| If you're looking to take the kids on an active UK | | | | If you fancy heading to the inhabited parts of the |
| family holiday in a beautiful setting, why not | | | | area, the nearby villages and towns include the |
| consider going mountain biking in Brechfa Forest? | | | | likes of Brechfa, Llandovery, Llandeilo, Pumsaint, |
| Located in the southwest Welsh county of | | | | Llansawel, Rhydcymerau, Abergorlech and |
| Carmarthenshire, this forest has a history | | | | Llanybydder. |
| stretching back centuries and was once an | | | | These locations may also be good places to stay |
| important hunting ground for the royal family in | | | | on a longer break as they are easy to travel |
| the Middle Ages. | | | | from when making your way to Brechfa Forest. |
| More recently, it has become something of a | | | | Meanwhile, keen mountain bikers can continue |
| haven for both new and experienced mountain | | | | their adventure after exhausting what Brechfa |
| bikers alike thanks to the launch of a host of trails | | | | Forest has to offer by heading to other parts of |
| designed by professional mountain bike racer | | | | Carmarthenshire - which provides some excellent |
| Rowan Sorrell. | | | | scenery thanks to its unofficial status as the |
| For families in particular, the Derwen Trail should | | | | Garden of Wales. |
| prove ideal. It is graded green - meaning that it is | | | | For example, Crychan Forest near Llandovery is a |
| an easy route to follow - and is therefore a good | | | | popular destination for cyclists, horse and walkers. |
| place to start when taking the kids on an exciting | | | | Its mountain biking trails offer great variety for |
| day out or family holiday in Wales. | | | | bikers, ranging in length from 2.4 miles to just |
| The trail runs for 9.2 km along the sides of the | | | | over eight miles - so both inexperienced and highly |
| valley and includes some gentle climbs - totalling | | | | skilled cyclists can explore this area with ease. |
| 506 m over the course of the journey - that are | | | | The Brecon Beacons National Park is also well |
| countered with fun downhill bits which should be | | | | worth a visit - not just for its mountain biking |
| particularly popular with children! | | | | trails, but for the plethora of other activities you |
| If you want to try something a bit harder, why | | | | can indulge in at the site, as well as its |
| not consider moving up the scale to a blue-graded | | | | awe-inspiring natural scenery. |
| trail? | | | | Meanwhile, other must-see attractions to fit into |
| This particular route branches off from the green | | | | your family holidays to the region include the |
| part of the Derwen Trail and heads up a steep | | | | Carmarthenshire County Museum and its |
| bank before ending in a glorious dash downhill that | | | | Merlin-related exhibits, as well as Carreg Cennen |
| should make the effort of struggling uphill well | | | | and Dinefwr castles, the wildlife-related delights of |
| worth it. | | | | the National Wetland Centre and the Millennium |
| It measures 4.7 km long and includes 307 m of | | | | Coastal Park. |
| climbing, so it may be an option for keen cyclists | | | | You can also indulge in a host of other active |
| who want to do both the green and blue trail in a | | | | pursuits, whether you fancy relaxing with a spot |
| single sitting. | | | | of fishing or a round of golf, or perhaps want to |
| If you're a parent looking for something even | | | | get a major thrill from extreme sports. |
| more challenging, Brechfa Forest is also home to | | | | Even more activities include panning for gold at |
| a red trail - meaning difficult - and a black route, | | | | Britain's only known Roman gold mine, which is |
| which is for experienced cyclists only thanks to its | | | | located near Pumpsaint, and trying out the longest |
| grading of severe. | | | | toboggan run in Wales at Pembrey Country Park |
| Of course, if you want to take a break from | | | | - wonderful for little and big kids alike. |
| mountain biking altogether you can explore the | | | | The great thing about Carmarthenshire is the |
| forest by foot or on horseback and drink in the | | | | variety of opportunities it offers to holidaying |
| stunning scenery at a more leisurely pace. | | | | families - whether you're looking for an exciting |
| You can access waymarked walks at Byrgw and | | | | day out or a longer break that includes many |
| Abergorlech, or take advantage of the open | | | | different activities and attractions. |
| access afforded by the forest roads. | | | | |