Routes2Ride
Aberavon Promenade
At one time one of Wales’ most popular destinations, with thousands of miners and their families visiting this large sandy beach, Aberavon beach is now one of Wales forgotten gems.
Classification: Easy Distance: 2 miles
Newtown Riverside
The name says it all, although this route offers much more thanks to the old Montgomery Canal and the Pwll Penarth Nature Reserve. The route can also be extended along the canal to Abermule.
Classification: Easy Distance: 3 miles
Cors Caron Nature Reserve to Ystradmeurig (Section of Ystwyth Trail)
This is off-road all the way and follows the old railway line across Cors Caron Nature Reserve. The main access point is at the car park at the reserve, where there is also an information board. The route is very flat on a gravel surface and is very suitable for families with small children. Along the way there are places where you can enter hides to watch birds and other wildlife.
Classification: Easy Distance: 4.5 miles
Aberystwyth to Llanilar (Section of Ystwyth Trail)
The lower end of the Ystwyth Trail, the section follows an old railway line away from Aberwystwyth and provides excellent views over the coastline, as well as passing through woodland, to the village of Llanilar.
Classification: Easy Distance: 6.5 miles
Llanilar to Abermagwr (Section of Ystwyth Trail)
Llanilar lies 6 miles south-west of Aberystwyth. There is good parking at Llanilar, right next to the Trail. A small road joins the Trail to the village centre where there is a shop just behind The Falcon pub. From here the Trail is completely flat, following the old railway line for 4 miles to Abermagwr.
Classification: Easy Distance: 4 miles
Prestatyn to Dyserth
This short route follows a railway path inland and provides some stunning views across the North Wales coast. Alongside Rhyl to st. Asaph, this another alternative to the sea front routes.
Classification: Easy Distance: 3 miles
Rhyl to St Asaph
The town of Rhyl offers a number of riding opportunities, with the route to St Asaph offering a great alternative to the costal paths. Passing some of the features that make Rhyl a famous sea side resort, the route soon takes you through woodland nature reserves, alongside the rivers Clwyd and Elwy, and via a slight detour, to the castle at Rhuddlan.
Classification: Medium Distance: 7 miles
Trawsfynydd to Gellilydan
This short route is wonderful if you want to get away from the crowds and enjoy the rugged mountains of southern Snowdonia. With expansive views, the small village of Trawsfynydd, and the lake and decommissioned power station, this ride is quite unique in what it offers.
Classification: Easy Distance: 4 miles
Lon Las Cefni: Anglesey
Running between Malltraeth and Llyn Cefni, a reservoir and local nature reserve, the route passes through the old market town of Llangefni, and runs alongside the river Cefni. It is also possible to head across Malltraeth Cob towards Newborough Forest, from where it’s possible to get down to the beach.
Classification: Easy/Medium Distance: 11 miles
Machynlleth to Caersws via Llanidloes and Staylittle
This is very much the wild section of Lon Las Cymru, and is essentially one big mountain pass.
Riding to over 500m, the highest on-road National Cycle Network section in Wales, combined with the stunning views of Snowdonia from the Wynford-Vaughn-Thomas memorial and the way the route circles the hills above Llyn Clywedog, you can experience real escapism and solitude.
Classification: Challenging Distance: 25 miles
