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Pembrey country park is situated a few miles west of Llanelli. Its a lovely bit of countryside with various trails, tracks and play areas which will suit even the most pedantic MTB'r. Pembrey boasts seven miles of beach to play on, if your into sand and like destroying bearings. The beach is worth a ride in the summer as a lot of the summer beach 'scenery' is quite attractive.
There are designated bike trails but these are geared up for mums and kids so steer clear of these. Some of the more obscure 'footpaths' are infact some of the best single tracks around so head for these. There are some mental downhill sections, not particularly long, but bloody fast and steep. Miles of real technical single-track, fast jump sections, Fast flowing trails and even some serious trials stuff.
How to get there...
- Car: Get off the M4 at J48, follow the signs.
- Rail: Burry Port is the closest but Llanelli or Kidwelly will do ya.
- Accommodation: Campsite in the park, loads of hotels/B&B's nearby.
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O.S. Map: Pathfinder 1106
The ride...
The park itself is a 'go and explore' type of place. Park the car wherever you like, and head for the visitor centre (it's near the main beach entrance). From there head off into the trees. Find a coloured post and follow the trail. Find a different coloured post and follow that trail, try and get lost if you can (its not hard).
Once you get warmed up, head out of the park (not in the car) past the pay to get in booth, down the road until you see a grey gravel road on your left. Follow this road for a while until you see a gravel left turn, take this and follow it for a bit. All along the sides of this road you will see small single tracks. Basically, take your pick.
This is forestry commission land so watch out for tree cutting machinery and other potential nasties (You'll hardly ever see anything), the roads and tracks change on an regular basis so a map of this place would be a waste of time. The best bet is to look out for another MTB'r and ask them to show you around. The local riders are a great bunch and would be glad to show you their 'secret bits' (Pardon!).
There is usually a few guys and gals around in the summer months, but if you cant find anyone, then you'll easily find their regular trails. Just follow the tyre tracks and you'll have the time of your life. Other stuff to do: Apart from MTB, there are a load of thing to have a bash at in the park. There's a nice ski centre where you can get snowboard and skiing lessons (they also hire out bikes).
If your into horses, there is a riding stables in the park. The park is right next to the Welsh Motorsport Centre for those of you into Motoracing (cars and bikes) and on testing days you can get on the circuit yourself. If there is a big swell you might even get some good waves. Careful if you cycle west of the motorsport centre though, because you'll end up either on an airfield or an M.O.D. firing range.
Article written by April 1999
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