Long Distance Cycling Tours in Wales
Explore Wales — from coastal roads to mountain valleys and quiet countryside lanes
Wales is perfectly suited to longer distance cycling. Within a relatively compact area you can experience dramatic changes in landscape — coastal riding one day, mountain scenery the next.
Why Cycle Tour in Wales?
Wales is perfectly suited to longer distance cycling. Within a relatively compact area you can experience dramatic changes in landscape — coastal riding one day, mountain scenery the next, followed by quiet rural valleys and traditional Welsh market towns.
Many of the roads are peaceful and scenic, with friendly villages and welcoming cafés along the way.
Cyclists are warmly welcomed throughout the country — or as the Welsh say: Croeso i Gymru – Welcome to Wales.
At Bike Wales we can help you plan a multi-day cycling journey that links these landscapes together into an unforgettable experience.
We will be please to advise you and develop a bespoke GPX file to suit your needs and plans.
National Cycle Routes Across Wales
A number of long-distance cycle routes have been developed across Wales by the UK cycling organisation Sustrans as part of the National Cycle Network.
These routes are designed to help cyclists travel safely between towns and regions using quieter roads, dedicated paths and scenic routes.
Some of the best-known routes in Wales include sections of:
- Coastal cycle routes
- Cross-country routes through Mid Wales
- Mountain and valley routes linking national parks
These signposted routes can form the backbone of a longer cycling tour, and many riders combine them with quieter local roads to create more varied journeys.
Bike Wales Recommended Touring Routes
In addition to the official national routes, Bike Wales can suggest a range of carefully selected touring options that showcase some of the best cycling landscapes in North Wales.
Sustrans Route 8 – Cardiff to Holyhead
Overview
National Cycle Route 8 is one of the most ambitious long-distance cycling routes in Wales, linking Cardiff in the south with Holyhead on the island of Anglesey in the north.
The route travels through some of the country’s most varied landscapes, passing through mountains, river valleys, moorland and coastal scenery.
Cyclists experience the changing character of Wales as they travel north through the Brecon Beacons, Mid Wales countryside and into the dramatic landscapes of Snowdonia before reaching the Irish Sea.
- Approximate distance: 250 miles / 400 km
- Typical duration: 4–7 days Average daily distance: 30–70 miles
- quiet country lanes
- signposted cycle routes
- traffic-free paths
- mountain and moorland sections
- Caernarfon to Dolgellau
- Porthmadog to Holyhead
Sustrans Route 82 – North & Mid Wales Link
Overview
National Cycle Route 82 branches off Route 8 and provides a scenic link through parts of North and Mid Wales.
The route connects coastal areas with inland valleys and mountain landscapes, offering riders a quieter and more varied touring experience.
Planning Notes:
Riders often combine Route 82 with other National Cycle Network routes to create longer tours or circular journeys across Wales.
Distance
Approximately 151 miles, although the total distance depends on the sections chosen.
Key Sections:
Some well-known sections include:
- Bangor to Llyn Ogwen – dramatic mountain scenery
- Porthmadog to Machynlleth – coastal and estuary riding
- Machynlleth to Aberystwyth – rolling countryside
- Aberystwyth to Fishguard – coastal riding along Cardigan Bay
Sustrans Route 81 – Aberystwyth to Shrewsbury
Overview
National Cycle Route 81 connects the Welsh coast at Aberystwyth with the historic town of Shrewsbury in Shropshire.
The route travels through the peaceful countryside of Mid Wales, following quiet roads, valleys and small market towns.
Distance
Approximately 113 miles
Planning Notes
This route can easily be linked with other routes to create circular tours across Mid Wales.
Travel connections via train are available from Llandudno Junction and other major stations.
Sustrans Route 5 – North Wales Coast
Overview
National Cycle Route 5 is a long-distance coastal route running from Reading in southern England to Holyhead in North Wales.
The North Wales section follows the coastline between Chester and Anglesey, offering scenic riding alongside beaches, estuaries and historic coastal towns.
