Cycle Pembrokeshire
Blackpool Mill Trail
The trail runs mainly along a multi-user route free from motorised traffic. Cyclists should of course give way to walkers and horse riders where necessary. Discover a section of the ancient Pilgrim’s Path known as Knight’s Way as you pass through beautiful mixed woodlands down to the 19th Century Blackpool Mill. From the splendid single arch stone bridge spanning the Eastern Cleddau look out for herons and kingfishers, and numerous tree-loving birds also in the nearby woodlands
Fact file
Highlights |
A peaceful and family friendly trail along forestry tracks, a bridleway, and a section of quiet road. Cycle through areas of beautiful mixed woodland, river crossings and the site of the magnificent Blackpool Mill Grade: Easy |
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Distance |
4 miles (61/2 km) |
Time |
One hour plus some additional time for stops |
Start/Finish |
Canaston Wood Car Park (Grid Ref SN074140, Sat Nav SA76 8DE). Head south along the A4075 road from the A40 Canaston Bridge Roundabout. The car park entrance is on the left as you climb the hill. Direct access to the start of the trail is also available via a dedicated 1/2 mile long path alongside the A4075 road from the entrance into the Bluestone Resort Alternative start: Canaston Bridge Car Park (Grid Ref SN065152, Sat Nav SA67 8HS). Head north along the B4314 road from the A40 Canaston Bridge Roundabout. Turn left after 50 yards towards Llawhaden. The car park entrance is on the left after just over 1/4 mile (see Trail Directions - Mileage 1.9) |
Nearest Station |
No rail station within 5 miles |
Terrain |
A reasonably easy and mostly traffic free trail but with a short steep ascent into Toch Wood where a dismount and push is recommended. The length of the trail can be halved (see Trail Directions – Mileage 0.9) to avoid this ascent but you would then miss the lovely section of track through Toch Wood. The trail through Toch Wood is stoned but in good condition - ideally suited for hybrid and mountain bikes |
Elevation |
Total climb (sum of all uphill sections) - 129 metres |
Refreshments |
No refreshments available |
Toilets |
No public toilets on Trail. Nearest public toilets at Narberth and Haverfordwest |
Trail Directions (distances in miles)
0.0 Start. Exit the car park and follow the path alongside the cycle stands opposite the track leading into Canaston Woods. Cross the main A4075 with care and turn right onto the shared use path. This swings left onto the surfaced bridleway leading down through the woodland. Follow this for just over 3/4 mile
0.9 Just beyond the barrier turn right onto the quiet road. (Anyone opting for the shorter route as referred to in the ‘Terrain’ section should turn left onto this quiet road and then right after 100 yards to visit Blackpool Mill and the old arched bridge before returning to the start along the same route)
1.4 Take a sharp left following the green shared use route sign to Llawhaden. This junction is about 75 yards prior to the junction with the main A4075 road. After a further 200 yards the road merges into a path alongside a gate. Follow this path through an underpass and on to its junction with a road. Turn left following the surfaced path alongside this road
1.9 Turn left into Canaston Bridge car park (alternative trail start point). Follow the surfaced path (signed with a horse symbol) down and through the underpass. Continue on the path over the bridge (beware of the kerbed up-risers either side of the bridge) and then alongside the metal barrier into Toch Wood. This next section is quite steep and you may prefer to dismount and push for a short distance. Continue along the top section of path and down the other side
2.8 At the bottom of the hill turn left at the path ‘T’-junction and continue on over Blackpool Bridge and alongside Blackpool Mill on the right. Turn left onto the quiet road and after 100 yards turn right onto the surfaced bridleway. Follow this path once again back to the start point of the trail
4.0 Trail finish
If time allows, continue further into Canaston Woods in the other direction from the car park. Networks of stoned and un-surfaced traffic free trails are available to explore amongst the tranquillity and beauty of the woods
Points of interest along the way
Canaston Woods
This ancient woodland has been in existence for at least 300 years and, like Toch Wood to the north, was once a part of the Slebech Estate. The woods have a wealth of history and were once used for hunting deer and wild boar. An ancient pilgrim’s route between Amroth and St Davids Cathedral bisects the woods with numerous pleasant diversions available to viewpoints and to old forts and chapels. The thick woodland becomes a sea of colours in the crisp air of Autumn
Blackpool Mill and Bridge
This imposing four storey corn mill was built in 1813 on the site of a former iron forge. It stands at the tidal limit of the Cleddau estuary. Boats transported grain and flour to and from local villages and the port of Milford Haven. The mill is no longer in use commercially but is intact with all the working machinery inside. Alongside is the splendid single arch stone bridge spanning the Eastern Cleddau River. (Note – the mill is in the process of being renovated and is currently closed to the public)