Wales is a paradise for cyclists: dramatic landscapes, quiet lanes, coastal views, and just the right amount of challenge. Thanks to the National Cycle Network, many of these scenic routes are now more accessible than ever. Sustrans, the charity behind the network, has worked for years to connect towns, countryside and coast, offering traffic-free or low-traffic cycle routes perfect for both leisurely riders and hardy adventurers.
Whether you’re after a weekend escape or a full-on tour, here are some of the best Sustrans routes in Wales to explore:
Lon Las Cymru (NCN 8): Wales End-to-End
Distance: ~250 miles
Route: Cardiff to Holyhead
Lon Las Cymru is the ultimate Welsh cycling route, taking you from the capital in the south to the very edge of Anglesey in the north. It’s the kind of ride that sticks with you — from the Brecon Beacons and Mid Wales wilderness to the stunning climb over Pen-y-Pass in Snowdonia.
Highlights include:
The Taff Trail section from Cardiff to Brecon
Climbing up past Llyn Clywedog reservoir
Views of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) as you approach the north coast
Best tackled over 4–7 days, it’s a ride for those who like their climbs spicy and their views unforgettable.
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The Taff Trail (NCN 8): Green Escape from Cardiff
Distance: 55 miles
Route: Cardiff Bay to Brecon
This is the southern section of Lon Las Cymru and one of the most popular routes in South Wales — and for good reason. Starting at the sea in Cardiff Bay, it weaves through parks, along old railway lines, past castles and up into the Brecon Beacons.
Perfect for a long weekend ride or even a family-friendly day out if you just do a section. You’ll pass:
Castell Coch, the fairy-tale red castle in Tongwynlais
Pontypridd and its cafés and bike-friendly stops
The long steady climb into the heart of the national park
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NCN 4: Celtic Trail West
Distance: Variable – several day rides or longer stretches
Route: Fishguard to Chepstow
NCN 4 traces the southern coast of Wales, hugging estuaries and weaving through old market towns and rolling countryside. Highlights include:
The dramatic Pembrokeshire coast near Fishguard
Coastal towns like Tenby and Laugharne
Carmarthen, Llanelli’s Millennium Coastal Path, and the Severn Bridge into England
This route offers more gentle gradients than the mountainous routes inland, making it ideal for touring cyclists and anyone seeking a breezy, scenic pedal by the sea
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Lôn Eifion (NCN 8): Short but Sweet
Distance: 12 miles
Route: Caernarfon to Bryncir
This section of NCN 8 is one of the most accessible and family-friendly routes in North Wales. It follows an old railway line and gives glorious views across to Yr Eifl and the Snowdonia range.
Start at Caernarfon with a coffee and castle visit
Cruise along smooth, traffic-free tarmac
Stop for cake or an ice cream halfway in Penygroes or Groeslon
It’s a relaxed ride but with that unbeatable North Wales scenery all the way.
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NCN 81: Ystwyth Trail
Distance: 20 miles
Route: Aberystwyth to Tregaron
Running along an old railway line, this route from the coast inland offers a gentle escape into Mid Wales’ wild heart. Lush valleys, dense woodland and quiet hillsides await. You’ll feel a million miles away from city life, even if you’re never that far from a teahouse.
Top tips:
Great in spring or autumn when the colours pop
Ideal for a gravel or hybrid bike
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Planning your ride: Tips for Sustrans routes in Wales
Check surface types: While many routes are tarmac, some include gravel or compacted stone sections.
Weather matters: Wales is beautiful but can be (and often is!) wet. Waterproofs are essential.
Accommodation: There are loads of cycle-friendly B&Bs along the National Cycle Network. Book ahead in summer.
Navigation: Sustrans routes are signposted, but a GPS or app like Komoot or RideWithGPS will make things easier.
Final Thoughts
Wales might not shout as loudly as some other cycle destinations, but for those in the know, it’s a treasure trove of epic climbs, peaceful valleys and traffic-free trails. Thanks to Sustrans, you don’t need to be a pro to enjoy them, just a bit of curiosity and a sense of adventure.
So, pump up your tyres, load up your panniers or just grab a water bottle and go!
