Cycling

Cycling in our woodlands

The woodlands and forests managed by Natural Resources Wales are home to some of the most famous mountain bike trails in Wales – see our mountain biking page for more information.

If you are looking for a more sedate cycle ride, you can cycle on any forest roads.

There are cycle routes or other facilities for cycling at these woodlands and forests:

• Coed Nercwys Forest, near Mold has a good network of fairly flat roads which allows access on foot, horseback or bicycle throughout this coniferous woodland
  
• Hiraethog Forest, near Denbigh has many miles of quiet forest roads, ideal for cycling, and bikes can be hired from the Dŵr Cymru/Welsh Water Visitor Centre to use on the trail around the Alwen Reservoir
• Newborough Forest, Anglesey is home to the circular Corsica Cycling Trail which follows roads through areas of mixed forest with views of the estuary
• Afan Forest Park, near Port Talbot is the starting point for a low level cycle way along the wide flat route of the old railway lines that once carried passengers and coal the length of Afan Valley
• Crychan Forest - Halfway, near Llandovery is the starting point for a cycle trail along forest roads with gentle gradients and over the waters of Nant y Dresglen

Trails for users of adaptive cycles

Some of our trails are suitable for people using adaptive cycles.

We have produced a series of films to help you work out how suitable some of these trails may be for you before you visit.

Each film is narrated by a disabled person as they negotiate the route using their own equipment.

To watch the films go to Trails for users of adaptive equipment

Other cycle routes in Wales

Whether you fancy pedalling along a quiet cycle track or embarking on a more challenging ride, cycling is a great way to enjoy the outdoors.

As well as cycling on the road, there are plenty of other places to cycle in Wales.

• Cycle tracks: Cycle tracks are public routes which have been created especially for cycling (walking and horse riding are allowed on some of them, too)
• Public rights of way: Cycling is permitted on bridleways and byways. These are open to other users such as walkers and horse riders, too
• Long distance walks: You can cycle on some parts of the three National Trails in Wales and on some parts of the Wales Coast Path
• National Cycle Network: see the Sustrans website

Cycle trail closures and diversions

Sometimes we need to close or divert trails whilst we undertake maintenance work or forest operations or for other reasons such as bad weather.

We add details about trail closures and diversions to the relevant woodland or visitor centre web page.

We also put signs about closures and any diversions at the start of each trail.

Please follow all diversion signs and instructions from our staff on site for your own safety.

Permission for events

You may need to apply for permission before organising activities or events on the land managed by Natural Resources Wales.

The Countryside Code

The Countryside Code applies to all parts of the countryside in England and Wales.

It aims to help everyone respect, protect and enjoy the outdoors.

You can download a copy of the Countryside Code before your ride.

Natural Resources Wales also has a forest cycle code of conduct which you can find on our mountain biking page.