Distance
The full route is over 350 miles, although many riders choose shorter sections.
Highlights
Cyclists can enjoy:
- coastal cycle paths
- sea views along the North Wales coast
- historic towns such as Conwy and Bang
Planning Notes
Rail links along the coast make it easy to start or finish rides at different locations.
Anglesey Coastal Tour - Circumnavigation of Yns Mon/Anglesey
Overview
The Isle of Anglesey offers excellent touring with quiet lanes, open countryside and spectacular coastal scenery.
A circular ride around the island allows cyclists to experience:
- dramatic cliffs and headlands
- sandy beaches
- historic villages and harbours
Distance
Typical tours range between:
30–90 miles depending on the chosen route
Duration
1–4 days
Planning Notes
Anglesey can also be combined with routes on the mainland to create longer cycling tours across North Wales.
Bike Wales can assist with route planning and start/finish transfers.
Llŷn Peninsula Tour - Circular tour of Pen Llyn/Llyn Peninsular
Overview
The Llŷn Peninsula is one of the most scenic areas of North Wales, with quiet country lanes, sweeping coastal views and traditional fishing villages.
Cyclists can explore the peninsula from Caernarfon in the north to Porthmadog in the south, passing through destinations such as:
- Aberdaron
- Abersoch
- Criccieth
Distance
Typical routes range from:
50–100 miles depending on the itinerary
Highlights
- beautiful beache
- rolling countryside
- historic coastal villages
Planning Notes
This region works particularly well for circular touring routes.
Circular tour of North Snowdonia/Parc Eryri
Overview
This route explores the northern part of Snowdonia (Eryri National Park), linking several well-known cycling destinations.
The ride combines sections of quiet mountain roads, scenic valleys and classic Snowdonia landscapes.
Locations on Route:
Possible route highlights include: Betws-y-Coed, Conwy, Bangor, Caernarfon, Porthmadog and Beddgelert
Distance
Routes can vary widely depending on the chosen itinerary:
30–120 miles
Planning Notes
Bike Wales can help create a route that balances challenge, scenery and daily distances.
St Asaph – Llangollen – Oswestry
Overview
This route explores the landscape around Offa’s Dyke, following the foothills of the Clwydian Range and the scenic Dee Valley.
One of the highlights is riding alongside the Llangollen Canal and crossing the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
Distance
Up to 90 miles
Terrain
- rolling hillls
- canal-side paths
- valley roads
Planning Notes
This route can be extended into a longer circular ride returning via Bala and the Berwyn Mountains.
Bala & Lake Vyrnwy Tour
Overview
This route explores two of the most beautiful lakes in Wales — Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake) and Lake Vyrnwy.
Cyclists travel through remote countryside using quiet lanes and moorland road
Distance
Up to 90 miles
Highlights
- dramatic lake scenery
- peaceful rural landscapes
- remote upland riding
Planning Notes
Bike Wales can assist with transfers or route planning depending on the direction of travel.
Betws Y Coed, Cerrigydrudion Ruthin Denbigh Rhyl
Overview
Starting in Betws-y-Coed, often described as the gateway to Snowdonia, this route travels through remote upland countryside before descending towards the North Wales coast.
The journey ends at Rhyl, where the mountains give way to coastal scenery.
Distance
Up to 90 miles
Planning Notes
The route can also be adapted into a circular ride returning inland through the Clwydian hills.
Dee, Ceriog & Tanat Valley Tour
Overview
This scenic tour explores several of North Wales’ most beautiful river valleys.
Cyclists follow the River Dee through Bala, Corwen, Llangollen and Chirk before heading south into the quieter Ceriog and Tanat Valleys and crossing the Berwyn Mountains.
Distance
Up to 90 miles
Highlights
- riverside riding along the Dee Valley
- traditional Welsh market towns
- remote mountain landscapes
Planning Notes
This tour is particularly enjoyable on electric bikes, making the climbs more manageable while still allowing riders to experience the scenery.
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