Cycle Touring

Wales now has 1,000 miles of cycle paths on the National Cycle Network. So there’s never been a better time to get out and start exploring the country on two wheels. The Lon Las Cymru and Celtic Trail are a great place to start. You can cycle them in one go or you can cherry-pick great day and weekend sections of both trails.

Celtic Trail
Distance Start Finish
220 miles
The Ocean Lab, Fishguard, Pembrokeshire
Chepstow Castle

Terrain
Undulating lanes with one or two climbs on the western section, through Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. An easier section from Kidwelly to Neath. An optional off-road High Level Route option through the forests between Neath and Pontypridd climbs to 2000ft (600m). The final section from Trelewis to Chepstow is largely downhill or flat, on railway paths, towpaths and quiet lanes.

Mapping
The Celtic Trail (West) from Fishguard to Swansea and The Celtic Trail (East) from Swansea to Chepstow. The maps cost £5.99 from www.sustrans.org.uk
Ordnance Survey Landranger 145, 157, 158, 159, 162, 170 & 171

Lon Las Cymru
Distance Start Finish
250 miles Tourist Information Centre, Holyhead, Anglesey The Oval Basin Piazza, Cardiff or Chepstow Castle

Terrain
Tough in places and if cycled end to end. But there are many easier sections, some of them traffic free (see cycling highlights)

Mapping
Lôn Las Cymru (North) from Holyhead to Builth Wells and Lôn Las Cymru (South) from Builth Wells to Cardiff/Chepstow. The maps cost £5.99 and are available from www.sustrans.org.uk

Ordnance Survey Landranger maps: 114, 115, 123, 124, 135, 136, 147, 148, 160, 161, 162, 170 & 171

Lôn Cambria
Lôn Cambria crosses the heart of Mid Wales between Aberystwyth and Shrewsbury. The 113 mile (182 km) cycle route is a journey along country lanes, river valleys, trails and mountain roads with panoramic views of the Welsh countryside.

The route offers something for everyone, from the bustle of the Victorian seaside resort of Aberystwyth, through the peace and tranquillity of the Cambrian mountains before crossing the border and descending into the picturesque historic border town of Shrewsbury.
cyclists by lake

If you want to make the most of your trip then there are also plenty of places to stop along the way – from the impressive Powis Castle near Welshpool to the Glass Workshop in Rhayader.

Highlights include Aberystwyth Cliff Railway, Elan Valley Reservoirs and Visitor Centre, Grigin Farm Kite Feeding Centre, Welshpool Museum and Shrewbsury Castle.

Lôn Teifi
Lôn Teifi runs between Aberystwyth and Fishguard, part of National Route 82 of the National Cycle Network. The 98 mile (158km) cycle route follows country lanes and minor roads along the valley of the River Teifi, through the rural towns of Tregaron, Lampeter, Newcastle Emlyn and Cardigan before reaching Fishguard on the West Wales coast.

The route follows the gentle gradients of the river valley where possible but at times deviates away where there are a few steep climbs.

Highlights along the route include Cors Caron National Nature Reserve, Cenarth Falls and Coracle Museum, St Dogmaels Abbey, Cilgerran Castle and Castell Henllys.

See here for more info:

Maps available at Sustrans

COED Y BRENIN

Forestry Commission Wales' mountain bike Mecca, Coed-y-Brenin forest is home to an ever increasing network of fantastic handbuilt all weather singletrack and even a dual slalom course. The technical roller coaster riding will have you grinning like a fool, with stunning mountain views of surrounding Snowdonia and the coast that'll take your breath away.

From the 'Temtiwr' & 'Yr Afon' trails, the famous Tarw and 'MBR' trails through to the strenuous technical singletrack of the "Dragon's Back" and The Beast of Brenin, there's days of fantastic riding for everyone from families to the World-class racers who train here regularly.

Coed y Brenin was the first forest to be developed for the sport of mountain biking and to this day retains its reputation as the sports premier location. Whilst building the new visitor centre we created a new family route, Yr Afon. Our other trails all include rocky, technical features and are not recommended for novice riders. From tight technical singletrack to fast open flowing sections there's something on offer for all experienced mountain bikers to enjoy.

Be sure to take in the breathtaking scenery, with views across to Cadair Idris, glaciated valleys, wild untamed rivers, an expanse of forest and all in the heart of Snowdonia National Park.

The purpose-built visitor centre offers hot drinks, snacks, main meals, bike hire and a fully equipped shop. Be sure to visit, we promise you’ll want to return!

CYCLE TOURING

For more info visit:

http://www.cycling.visitwales.com/server.php?show=nav.2313

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