A cycle ride from Haverfordwest along the Brunel cycle trail to Pembroke and over the country roads to Stackpole and Broad Haven South Beach.

With just one day of nice weather I had a couple of days to plan a cycle ride. Nothing in this years list of trails seemed right for February but then I found this traffic free cycle trail from Haverfordwest south to Pembroke. To get to the coast would require finding some of the quieter country roads.

Taking the first train of the day and starting early, the first few miles of the Brunel Trail to Pembroke doesn't have much to see but with the winter sunlight coming through the wiry trees along the way make this a special ride. Later on we get to a nature reserve were fog was still lingering above the surface of the water and along the side of the trail.

From Pembroke to the coast is a much different ride taking in country roads with some very tough hills, even though many are short some are up to 20% gradient - this really is not for the faint hearted cyclist.

As I get deeper into the forest roads the mobile signal has long gone and finding my way to the coast became mostly guesswork. I had a slightly longer ride because of this but I also got to see things I might normally not have.

On the return journey while between Pembroke and Pembroke Dock I decided I was too exhausted to get back to Haverfordwest within a reasonable time and the risk of having to get the last train was greater. With that in mind I stopped for dinner and caught a train from Pembroke Dock. This did mean travelling along the older slower rail line further south through Tenby and Saundersfoot along with many other small stations I'd never heard of. The return journey was much longer but in some ways really added to the adventure.

This was a tough ride for me even though the mileage with somewhat lower. I've been on tough mountain climbs but for some reason the constant hills every so often to their toll.

There is certainly some rewarding scenery. I hope you enjoy this one.