Road Routes
If you’re looking for something more challenging, longer in distance with some stunning scenery, then these road routes are for you. Best ridden on road specific bikes, or hybrids with slick tyres.
Brailsford Way
Distance: 50 or 70 miles
Surface: Tarmac
Start/Finish: Menai Strait, on to Caernarfon Castle
Earlier this year, Snowdonia saw the launch of the Brailsford Way. Named after Sir David Brailsford, who used to cycle these same routes in his youth, this loop was used for Etape: Snowdonia.
You can choose from either the 50 mile, or 70 mile route which both begin and end in Caernarfon. Although, you can choose your own beginning and end, seeing as it’s a looped route.
Stunning landscapes, challenging gradients and smooth tarmac roads, what more could you want?
Lon Cambria – Aberystwyth to Shrewsbury
Distance: 113 miles
Surface: Mixed
Start: Aberystwyth – Finish: Shrewsbury
Cycle across mid-Wales on this challenging, but rewarding ride. This 113 mile ride will take you along the coastal paths at Aberystwyth, and through the countryside to the historic border town of Shrewsbury.
As you leave Aberystwyth, you’ll make your way to the steep climbs of Pont-rhyd-y-groes to join a remote mountain road east of Cwmystwyth. What comes with the climbs, are the descents and this road takes you to the beautiful Elan Valley Trail and reservoirs.
Pass the watershed as you cross over from the Wye Valley to the Severn Valley, you’ll drop down to Llanidloes. One of the steepest climbs of the route comes after Caersws, so enjoy those flat sections along the Montgomery Canal towpath.
With a final push on the Roman Road, you’ll be able to take in the panoramic views before a flowy descent into the market town of Shrewsbury.
Taff Trail – Cardiff to Brecon
Distance: 55 miles
Surface: Mixed
Start: Cardiff Waterfront – Finish: Brecon
If you have one long day to pedal some miles, see some historic sights and get your blood racing, then head over to South East Wales and get on the Taff Trail.
A few miles out from the busy hustle and bustle of Cardiff, and you’ll be faced with wonderful natural wildlife. There’s plenty of picnic areas, rest stops and sights to see as you cycle towards Pontypridd.
On your way to Merthyr, you’ll come across a number of worthwhile heritage sites and museums to brush up on local history. Onwards towards the rolling mountains of Brecon where the path undulates and winds past gushing waterfalls and crystal still reservoirs.
