Leeds to Pembrokeshire, South Wales - 4 nights in Winter with mountain biking

UKEuropeWalesWinterTravel

15 Feb

Written By Frances Lawrence

Itinerary At A Glance

4 day independent itinerary for Pembrokeshire in South Wales, based on driving from Leeds, in February
Highlights include mountain biking, a trip to St Davids, winter hike with mysterious standing stones, and staying at Grove of Narberth with 4 AA rosette fine-dining
Based on a couple travelling, with a focus on leisurely outdoor and cultural activities, interspersed with time to just relax and soak up the atmosphere

Photo by Marc Pell on Unsplash

Honest verdict

Did I enjoy the holiday?

We definitely enjoyed this trip - a great off-season alternative for visiting South Wales which is much more typically a summertime destination. The UK actually experiences a very mild winter, with temperatures below zero a fairly uncommon ocurrence, so if you can dress accordingly, many of the outdoor exploring options like hiking and biking remain viable activities even in our coldest months. This is what I was banking on for this trip, and it came good.

Does the place live up to expectations?

Yes and no. The hotel was absolutely outstanding - cannot recommend enough. The Pembrokshire region though, was not my favourite place we have visited in the UK , and I do think we have more beautiful and more picturesque countryside, with a greater variety of things to do. In Wales itself, the North has much more dramatic landscapes and other spots offer better mountain biking. None of this is to say it isn’t worth a visit, but I would say for me, other places hold more appeal.

Did the itinerary work for the trip?

Absolutely - it was the perfect blend of active and restful, mucky and refined, and a great option for the off-season. We were lucky with the weather, as we could have gotten very cold and snowy conditions, but also had back-up options in case that happened.

Would I make another visit?

As much as this was a great trip, particularly considering the fact that it was mid-winter, I can’t personally see myself returning to this part of Wales again; other parts of Wales have more dramatic scenery and more history that I would rather visit instead.

Itinerary Details

WHEN

February

This is very much off-season for February, so quiet, and many of the typical tourist attracttions may be closed over the winter. An ideal time to enjoy the more local-focused activities and hangouts.

TRAVEL MEANS

Car & Bike

Driving from Yorkshire to Pembrokeshire, with an overnight rest-stop in Snowdonia on the way down. About 6 hours each way.

Bike for activities whilst there.

LIGHT & WEATHER

Short-ish days, likely cool to cold (may be freezing)

Sunrise: 07:39am

Sunset: 17:28pm

10 hours of daylight

ACCOMMODATION

We stayed at Grove of Narberth

This place was marvellous - very possibly the best hotel we have ever stayed in. Boutique, welcoming, incredibly welcoming and stylish decor, and outstanding service with a superlative restaurant on site. Highly highly recommended.

Photo by Marc Pell on Unsplash

SCHEDULE

DAY 1

Drove Leeds to Coed y Brenin Trail Centre for a half-day mountain biking

Overnight in George III Pub with Rooms

DAY 2 - Thursday

Drove along the Coastal Way from Snowdonia to Narberth

Rest stop in Cardigan at Crwst: very enjoyable visit to this fantastic spot for breakfast, brunch or coffee. Open, industrial, proper bakery - top notch

Walk: Pentre Ifan walking circular - 6.85km

Check-in & Dinner at Grove of Narberth

DAY 3 - Friday

Bike ride: Local route out from Grove of Narberth

Visit St Davids: holder of the title “smallest city in the United Kingdom by population and urban area.” This place is truly teensy, more like a village

Fish & Chip dinner: The Shed, Porthgain. You would never happen upon this place - beautifully positioned at the mouth of a tiny inlet that would once have been a fishing community. Informal, local, buzzing. Recommended

DAY 4 - Saturday

Bike ride: red route at Llys-y-frân reservoir

Dinner: Fernery Restaurant at Grove of Narberth, holder of 4 AA Rosettes. Absolutely outstanding from start to finish.

DAY 5 - Sunday

Drove home

Back-up plans for rainy days