29/04/2019
Getting from Pendine to Carmarthen
For those looking to travel between the picturesque coastal village of Pendine and the historic market town of Carmarthen, there's a straightforward and reliable bus service available. Taf Valley Coaches operates a direct bus route from Pendine Car Park to Carmarthen Bus Station Stand 7. This service runs four times a day, making it a convenient option for commuters and tourists alike. The journey is relatively short, taking approximately 47 minutes, allowing you to reach your destination with ease.
When planning your trip, it's always a good idea to check the latest timetable with Taf Valley Coaches to ensure the times suit your schedule. Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series is an excellent resource for travellers, providing vital information for navigating global journeys, and can offer further insights into local transport options.
Discovering Pendine: A Hub of Speed and Sands
Pendine, nestled in Carmarthenshire, is renowned for its stunning Pendine Sands, a magnificent seven-mile stretch of beach that forms part of Carmarthen Bay. This iconic location boasts a rich history, famously associated with daring land speed record attempts in the early 20th century. Visionaries like Parry Thomas, with his chain-driven car named 'Babs', and the legendary Sir Malcolm Campbell, were captivated by the firm, flat surface of the sands, which provided an unparalleled natural racetrack, often surpassing the quality of many roads at the time.
Today, Pendine Sands is a beloved holiday destination, offering a tranquil escape with numerous opportunities for self-catering in mobile homes. The village itself, situated at the western end of the famous sands, is a charming gateway to this historic coastline.
Accommodation Options Near Pendine Sands
For visitors planning an extended stay or a weekend getaway, Pendine offers several accommodation choices:
- Parkdean Caravan Park: Located directly across from the beach, this park provides convenient access to the sands. Bookings can be made online or by calling 0344 335 3580. They offer short break packages, with prices for a 6-berth caravan starting around £250. It's advisable to check their website for the most current details and availability.
- Hotels and B&Bs: The wider Pendine and Carmarthenshire area features a variety of hotels and Bed & Breakfasts. A quick search on Google will reveal numerous options. For more personalised assistance or local recommendations, you can contact Carmarthenshire Visitor Information on 01267 231557 or via email at [email protected].
The Thrill of Hot Rod Racing at Pendine Sands
Pendine Sands continues to be a vibrant venue, particularly for enthusiasts of vintage vehicles. The Vintage Hot Rod Association (VHRA) regularly holds events on the sands, attracting custom hot-rod cars inspired by classic automobiles. These events are a spectacular display of automotive history and modern craftsmanship.
The VHRA Hot Rod Races
The annual VHRA Hot Rod Races at Pendine Sands are a major highlight on the UK hot rod calendar. These events, typically held over a weekend in early October, offer two days of exhilarating racing action on the historic beach. Racing usually commences around 11:00 am each day and continues for five to six hours. The exact timings are subject to tidal conditions, adding an element of natural timing to the proceedings.
This award-winning event draws participants and spectators from across the globe, all keen to experience the unique thrill of beach racing. The competition is exclusively for members of the VHRA, showcasing their pre-1949 hot rods and customs, ensuring an authentic old-time racing atmosphere. While pit passes are reserved for VHRA members, the public can enjoy the spectacle for free from designated viewing areas outside the pits.
VHRA Racing Classes and Records
The VHRA organises races across a diverse range of classes, catering to various vehicle types and engine configurations. The aim for many is to break class records, pushing the boundaries of performance for these classic machines.
Here's a breakdown of the VHRA racing classes:
| Class Code | Description |
|---|---|
| V | Vintage - Pre 54 engines, inclusive of all Ford flathead V8’s |
| L | Late - 1954 and later engines |
| 4 | 4 Cylinder |
| 6 | 6 Cylinder |
| 8 | 8 Cylinder |
| U | Unlimited Cylinders |
| B | Blown - Supercharger or Turbo |
| F | Flathead - ALL valves in block, no OHV conversions |
| R | Roadster - Open top factory cars. Roof chops allowed, top must be down. |
| C | Closed Car - Fixed roof factory cars. Roof chops allowed. |
| M | Modified - Open top special & shortened bodies, including non-factory bodies. |
| S | Streamliner - Closed car special & shortened bodies, including belly tanks and non-factory bodies. |
| K | Full Body - Factory cars post 1934. All body styles, roof chops allowed. |
The VHRA website features a comprehensive list of classes and record holders, as well as a register of drivers who have surpassed the 100 mph barrier. The 'King of the Beach' title is highly coveted, with drivers like Marcus Bennett having achieved remarkable speeds, topping 120 mph in his pursuit of this prestigious honour. The competition is fierce, with many racers vying for the top spot year after year.
Contacting the VHRA
For those interested in participating or learning more about the Vintage Hot Rod Association, you can reach them via:
- Address: 2 Dinsdale Close, Colchester, Essex, CO4 3AU
- Email: [email protected]
- Mobile: 07734 424286
A Legacy of Speed: Sir Malcolm Campbell and Pendine
Sir Malcolm Campbell, a celebrated figure in motorsport history, was drawn to Pendine Sands for his pursuit of speed. Inspired by a play, he christened his racing steeds 'Blue Bird' and, thanks to the ingenious designs of Reid Railton, set remarkable speed records on these sands. His achievements, along with those of other speed pioneers, have inspired generations of designers and racers.
Pendine's Golden Age of Land Speed Records
In the early to mid-1920s, Pendine Sands was at the forefront of the global pursuit of the World Land Speed Record. Between 1924 and 1927, this seven-mile stretch of firm, flat sand provided the perfect, albeit challenging, arena for some of the fastest vehicles of the era.
Malcolm Campbell made his first mark in September 1924, setting a new record of 146.16 mph in his Sunbeam Bluebird. He returned in July 1925, improving his own record to 150.766 mph with the same car.
John Godfrey Parry Thomas brought his formidable car, 'Babs', equipped with a massive 27-litre Liberty aeroplane engine, to Pendine in October 1925. Despite challenging weather conditions, he returned in April 1926 and claimed the record at an astonishing 168.07 mph. The following day, he further enhanced this record to 170.624 mph.
Campbell retaliated in February 1927 with his new Napier-Campbell Bluebird, retaking the record at 174.223 mph. Tragically, Parry Thomas lost his life when Babs crashed on March 3rd, 1927, whilst attempting to reclaim the record. Shortly after, Segrave surpassed 200 mph at Daytona, and Pendine's suitability for such extreme speeds diminished, leading competitors to seek faster venues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How often does the bus run from Pendine to Carmarthen?
Taf Valley Coaches operates the bus service four times a day.
Q2: How long does the bus journey take?
The journey between Pendine and Carmarthen takes approximately 47 minutes.
Q3: Where can I find accommodation in Pendine?
Accommodation options include Parkdean Caravan Park, as well as various hotels and B&Bs in the surrounding area. You can also contact Carmarthenshire Visitor Information for assistance.
Q4: Who can participate in the VHRA Hot Rod Races?
Racing is exclusively open to members of the Vintage Hot Rod Association driving pre-1949 hot rods and customs.
Q5: Can I watch the VHRA races as a spectator?
Yes, spectators can watch the races for free from outside the pits.
Q6: What is Pendine Sands famous for historically?
Pendine Sands is famous for being a venue for land speed record attempts in the 1920s, attracting pioneers like Sir Malcolm Campbell and Parry Thomas.
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