July 2017| 111
Carmarthenshire
Legends Cycle Trail
Written by Huw Parsons,
Discover Carmarthenshire
OVERVIEW
hostly maids and monks, a famous yer and the
world’s most famous wizard all feature on a riveting
ride around Carmarthenshire. Starting in the village of
Bynea, near lanelli, and ending in Trelech, this leg of the
egends Cycle Trail encompasses the Millennium Coastal
Park, Pembrey Country Park, Kidwelly, Ferryside and
Carmarthen.
DISTANCE
72.4km (with the Merlin’s Hill Centre detour – add 5.7km)
HIGHLIGHTS
Millennium Coastal Park, Burry Port Harbour, Kidwelly
Castle, St Ishmael, Carmarthen Castle, Merlin’s Oak,
Carmarthen’s Roman Amphitheatre, Carmarthen Priory.
THE ROUTE
F
ollowing National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 4,
head out west from Bynea Car Park, cycle 4.8km
along the fairly at off-road Millennium Coastal
Park (MCP) to the National Wetlands Centre Wales.
Head towards the Discovery Centre 4.5km away, cycling
around Machynys eninsula, passing the ack Nicklaus-
designed Machynys Peninsula Golf Club, which is built
on the site of a medieval monastery – ghostly monks are
said to roam the area, day and night!
From the Discovery Centre, cycle 6.9km to legendary site,
Burry Port Harbour. Stop to admire the Amelia Earhart
monument on the east harbour side.
Continue along NCN Route 4 around the west harbour
(you’ll see the Parsons Pickle factory; head towards
this, the cycle path is just to the side) towards Pembrey
Country Park. Admire the golden sands of Wales’ second
longest beach, Cefn Sidan. The Country ark s leisure
facilities include a dry ski slope, toboggan ride, equestrian
centre and nature trails.
Leave the Country Park from the main entrance and head
towards the A484 along Factory Road. At the A484 turn
right, then shortly right again at the fence (on the right,
approximately 30m) to rejoin NCN Route 4 to Kidwelly
(look out for the blue NCN signs). It is approximately
8.3km to Kidwelly from here.
NCN Route 4 will eventually bring you back to the A484
(cross the road and rejoin the cycle path, BEWARE of
traffic , continue north to the roundabout, turning left
into Pembrey Road and continue towards Kidwelly.
In Bridge Street, cross the bridge over the River
Gwendraeth. If you turn right, it will take you to the
legendary Kidwelly Castle, otherwise continue left to your
next legends site, St Ishmael.
Continue along the unnamed road for 4.8km to
St.Ishmael (there are a few hills on this section). After
about 1.7km, you’ll come to a junction with a sharp
left turn – follow left towards Ferryside. Go through the
town and follow the sign for Carmarthenshire at the first
crossroads after Ferryside. After about 2.2km, turn left
(following the NCN blue cycle signs) and keep on this
road heading towards the A484.
ollow the A
for about km, taking a left turn off the
road in the direction of Croesyceiliog (follow the road
sign).
Continue through Croesyceiliog until you reach a
roundabout, then turn left (back onto the A484).
Follow the blue cycle signs, taking you into Carmarthen.
Cross the A
at the first pedestrian crossing. eading
towards the town, carry on to the subway and take the
first left after this. ollow ensarn oad and turn left ust