Best Cycling Routes in Wales 2026: 7 Epic Rides + Tour de France Preview

Wales is one of the finest cycling destinations in Europe — a country of long-distance National Cycle Network routes, mountain passes that make professional riders wince, gentle traffic-free coastal paths and everything in between.

In 2027 the Tour de France will race through Wales for the first time in history, and the roads and routes the world’s greatest cyclists will use are available to ride right now.

Whether you are planning a multi-day touring adventure or a gentle family ride along a coastal path, here are the seven best cycling routes in Wales for 2026.

Tour de France 2027 — Wales on the World Stage

In 2027 the Tour de France will include a stage in Wales — the first time the world’s greatest cycling race has visited the country.

The exact route is subject to finalisation, but the Tour organisers (ASO) have confirmed Wales will host a stage as part of a British Grand Départ, building on the success of the 2007 London Grand Départ and the 2014 Yorkshire Grand Départ.

Welsh roads — particularly in Eryri (Snowdonia) and through the passes of Mid Wales — are considered among the finest cycling terrain in Britain.

For cycling enthusiasts, this is the moment to get out and ride the roads that will soon carry the peloton.

Several of the routes and passes in this guide are realistic candidates for the Tour route — including the Llanberis Pass, the Horseshoe Pass near Llangollen and the Bwlch y Groes mountain pass.

Watch this page for updates as the 2027 route is announced. In the meantime, every road in this guide is available to ride in 2026.

Route 1: Lôn Las Cymru — Wales End to End

Distance: 250 miles (Holyhead to Cardiff / Chepstow) | Difficulty: Hard | Type: Touring / Road

Lôn Las Cymru (National Cycle Route 8) is the flagship long-distance cycle route of Wales — a 250-mile journey from the ferry port at Holyhead on Anglesey to Cardiff or Chepstow in the south, crossing the full length of the country through Eryri (Snowdonia), the Cambrian Mountains, the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) and the Wye Valley.

It is the most comprehensive way to experience the full variety of the Welsh landscape by bike.

The route divides naturally into sections of 30–50 miles per day for most tourers; a full end-to-end typically takes 6–10 days depending on fitness and how many diversions you take.

The central mountain section through the Cambrian Mountains is the most challenging — and the most spectacular — with sustained climbing and very limited services.

Carry supplies. The southern section from Brecon to Cardiff is more populated and easier to navigate.

Bike hire:

Beics Brenin in Betws-y-Coed and Brecon Cycle Centre at Brecon both offer touring bike hire along the route.

Book ahead for multi-day hire.

Cycling-friendly accommodation:

B&Bs, hostels and camping sites along the Lôn Las Cymru route generally welcome cyclists with secure storage and drying facilities.

Browse accommodation along the route →

Route 2: The Celtic Trail — Coastal South Wales

Distance: 377 miles (Fishguard to Chepstow) | Difficulty: Moderate | Type: Touring / Road & Traffic-free

The Celtic Trail (National Cycle Route 4 and 47) follows the length of the South Wales coast from Fishguard in Pembrokeshire to Chepstow on the English border.

377 miles of predominantly coastal and riverside riding through Swansea Bay, the Gower Peninsula, the Vale of Glamorgan and the Wye Valley.

It is the most accessible long-distance route in Wales, with significant stretches of traffic-free path along disused railway lines and purpose-built cycle paths.

The Gower section — from Swansea to Llanelli along the Millennium Coastal Path — is one of the finest short cycling days in Wales: a flat, traffic-free path with views across the Gower Peninsula and the Bristol Channel for most of its length.

The Pembrokeshire section from Fishguard to Tenby is more undulating and scenic. The full Celtic Trail makes a natural week-long tour for riders of moderate fitness.

Bike hire:

Pedal Power in Cardiff, Gower Cycle Hire near Swansea, and several Pembrokeshire providers offer daily and weekly hire along the route.

Route 3: Mawddach Trail — Scenic Estuary Ride

Distance: 9.5 miles one way (Barmouth to Dolgellau) | Difficulty: Easy | Type: Family / Traffic-free

The Mawddach Trail is the finest easy cycling route in Wales for families — a completely flat, traffic-free path following the southern shore of the Mawddach Estuary from Barmouth to Dolgellau through some of the most breathtaking scenery in Gwynedd.

The route passes through ancient oak woodland, across the Barmouth Viaduct (a 900-metre wooden railway bridge above the estuary) and into the market town of Dolgellau with its excellent cafés and mountain views.

The return journey is equally beautiful in the other direction. The full 19-mile round trip is achievable for most adults and older children; families with younger riders can turn around at any point.

Bikes can be hired in Dolgellau at Dolgellau Cycles from around £20 per day. The trail is surfaced throughout and accessible to all bike types including road bikes, hybrids and child trailers.

© Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2024) Cymru Wales

Route 4: Bwlch y Groes — The Hardest Road Climb in Wales

Distance: 10 miles round trip from Bala | Difficulty: Very Hard | Type: Road / Sportive

Bwlch y Groes is the highest paved road pass in Wales, reaching 545 metres above sea level on a narrow mountain road between Bala and Dinas Mawddwy in the southern Cambrian Mountains.

The ascent from the Bala side involves 8 kilometres of relentless climbing at an average gradient of 7%, with sustained sections above 12% near the summit.

The views from the top — across the Aran mountain range and down to Bala Lake below — are a brilliant reward for the suffering involved.

Bwlch y Groes is a realistic candidate for a Tour de France 2027 stage finish — a genuine mountain-top arrival in a landscape and at a gradient comparable to the Alpine and Pyrenean passes of the traditional Tour route.

