Given Wales’ abundance of uber-popular and well-maintained trail centres, a location like the Preseli Hills in Pembrokeshire is easily forgotten and will be left off the check list of many UK mountain bikers. But there is an old school epic of a route waiting for those who want to add a dose of stunning and historic scenery into their mountain biking in Wales.

The Preseli Hills lie just inland from an awesome stretch of Pembrokeshire coastline and at their highest point reach 536 metres with pretty much a 360 degree view. The route takes you along the main ridge of the Preselis and mixes up some tough climbing with some lovely natural descents; totally different from what we’ve all become so used to at the trail centres. There’s hardly any firm ground to ride on but plenty of mushy thick grass and boggy hollows to test your perseverance and bike handling skills.  

In all but the driest of conditions, some of the climbs would require a more than healthy appetite for pain and suffering if you are intent on not pushing. I’m sure there are a few takers out there!

Half way along the ridge you come to a series of standing stones, and this is definitely a highlight of the ride. There are options to get amongst it and pick your way over technical rocky sections or simply ride through the middle of these interesting formations taking it all in. It is believed that the bluestones of Stonehenge may have been transported from here but this is still up for debate among archaeologists and historians.

This is a very tranquil and picturesque corner of Wales and is well worth a visit for mountain biking and a wide range of other outdoor activities. For those looking for a truly natural mountain bike ride, this is the place to come.

For step-by-step route details and a great map, we recommend the book “Wales Mountain Biking” by Tom Hutton.
Click here to view on Amazon

Thanks to Jay from Mudtrek for coming along to share the experience, and for treating me to a 12km detour.