When the kids are full of fun, family bike rides are a great way to see the countryside and burn off some excess energy.

Pembrokeshire has some great family-friendly cycling. Our traffic-free cycle routes take you along disused railway lines: flat, surfaced, scenic. While more adventurous riders will be happy blasting around our mountain bike trails.

So bikes out, helmets on and let the kids rip.

Road and track biking

Cardi Bach, Cardigan

• Ride: 2-miles return
• Café: Glasshouse Café, Welsh Wildlife Centre
• Bike Hire: Bike, Bike Bike in Cardigan (01239 621 275)

The ‘Cardi Bach’ runs between Old Cardigan Bridge and the Welsh Wildlife Centre in Cilgerran and winds its way through this beautiful reed marsh, alongside the Teifi River.

Every season has its place and there is always something going on. Huge flocks of wintering birds, enormous willow sculptures, outdoor children’s playground and the magnificent Glasshouse café are all waiting to be explored.

The Tramway, Saundersfoot

• Ride: 4-mile return
• Cafes: in Saundersfoot and Wiseman’s Bridge

Another disused railway line has been given a new lease of life between Saundersfoot, Wiseman’s Bridge and Stepaside.

This hugely popular walking and cycle trail hugs the cliffs along the seafront, from Saundersfoot, disappears into a tunnel and pops out in Wiseman’s Bridge before taking you up the aptly named Pleasant Valley to Stepaside.

You’re riding the old railway line that ran down from the old Ironworks, so lots of interesting features to look at. And the sea looks great from this angle too. Bring a torch!

Brunel Trail, Neyland – Johnston – Haverfordwest

For a longer ride head to the traffic-free Brunel Trail between the towns of Neyland, Johnston and Haverfordwest.

Enjoy miles of tranquil countryside with great views and a lovely mix of open fields, woodland and estuary.

• Ride: 18 miles return
• Café: Brunel Cafe, Neyland Marina

Family mountain biking

Not too long, not too muddy, not too hilly. We’ve got four great trails to test your off-road skills – all within sight of a café for that essential post-ride refreshment.

Pantmaenog Forest, Rosebush

• Bike: 8 miles
• Refreshments: Tafarn Sinc

Pantmaenog Forest is a wonderful playground for riders of all ages and the perfect place for families to have a go at mountain biking.

The trails are wide, open and easy to navigate around, so all you need to do is get up there and play!

Llys y Fran Lake, near Haverfordwest

• Ride: varying
• Cafe: Llys y Fran
• Bike Hire: on-site

There are over 9 miles or 14kms to explore at Llys y Fran set out in 4 trails: The family-friendly Velindre Route a just over 3 miles (out and back) starting from the visitor centre. It’s a gently undulating route past picnic areas, bird hides, and grassy meadows down the water’s edge. The Woodstock route is classed as difficult, starting on the opposite side of the dam, this challenging route tackles the gnarliest sections of gravel in the woodland for almost 7 miles or 11km on this out and back route.

If you combine Velindre and Woodstock you get The Reservoir Route, a complete circuit of the reservoir on a gravelled track. At almost 6.5 miles or 10km, this route is the best way to enjoy its hidden inlets and stunning views.

In addition, there are 1.5miles or 3.4km of additional trails that branch off the main Reservoir route, classed as blue or red.

Stackpole mountain bike trail  – Stackpole Estate

• Ride – 4.1 miles
• Cafe – Boathouse Tea-room at Stackpole Quay or Stackpole Walled Garden near Lodge Park Woods. Alternatively the Stackpole Inn in Stackpole village

Head off the beaten track at Stackpole and discover the wilder spaces of the estate. In Castle Dock and Cheriton Bottom Woods, you’ll find the mountain bike trail with over 4 miles of climbs, twists, turns and jumps to test even the most experienced rider. Ride against an epic background of natural woodlands and seasonal sights as you uncover more of the Stackpole Estate.

St Govan’s Head – Stack Rocks, near Pembroke

• Ride: 8 miles return
• Cafe: Aunt Vi’s Tearoom, Bosherston

This is a fantastic stretch of riding and the only section of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail that is accessible by bike. And it’s a military range, so no riding when they’re firing. You’ll be biking along cliff tops, so it’s quite flat, and the scenery is breathtaking – ‘Green Bridge of Wales’ and ‘St Govan’s Chapel’ are a must-see. The surface is nice and wide but can get rough in places, so mountain bikes are recommended.

If you didn’t have room to bring your bikes then not to worry, there are options to hire:

Pembrokeshire Bike Hire based in Manobier can arrange collection from their base, have bikes delivered to your accommodation or any location in Pembrokeshire. You can hire hybrid, road or e-bikes depending on your route.

Mike Bikes based in Haverfordwest has been selling bikes for over 30 years. They also hire bikes for any terrain including hybrids, tagalongs and child seats. They are also a great pit stop if you need spares or repairs to your own bike.

If you need servicing, spares and repairs then Enterprise Bikes, Honeyborough Neyland is a one-stop shop.

For more options Cycle Pembrokeshire is a must with another 20 routes of all lengths and difficulty, perfect for exploring right across Pembrokeshire. Happy cycling!