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Three Ways to Cycle Wales

Wales has 331 miles of traffic-free rides, perfect for families with children. For lovers of quiet lanes there are 11 'holiday hubs' to base an activity break or holiday around. And if you want to cycle long distance, there's that too.

Visit Sustrans.org.uk for more information on cycling in Wales.

Family cycling on traffic free routes

For a family fun activity that everyone can enjoy, hop on a bike and go cycling. In Wales you’ll find traffic free routes located all across Wales. Bring your bikes with you or hire a bike from a nearby cycle shops.

Elan Valley, Rhayader

This disused railway follows the spectacular Mawddach estuary from Dolgellau to Barmouth, across wooden railway bridge. Shorter option to RSBP Reserve at Penmaenpool. 9 miles.

Millennium Coastal Park, Llanelli

Coastal promenade above the beach with view across to Gower. Bike hire at both ends of the trail. 6 miles.

North Wales Coastal Cycle Route - Colwyn Bay

This wonderful coastal route uses the wide sea promenade that stretches from Rhos-on-Sea and Colwyn Bay to Pensarn. 7 miles

Brunel Trail, Haverfordwest

Follow the disused railway through Westfield Pill Nature Reserve to the soulful Cleddau estuary. 4 miles. Or press on to Bolton woods or Haverfordwest, 6 or 9 miles

Find out more about cycling on a family holiday in Wales.


Long distance cycle routes

Wales has 1,200 miles of cycle paths on the National Cycle Network. The cycle paths form long distance National Cycle Trails which can be cycled in one go, or you can cherry pick great day and weekend sections.

The Celtic Trail, 220 miles

Fishguard to Chepstow

Undulating lanes to start, with a few climbs through Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. An optional off-road section 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. Weekend tasters: 12 to 146 miles.

Lôn Las Cymru, 250 miles

Holyhead to Cardiff/Chepstow

The trail heads inland as you travel south, never straying far from the sea. Snowdonia National Park’s dramatic descents are one of the most spectacular sections. After Machynlleth comes woodland, superb wildlife and villages. At Glasbury village, fork to the Brecon Beacons to finish in Cardiff – or to Abergavenny, Monmouthshire and Chepstow. Weekend tasters: 26 - 28 miles.

Lôn Cambria, 113 miles Lôn Teifi, 98 miles

Fishguard to Shrewsbury

Lôn Cambria crosses mid-Wales through Aberystwyth and Shrewsbury on country lanes, river valleys, trails and mountain roads. Panoramic views abound. Lôn Teifi joins on, running from Aberystwyth to Fishguard through country lanes and minor roads along the Teifi valley, through rural Tregaron, Lampeter, Newcastle Emlyn and Cardigan. Weekend tasters: 35-74 miles.

Discover why Wales has a global reputation for Mountain Biking in the UK

Nestling within Wales’ forests and valleys are the highest concentration of mountain biking options in the UK. Each winter sees more routes and trails added, as well as visitor centre upgrades. And thanks to the free-draining Welsh geology, the average route is just as good in the wet as in the dry.

Discover more about where to go mountain biking in Wales.

Must Visit Mountain Biking Centres

These are thrill-infested, purpose- built mountain bike complexes with excellent facilities – so after a day’s hooning in the hills you can shower, eat and clean your bike.

Cwm Carn

Nr. Newport. GPS: NP11 7FA

Just over the M4 Severn bridge, the ideal quick fix or launch pad for a Welsh tour. Panoramic views, freeride ‘play area’, rollercoaster singletrack, super-technical championship-standard downhill with an uplift. Not far from Cardiff either.

Afan Forest Park

Nr. Swansea. GPS: SA13 3EA

The mecca of South Wales mountain biking: 60+ miles of singletrack out to wildnerness plateaus you’d never believe were there. Many flowing trails, plus excellent bike hire and cafe. The local area is great for families too.

Nant yr Arian

Nr. Aberystwyth. GPS: SY23 3AD

Perched high on ridge, it offers truly wild riding, out onto the deserted mountains and moors of the Syfydrin trail. Hard nuts can link north to Machynlleth. Non riders can watch the red kites at the centre, or build sandcastles on the coast.

Coed y Brenin

Nr. Dolgellau. GPS: LL40 2HZ

The place where it all started, and still one of the ultimate MTB destinations. Head out from the brilliant new visitor centre, onto 60+ miles of trails, ideal for everyone from novices to the National Champions who’ve been crowned here.

Coed Llandegla

Nr. Wrexham. GPS: LL11 3AA

A proper dynamo of a centre, serving up anything from family trails to the huge swooping berms of the fast and loose Black Run. The visitor centre even do MTB kids’ parties! A great quick hit for riders in the midlands and north.