Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The ride
The Swiss Valley trail follows the Llanelly and Mynydd Mawr Railway, a coal line whose last train ran in 1989. From Sandy Water Park on the Llanelli shore it climbs north through the edge of the town and into the wooded valley of the Lliedi, beside the two reservoirs, built in 1878 and 1905, that give the valley its name. It goes on past Horeb to Cynheidre, where the climb eases and a heritage railway has its base.
It is 20.0 km (12.4 miles) there and back with 147 m of climbing; allow about 1½ hours of riding. The grade is Easy. The whole outward leg climbs at a railway's steady gradient, about 150 m in 10 km, so it is slow going out and a long freewheel back.
The trail is tarmac and traffic-free, and suits any bike, children and trailers. It is part of a signed route that continues to Tumble and Cross Hands, 17 km from Llanelli, but a landslide has closed the section at Tumble, which is one reason this ride turns at Cynheidre.
Sandy Water Park has a pay car park. There is no cycle hire on the route. At Horeb an inn stands 150 m west of the trail.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- The Llanelly and Mynydd Mawr Railway, a coal line whose last train ran in 1989
- Tarmac and traffic-free, climbing steadily all the way from the coast to Cynheidre
- Past the two Lliedi reservoirs, built in 1878 and 1905, that give the valley its name
- No cycle hire on the route; a pub at Horeb, 150 m off the trail
Getting there
Start: Sandy Water Park · Pay and display. 51.68036, -4.17486
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around South Wales: Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths and roads change, and surfaces vary with the weather. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; ride to what you find, give way to walkers and horses, and carry what you need to mend a puncture.