coast cycle route:
The famous Welsh poet lived in this Laugharne boathouse overlooking the Taf estuary for the last four years of his life; writing from his 'Writing Shed' above the main house. A great place to stop for a spot of culture (there's also a tearoom).
This building, named for Wales' patron saint, is over 800 years old. Eight hundred years old!
West Wales has beaches to rival any in the world (with slightly colder water than the tropical locations they resemble). Chill out on the beach or hire surfing and SUP gear from Haven Sports.
Barafundle Beach
It's hard to pick just one Pembrokeshire beach so we've gone for two. Barafundle beach - round the coast from Broad Haven - is another beautiful natural spot to rest weary legs after a day in the saddle, or to take an afternoon off.
The UK is chock-a-block full of castles. This is Wales' largest privately owned one. Not too shabby a country house, eh?
This restaurant in Tenby serves the best surf and turf that the county has to offer. Its delicious food has earned it a fantastic reputation, so be sure to book if you want to stop here.
This ice cream, gin and chocolate stop sees the ice cream van's Mr Whippy and raises it to a whole other level.
Overall...
Beautiful weather forecast, and a beautiful cycle route! Hope you all have a wonderful bank holiday and get some great riding in.
