Cycling on the north Wales coast
A handy guide to where you can cycle on the North Wales Coast & Dee Estuary section of the Wales Coast Path.
Other cycling routes near the path
With the majority of the coast path being unsuitable for cyclists, here are some cycling routes that offer ways for cyclists to explore the coastline and nearby inland countryside
With great options for road bikes and mountain bikes, there are plenty of choices to get on your bike and explore the Welsh countryside. For a wider range of cycling options in Wales, visit Sustrans.
Isle of Anglesey
Lon Las Cefni intersects with the Wales Coast Path at Newborough Forest and Malltraeth.
Menai, Llŷn & Meirionnydd
Family-friendly cycle routes abound along the coast, often linking into paths which open up the interior and world-class mountain biking trails. Lon Eifion (12 miles) from Caernarfon to Bryncir provides incredible views of Llŷn Peninsula, Anglesey, and the surrounding mountains of Snowdonia. The Mawddach Trail (9 miles) runs from Dolgellau to Barmouth.
Ceredigion
There is a short, pleasant route (under 2 miles) through the Aeron Valley linking the coastal town of Aberaeron with the National Trust property at Llanerchaeron. Alternatively, for a more challenging route, you could try the 21 mile Ystwyth Trail which heads inland from Aberystwyth.
For family cycling head towards the Welsh Wildlife Centre at Cilgerran, near Cardigan, and bring binoculars for bird watching! The Cardi Bach traffic-free cycle route starts from Cardigan Bridge, and winds its way through a nature reserve. You can continue on to the castle at Cilgerran.
Pembrokeshire
You can cycle from Fishguard as far as London on the National Cycle Network 4 but you don't need to go that far. The route, while hilly in places, offers an exciting and energetic ways to explore Pembrokeshire and beyond. Leafy back lanes,sleepy villages and coastal vistas are the order of the day. Most sections involve hilly terrain.
Gower & Swansea Bay
Swansea is the gateway to the Mumbles and the spectacular Gower Peninsula, the first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to be designated in Britain. Much of it is open to cyclists and links to prescribed inland cycle routes on the Peninsula. For the more adventurous, the world class mountain bike trails in the Afan Forest Park are only a short bus ride away.
South Wales Coast & Severn Estuary
The Vale of Glamorgan coastline is an excellent on-road cycling destination, linked to the National Cycling Network.
Cardiff Bay is becoming a Mecca for family bikers with its 6.2 mile cycle trail, taking in the barrage, built to create a huge freshwater lake, and waterfront with a host of family activities and places to visit. Linking to the Taff Trail, north to Brecon, there are also Bay cycle tours and bike hire.
Along the South Wales Coast & Severn Estuary, the cycle path skirts the Newport Wetlands Reserve, with its year-round visitor and educational centre, and children’s play area.
Image: Walk the Wales Coast Path
