Cycling

Where can I cycle 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.

Read on to find out where you can cycle.

• 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
• Woodlands: There are cycle routes, mountain bike trails and forest roads in some of the woodlands managed by Natural Resources Wales

What information can I get on cycling?

Cycle tracks

Cycle tracks are public routes which have been created especially for cycling (walking and horse riding is allowed on some of them, too).

The National Cycle Network includes many of these cycle routes – see the Sustrans website for more information.

Many of the Sustrans routes go on roads through the forests or near the national nature reserves which are managed by Natural Resources Wales.

Wales Coast Path

From the outskirts of Chester in the north to Chepstow in the south, the Wales Coast Path provides a continuous walking route around the whole of Wales.

Several parts of the Wales Coast Path are also sections of the National Cycle Network.

These sections are mostly flat, traffic free and on a hard surface.

See the cycling section on the Wales Coast Path website to find out more.

Cycle trails to castles, churches and chapels

The Visit Wales website contains lots of useful information about cycling, including 10 of the best walks and cycle rides to take in the sights of castles, churches and chapels.

You can also see these routes on the online route planning and sharing website Trail-zilla.

Cycling in woodlands managed by Natural Resources Wales

The woodlands and forests managed by Natural Resources Wales are home to some of the most famous mountain biking 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 car park), near Llandovery is the starting point for a cycle trail along forest roads with gentle gradients and over the waters of Nant y Dresglen

If you have a smartphone, you can download our free PlacesToGo app which includes all of these cycling routes along with information on recreation facilities.

How do I find out about route closures and diversions?

Sometimes a public right of way has to be closed or diverted.

Signage on-site should tell you whether a public right of way is open or closed.

For more information about how exclusions or restrictions are applied to open access land, go to managing access.

How do I get permission for a cycling event in a woodland managed by Natural Resources Wales?

Go to Woodlands and You to find out how to get permission to organise a cycling event in one of the woodlands 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.