The Preseli Hills & Gwaun Valley loop from Fishguard

While the exact starting point for parking isn't specified, Fishguard serves as the primary access town for this loop. You'll likely find parking options within Fishguard itself, allowing you to begin your ride from there. Always check local signage for parking restrictions and fees.

No, this loop is classified as a difficult gravel ride requiring very good fitness. With a substantial elevation gain of 1,350 meters over 68.6 kilometers, and varied terrain including potentially boggy sections, it's best suited for experienced riders accustomed to challenging and remote conditions. Be prepared that you may need to push your bike through some sections.

The route offers a diverse mix of surfaces, including paved roads, singletrack, paths, and cycleways. You should be prepared for unpaved sections, especially on the historic Golden Road in the Preseli Hills, which can be boggy. Wide tires are recommended to handle the varied and sometimes challenging ground conditions.

This loop takes you through several notable areas. You'll traverse the Pantmaenog Gravel Tracks, ride along The Golden Road, Preseli Mountains offering panoramic views, and pass by ancient sites like the Bedd Arthur Stone Circle. The route also immerses you in the unique atmosphere of the Gwaun Valley.

This challenging 68.6-kilometer loop is estimated to take approximately 5 hours and 50 minutes of riding time. However, given its difficulty, significant elevation gain, and the desire to enjoy the scenic and historical points of interest, you should plan for a full day's adventure.

You'll experience rugged beauty and diverse landscapes. The Gwaun Valley features peaceful, steep-sided terrain with wet woodlands, water meadows, and hillside woods, where you might spot buzzards, sparrowhawks, and red kites. The Preseli Hills offer treeless, open hills with panoramic views, hill forts, rocky tors, and megalithic monuments. On a clear day, you might even see as far as Ireland from the Golden Road.

While the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park generally welcomes dogs, specific rules can apply to different sections of trails, especially concerning livestock and wildlife. Always keep dogs under close control, preferably on a leash, particularly in areas with farm animals or ground-nesting birds. Be prepared for varied terrain that might be challenging for some dogs.

The best time to tackle this route is typically during the drier months, from late spring to early autumn (May to September). This helps avoid the boggy conditions that can occur on unpaved sections, especially on the Golden Road, during wetter periods. Clearer weather also enhances the panoramic views from the Preseli Hills.

Generally, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to access the public rights of way within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for activities like gravel biking. However, always respect private land and follow the Countryside Code. For specific local regulations, you can consult the Pembrokeshire County Council website.

Yes, this loop incorporates sections of several official routes. You'll find yourself on parts of the National Cycle Network National Route 82 (31% of the route), National Cycle Network Route 47 (14%), EuroVelo 1 - Atlantic Coast Route - part United Kingdom 2 (4%), Pembrokeshire Coast Path (4%), National Cycle Network Route 4 (3%), Marine Walk (1%), and Feidr Soar (1%).

The Preseli Hills are historically significant as the origin of the bluestones used to construct Stonehenge. The route traverses areas rich in ancient burial sites and prehistoric monuments, offering a journey through thousands of years of history. The Gwaun Valley also maintains unique Welsh traditions, with some locals still following the pre-1752 Julian calendar.