Cycle Pembrokeshire
Cardi Bach Trail
The Trail starts near the former railway station at Cardigan and very soon winds its way into Pembrokeshire along a section of disused railway line affectionately known as the Cardi Bach. The railway closed in the early 60s as did so many other branch lines in the country.
There are future aspirations to open up the route from Cardigan all the way to Whitland as a community walking and cycling trail but progress will, of course, be dependent on many factors.
On the Trail you will have an opportunity to visit Cilgerran Castle and church, as well as the Wales Wildlife Centre. It is also worth visiting Cardigan Castle if time allows at the end of the Trail – just continue on the cycleway alongside the river to a set of cycle stands near the end of the old bridge. The castle is on the other side of the bridge with the entrance just up the hill.
Fact File
Highlights |
Teifi river and marshes, wildlife and castles Grade: Easy |
|---|---|
Distance |
51/2 miles (9 km) |
Time |
11/4 hours plus additional time for stops |
Start/Finish |
The Old Station, Cardigan (Grid Ref SN181458, Sat Nav SA43 3AD) Approach Cardigan town from the south (B4546) and at the bottom of the hill turn right into Station Road (signed Pentood Ind. Est. on the downhill approach). Where Station Road bears right, turn left and immediately right past the old disused railway station building and platform on the left. The Trail starts at the end of this lane |
Nearest Station |
None within 5 miles |
Terrain |
Traffic free and quiet lanes. Mostly flat with a couple of gentle hills at the Cilgerran end of the Trail and on the Wildlife Centre approach |
Elevation |
Total climb (sum of all uphill sections) - 89 metres |
Refreshments |
Wildlife Centre, Cilgerran and Cardigan |
Toilets |
Cardigan Castle, Wildlife Centre, Cilgerran Castle, Coracle Centre |
Trail Directions (distances in miles)
0.0 Start: Just beyond the Old Station, Cardigan, cycle under the bridge and on through the Teifi Marshes Wildlife Reserve on a traffic free path
0.7: Straight on at access to Wales Wildlife Centre on left
2.1: Turn left at bottom of short hill (just prior to a ‘T’ junction) following cycle route sign. Follow this back road towards Cilgerran. You will pass the St Llawddog Church on the right.
2.6: Immediately after a sharp right turn in the road, turn left along a narrow road. Cilgerran Castle is a very short distance up this road on the left. After visiting the castle, turn around and follow the same route back to the Wales Wildlife Centre. If you want to spend more time at Cilgerran, turn immediately left outside the castle access along a very narrow track that leads to a ‘T’ junction. There are cycle stands if you turn right out of this junction. Take time to explore the village on foot or walk down to the nearby Coracle Centre alongside the river. Then return past the castle entrance along the same narrow track as before
4.5: Turn right for a visit to the Welsh Wildlife Centre. There are cycle stands on site. Then return, turn right at the Centre access and head on through the Wildlife Reserve once again and on to the end of the Trail.
Points of interest along the way
Cardigan Castle
Dates back to C12th and location of the first Eisteddfod in Wales in 1176. Open 10am – 4pm (11am – 3pm winter). Fees apply
Teifi Marshes Wildlife Reserve
One of the best wetland reserves in Wales. Allow time for plenty of stops for spotting wildlife. Perhaps you’ll see the blue flash of a kingfisher in flight, an otter or the water buffalo that graze the marshes
Wales Wildlife Centre
Award winning Visitor Centre nestled in lush countryside along the banks of River Teifi. Includes the magnificent Glasshouse Cafe and shop. Open 10am – 5pm (10am – 4pm winter)
Cilgerran Church
Early medieval on site of C6th Celtic church. Famous for its megalithic standing stone in the churchyard on which the ancient Ogham script can still be seen. Unfortunately the church itself is sometimes locked
Cilgerran Castle
A delightful C13th ruined castle. Said to be one of the most picturesque in Wales, it was painted and sketched several times by the artist Turner. It stands in a commanding position, perched on a craggy promontory, high above the River Teifi. Open 10am – 5pm (10am – 4pm winter). Fees apply except in winter
Coracle Centre
Famous for the annual coracle race in August and access to lovely walks along the river through the Teifi Gorge