Cycling in South Wales and Cardiff offers a scenic and invigorating way to explore the region. The terrain varies from rolling hills to flat coastal paths, making it suitable for a variety of cyclists. Being by the South Wales coast provides several places to explore despite inevitable headwinds, and the Brecon Beacons National Park is nearby North giving you the opportunity to hunt tough climbs.
Whether you’re just a weekend rider or a serious cyclist, here are some of our favourite Cardiff cycle routes.
Cardiff to Porthcawl Cycle Route
Take on the challenging terrain for a sweet reward in the tourist honey pot of Porthcawl. Keep one eye on the road and the other as you ride past Barry Island and the Cardiff Airport. 74 miles and 4,144 ft of climbing will get the legs burning.
Newport to Bristol
Ride from Wales into England and visit the city of Bristol whilst taking on some challenging hill climbs. It is a ride of grit and determination that comes in at 65 miles.
Cardiff Bay Jolly
Take a spin around Cardiff Bay and see the local parks and The Millennium Stadium. I It won’t push your limits but is Ideal for an easy family Sunday ride with a coffee and cake stop. Or maybe a fresh spin to get over a hangover.
To the Tumble Hillclimb
Head up from Newport to Abergavenny and experience the infamous Tumble. Feel the fresh countryside air race through your aero stance and take in all Wales has to offer in the hills.
The Tumble climb itself is around 3 miles at an 8% gradient and is one of Wales’ top 10 climbs to tick off your list.
Castle Tours Cardiff Cycle Route
Explore the rich heritage of South Wales by cycling past the four castles. Cardiff Castle, Newport Castle, Castell Coch, and Caerphilly Castle, sit along this historic ride. The ride comes in at 75 miles with 4,824ft of climbing making it the toughest one in our list.
Mountain Bike Cycle Routes near Cardiff
If you’re looking to tear up the trails there are several mountain bike trail locations not far from Cardiff and South Wales, suitable for cross country and downhill riders.
Afan Forest Park
These mountain bike trails are situated in the Afan Forest with the backdrop of the Afan Valley in South Wales. There are green and blue through to black trails to suit leisure and serious riders. With a mountain bike center and cafe too, you’ll feel right at home.
BikePark Wales
Traveled to from all over the UK, BikePark Wales is a fantastic trail center close to Cardiff. Suitable for newcomers and confident trail riders, there is a lot to explore. Bike hire, cafe, shop – it’s all here for you to tear it up.
Have any other Cardiff cycle routes you’d recommend? Whether flat, hilly, short or long, we’re always on the hunt for the best routes and rides across the UK.
If you have a worthy collection of your own routes local to your area, we’d love to hear from you and give you the chance to be featured + receive an Amazon voucher. Get in touch with us here.
