The Tour of Pembrokeshire is an annual road cycling event starting in St Davids. The ride is open to anyone and has three choices of routes, 50, 75 or 100 miles. St Davids has several coastal campsites and in 2012 I enjoyed a long weekend camping and cycling the Tour of Pembrokeshire. 2012 was a great year with glorious sunshine and I’m hoping for the same in 2013.
The 2013 Tour of Pembrokeshire takes place on Saturday 27th April 2013 or for families there is a shorter 8 or 16 mile ride on the Sunday. The route starts at Oriel y Parc, St Davids. In 2012 I found a very efficient registration process, and included a free Torq energy rhubarb and custard gel. Normally I hate the flavour of energy gels but I have to say this one was the best I have tasted.
The ride itself starts by taking in the coast, as you crest a hill you get a magnificent sight of the bay below… and the next hill to climb, for 50 miler’s it works its way as far as Fishguard, 100 milers go as far as Cardigan. Along the way the route is extremely well signposted (though if you own a GPS you can also download the route from the Tour Website) and there are several feed stations offering energy drink refills, bananas and other energy foods.
Then once you’ve finished the ride why not stay in St Davids and spend the Sunday exploring the coast and the UK’s smallest city!
Camping - We stayed at the Porthclais Farm Campsite which is right next to the coast in St Davids, in 2012 we found the campsite almost deserted so no queues for the showers! It had a basic but ample shower and toilet block. Priced at £7 per person per night, and only around a mile away from the centre of St Davids it was easy to cycle to the starting point of the event or after in the evening walk into the city for a pub supper! Also from the campsite you can directly access the cliffside walk which is nice to walk down to in the evening and watch the sun go down.
Have you done the Tour of Pembrokeshire or are you considering it? Leave a comment and share any memories or tips!
