Brunel Trail overall route rating:
(Colour explanation: blue = good, yellow indicates some warning, and red indicates issues to be aware of)
Brunel Trail is a 9-mile, almost entirely traffic-free cycle route. The route links Neyland with Haverfordwest, mostly via a disused railway line.
The full route includes sections on the shared pavement, next to roads. In Haverfordwest, those roads can be busy, and you will need to be very careful if cycling with young children. Once in Haverfordwest, parts of the route is on (usually) quiet roads. There are a few minor road crossings along the route, too.
The route gets its name from the most famous Victorian engineer, Brunel. He used Neyland as the base for his ferry service to and from Ireland, and he also built the railway to Pembroke Dock, as well as the now-disused railway that the trail follows.
There is the option to start in Haverfordwest and cycle to Johnston, then get the train back.
Surface of the Brunel Trail
The surface varies. It’s mostly reasonably smooth tar, but there’s also a raised boardwalk section.
Bikes
Any type of bicycle can be used along this route. However, before planning a trip using a trike or cargo bike, first read the Barriers section.
Toilets
There are toilets at the Brunel Chandlery Café, near the start. There are toilets at the Railway Inn, Johnston, but that involves leaving the trail at Orchard Court and doubling back, crossing the railway line. Finally, there are toilets and cafés in Haverfordwest, but nothing else further directly on, or very near the trail.
Refreshments
Refreshment stops are limit along this route. Effectively, you’re reduced to the places listed as having toilets.
Hilliness
Though uphill almost from the start, the gradients are very shallow.
Safety from traffic
In Haverford West, sections of the route are on shared pavements, alongside what can be a busy road.
Points of Interest
Spend some time visiting the ruins of the Haverfordwest castle, or the priory.
Routes in South West Wales
Barriers
There are some lazy chicane barriers on the route, and those are far apart enough to easily allow trikes through. Cargo bikes should be able to get through with care.
Unfortunately, there are some A-frame barriers, too. Though wider than most, trikes and cargo bikes may struggle to get through.
There’s also at least one spring-loaded, self-closing gate.
Bike Hire
You can hire bicycles at either end of the trail from Pembrokeshire Bike Hire.
Child friendliness
While pars of the overall route can be enjoyed even by young kids, overall the route is better suited to older children.
Social safety
Parts of this route are very isolated.
Ratings
Forecast for the Brunel Trail
What the Brunel Trail looks like
Getting to the Brunel Trail
You can get to Haverfordwest by train, and do the route as a there-and-back. As ever, read my Bikes On Trains guide for useful and helpful tips for taking your bike on the train. You can also get to Pembroke Dock by train, though getting onto the Brunel Trail will involve cycling at least on some roads.
Your only other choice is driving there. There is free parking over weekends at either end of the trail.
More Routes
To find more routes, click this link.
DayCycle
DayCycle routes are routes that can can easily be cycled by most people in a day, or part of a day. Do have a look at all the other DayCycle routes available on WillCycle.
Interactive map for the Brunel Trail
You can download the GPX file from the map below, simply by clicking the GPX button. Hovering over the elevation profile will show the elevation for that point along the route, in both metres and feet. It will also show the gradient.
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