Pembrokeshire is famous for its pristine coastline paths and award winning beaches. It’s a perfect destination for holiday makers looking to relax and unwind in natural surroundings. If you’re after something a bit more adrenaline fuelled however, you’ll find one of the best hairraising adventures on 4 wheels - the wheels of a quad bike - in Wales here. Whether you’re a veteran, or a first time rider, you’re in for a treat.

Inland from the popular resort town of Tenby, you’ll find the Ritec valley. This is home to a quad biking centre with over 30 years’ experience of tearing up the countryside. Mud, rocks and tree roots are no match for the ultimate in all terrain vehicles, and you’ll find plenty of them here to give you a quad bike trail challenge. Or, if your thing is speed, take to the track and tear around the course at speeds of over 50 miles per hour! The team in Ritec valley are passionate about this activity and love sharing their enthusiasm with all kinds of visitors, suitable for all kinds of budgets.

What kind of experiences are on offer?

- Trail Riding: the Ritec site is set over 80 acres of Welsh countryside with a network of paths and tracks that will take you across fields,over steep hills, and through puddles. It’s all part of the fun on a trail, in which the goal is to get from one location to another in as straight a line as possible, no matter what kind of terrain you find in your way. A quad biking trail experience will last 35 or 45 minute, covering around 12km - that means you’ll average over 10 miles per hour! A trail ride will be tailored to your group - you won’t be split up from your friends or family, or be put in a group with strangers - just you and your instructor.

- Track Riding: this is the largest quad bike track in Wales, and is perfect if you want a safe environment to get used to riding a quad, or if you really want to see what these machines can do! You’ll be able to go full throttle on the straights of the circuit, but make sure to control your bike in the corners or you could end up in the mud! The track has multiple routes, meaning that you won’t have to fight for space with other riders, and an instructor can choose the route that best suits your level.

- Quad Bikes: if you want the chance to ride a modern quad bike with high horsepower, Tenby is the destination for you. The fleet includes the Yamaha 125 and the Kymco 150, which have the power of ten horses! Alongside these beasts, which are designed for older teenage and adult riders, you’ll find two sizes of junior quad bikes so there’s something for all the family. On top of that, all bikes have automatic gearboxes. This means that you can concentrate on the terrain without worrying about manual changes, and that anyone can have a go - no licence required!

Requirements to do this activity

As mentioned above, in Pembrokeshire you’ll find a range of bikes to suit different riders. The youngest you can be to ride a quad bike is 6 years old. These kids will ride a Yamaha 50 or Suzuki LT A50 - the seat is just 60cm from the ground but the motor packs a punch! Older children can try a Suzuki LT Z90 which has a bigger chassis and an adjustable top speed limiter, which can be taken off as your child becomes more confident. The minimum age of 6 applies to track riding - due to the offroading nature of trail rides, you must be at least 11 to do this activity.

These junior bikes combine excitement and safety, and a ride around the track with friends is the perfect way for your child to celebrate their birthday. Party deals are on offer for children between the ages of 6 and 13, which include free use of waterproof overalls and boots, and a party area for birthday food.

When it comes to the biggest ones, these are designed for adults but teenagers who are tall and strong enough to handle the machine can have a go on them too. On arrival at your Pembrokeshire quad biking experience your instructor will do a quick assessment to decide which bike is best for you. There is an upper weight limit for most bikes. This is necessary so as not to put a strain on the motor or suspension, and in general is around 20 stone, or 127kg.

What should you bring the day of the activity?

The most important thing to bring with you to Pembrokeshire is your need for speed! To deal with that speed, you need the appropriate safety equipment. You’ll be given a helmet, overalls and footwear on site. These are given out for free, but if you’ve got it seriously dirty you’ll have to pay a small cleaning fee at the end of the session.

Despite being called overalls, this equipment probably won’t cover every inch of your own clothes so be sure to wear something that you don’t mind getting dirty. Of course, anything restrictive like tight jeans is also a bad idea: comfortable athletic or outdoor wear is the best way to go.

Is an outdoor pursuit and you need to be prepared for whatever comes your way. In Wales the weather can change a lot throughout the day at all times of year. It’s better to bring too much and not need it than not bring enough and get too cold!

While you are here, exchange the beaches or coastal paths for a properly exciting day out. There truly is something for everyone here when it comes to off-road adventures and we know you won’t regret making the journey Ritec valley. Make a booking and we’ll take care of the rest!