The Link Trail project is an initiative to create a walking, running, cycle route between Llys Y Fran and Rosebush represents the next stage of a development completed two years ago to extend access to and from the revised amenities for the benefit of visitors and the wider community, whilst providing off road access to the surrounding environment.
Now encompassing a first rate Visitor Centre and Cafe, as well as 7km of purpose built Mountain Bike trails circling the reservoir, the construction of the link trail would connect Llys Y Fran to Rosebush, and as a consequence the entirety of the Preseli Hills via an off road, traffic free route.
This would further establish Llys y Fran not only as a destination in its own right, but also a trail head for a more complete trans Preseli route whereby it would be possible to ride to Crymych in the north and Newport in the East on established off road rights of way.
North Pembrokeshire already has enormous appeal as a recreational destination, and greater cohesion in its rights of way network enhances this further by providing an alternative, minimally invasive means of discovering its vistas, history and amenities.
An enormous amount of work has already been done in terms of identifying a viable route, obtaining agreement form land owners and securing commitment from organisations that can ensure ongoing maintenance once constructed. The next phase of the project, and clearly the most challenging, is to identify partners that can assist in the funding of the required trail building.
Background
Llys y fran mountain bike centre is part of the Llys y fran country park owned by Welsh water/Dwr Cymru in the north of Pembrokeshire at the foot of the spectacular Presili hills. It provides excellent facilities for recreational activities including walking, running and biking with the provision of parking, bike wash, showers, camping and a cafe.
Wales has become a major destination for mountain bikers particularly with the establishment of a large number of purpose built trail centres, all of which are outside of Pembrokeshire.
Whilst many visitors are drawn to Pembrokeshire, arguably the majority visit the well renowned beaches and coastal towns in the south of the country such as Tenby and Freshwater, or walk the fabled coast path.
The Preseli Hills to the north of the county offer amazing unspoilt vistas, and represent one of the best preserved Bronze age landscapes in Europe, with many artefacts left by human habitation thousands of years previously.
Including large areas owned by the Barony of Cemaes, within this landscape is a well established network of unmetalled permissive rights of which offer excellent opportunities for mountain and Gravel bike riding as well as walking and running.
Biking, running and walking have seen huge growth in recent years, particularly since the Pandemic. As group or family activities, they provide an excellent means of exploring an area, with the minimum of impact upon it.
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