For road cyclists, riding it in 2026 and 2027 takes on an additional significance. The pass is normally open year-round but can be icy and impassable in winter; check conditions before attempting between November and March.

Route 5: Lôn Cambria — Cross-Country Through the Heart of Wales

Distance: 105 miles (Aberystwyth to Shrewsbury) | Difficulty: Moderate to Hard | Type: Touring / Road

Lôn Cambria (National Cycle Route 81) crosses Wales from west to east — from the UNESCO City of Literature of Aberystwyth on Cardigan Bay to Shrewsbury on the English border, through the heart of the Cambrian Mountains.

The route passes through Rhayader (gateway to the Elan Valley dark sky reserve), Llandrindod Wells (with its famous Victorian spa architecture) and the beautiful Severn Valley before reaching Shrewsbury.

The central section through the Elan Valley is the highlight — riding past the chain of six Victorian reservoirs with red kites overhead and almost no other traffic on the roads.

A three-day itinerary works well: Aberystwyth to Rhayader (38 miles), Rhayader to Llandrindod Wells via Elan Valley (35 miles), Llandrindod Wells to Shrewsbury (32 miles).

Route 6: The Horseshoe Pass, Llangollen — Classic Road Climb

Distance: 18 miles round trip from Llangollen | Difficulty: Hard | Type: Road / Sportive

The Horseshoe Pass above Llangollen is one of the most famous and most photographed road climbs in Wales.

A series of switchback bends ascending through limestone moorland above the Dee Valley to a summit at 417 metres, with the sweeping horseshoe curve of the road visible from the valley floor below.

The climb from Llangollen is steady rather than brutal — around 6% average gradient over 8 kilometres — making it achievable for riders of moderate fitness but still a genuine challenge.

The summit layby café at the top (a Welsh institution, open most days) provides essential tea and Welsh cake before the exhilarating descent back towards Llangollen.

The Horseshoe Pass is one of the routes tipped as a potential Tour de France 2027 candidate for its combination of scenery and sustained gradient.

Bike hire:

Llangollen Bikes and Wheels Within Wales in Llangollen both offer road bike hire from around £30 per day.

Route 7: The Taff Trail — Cardiff to Brecon

Distance: 55 miles (Cardiff Bay to Brecon) | Difficulty: Moderate | Type: Family / Traffic-free sections

The Taff Trail connects Cardiff Bay to Brecon in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) — a 55-mile route following the River Taff northwards through Cardiff, Pontypridd, Merthyr Tydfil and the Brecon Beacons foothills.

Large sections are traffic-free, following canal towpaths, riverside paths and disused railway lines. It is the most urban-to-rural cycling route in Wales, starting in a capital city and finishing in a national park.

The route is most popular as a one-way ride with a train return from Merthyr Tydfil (30 miles) or a full two-day journey to Brecon with an overnight stay.

The Brecon end of the trail has some significant climbing; the Cardiff and Pontypridd sections are almost entirely flat. An excellent introduction to Welsh cycling for city-based riders.

Bike hire:

Pedal Power in Cardiff Pontcanna, Merthyr Bike Hub at Merthyr Tydfil, and Brecon Cycle Centre at Brecon all hire bikes along the route from around £25 per day.

Cycling-Friendly Accommodation in Wales

Most rural B&Bs, guesthouses and holiday cottages in Wales are happy to accommodate cyclists — many offer secure bike storage, drying rooms, packed lunches and early breakfasts on request.

When booking, look for accommodation close to the route with a railway station for any one-way rides. Self-catering cottages work particularly well for cycling breaks, giving you a base to leave the car and explore by bike each day.

For more active holiday inspiration, see our guides to mountain biking in Snowdonia, adventure sports in Wales and Wales holiday ideas for every type of trip.

FAQ: Planning Your 2026 Wales Cycling Trip & Tour de France Preview

Is the Tour de France coming to Wales?

Yes — the Tour de France is confirmed to include a stage in Wales in 2027 as part of a British Grand Départ. This will be the first time the world’s greatest cycling race has visited Wales. The exact route through Wales is subject to finalisation, but mountain roads in Eryri (Snowdonia) and the passes of Mid and North Wales are considered the most likely candidates. In 2026 you can ride the roads that the Tour peloton will use in 2027.

What is the best cycle route in Wales for beginners?

The Mawddach Trail from Barmouth to Dolgellau is the finest beginner cycling route in Wales — 9.5 miles of flat, traffic-free path along a beautiful estuary with stunning mountain scenery. The Taff Trail from Cardiff to Merthyr Tydfil and the Millennium Coastal Path along the Gower Peninsula are also excellent for beginners. For a family day out on bikes with very young children, the canal towpath sections of the Celtic Trail in South Wales are accessible and enjoyable.

Can I hire a bike in Snowdonia?

Yes — several bike hire providers operate in and around Eryri (Snowdonia). Beics Brenin at Betws-y-Coed is the largest, offering road bikes, mountain bikes, e-bikes and children’s bikes from around £25–40 per day. Dolgellau Cycles at Dolgellau hires bikes for the Mawddach Trail. Llanberis and Caernarfon also have hire providers. Book in advance during peak season (July–August) as hire fleets fill up quickly at popular locations.

Are there e-bike routes in Wales?

Yes — e-bikes are increasingly popular for the mountain passes and longer touring routes of Wales, making challenging terrain accessible to a much wider range of riders. Most bike hire providers in Wales now include e-bikes in their fleets. The Lôn Las Cymru, Lôn Cambria and the mountain climbs of Bwlch y Groes and the Horseshoe Pass are all significantly more manageable on an e-bike. Several cycling holiday operators in Wales now offer guided e-bike tours with luggage transfer between accommodations.