Whilst staying in Anglesey, why not take a peaceful bike ride through the surrounding Welsh countryside? It really is the best way to experience the best bits of North Wales. To help you get started, here are five of, in our opinion, the best cycle routes in the area.
Where is Anglesey?
Located just off the north-west coast of Wales, Anglesey is an island and part of the Isle of Anglesey. The area is joined to the mainland by the Menai Strait, and is only reachable by crossing one of the two brides; Britannia Bridge and the Menai Suspension Bridge.
Bursting with natural beauty, Anglesey is a fantastic place to cycle, with a wide variety of routes that take in salt marshes, cliffs, woodland, farmland and much more. Let’s take a look at a few of our favourites…
Lôn Las Cefni
- A wonderful route that takes you through some of Anglesey’s most picturesque scenery.
- 11 miles long with easy to medium difficulty.
- The roads are pretty much traffic free, making the ride enjoyable and safe.
The trail starts at the charming and nicely situated village Malltraeth and finishes at Cefni Reservoir. At one stage the route leads you into a local nature reserve known as The Dingle, which has boardwalks and sculptures to enhance the journey, from here you ride above the river Cefni on an impressive boardwalk before you reach the shores of Llyn Cefni.
This map may help.
Lôn Las Cymru
- The entire route is 175 miles long, and so should be completed in sections. However, you can start at any point.
- A more difficult ride in some parts, with slippery tracks, steep hills and slopes.
- Terrain varies from roads, railway paths, forestry tracks and ancient coach roads.
This route connects Holy Head and Anglesey to the Wye Valley in the heart of Wales, starting on the mainland and passing through the National Parks of Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia. With the dramatic peaks of the parks and the wide variety of terrains, there are some challenges on the way. However, the spectacular views and landscapes make it more than worth it, and it’s a wonderful way to experience the scenery that Wales is so famous for. Start your journey at a point that feels good to you, and ride through dramatic landscapes to the quiet lanes of Anglesey.
This map may help.
Mawddach Trail
- A shorter ride at 9 miles long
- Mostly traffic free, and classified as an easy route – perfect for the whole family to enjoy!
- Terrain is a little rough and uneven in places.
For those wanting a short ride, the Mawddach is a great option. It takes you along the old Ruabon to Barmouth Railway Line, starting at the historic town of Dolgellau and leading all the way to the popular seaside town of Barmouth. On the way, you’re sure to be wowed by the stunning views of the Mawddach estuary and Cadair Idris, and it’s well worth stopping to admire the two wooden bridges on the route. The estuary itself is also worth a look – it’s brimming with birdlife, so pack your binoculars! Once you reach Penmaenpool, you’ll pass the George III hotel, which is a popular spot to refuel with a tasty lunch and a warm drink.
Route 566
- Offers spectacular sea views and a journey through a millennium of Anglesey history
- Around 16 miles long, about half of which is traffic free.
- Mostly easy to cycle, with asphalt, although there is some more uneven and loose sections.
Locally known as the Copper Trail, this is open for a cycle tour around Anglesey’s North Coast. The route travels past Cemlyn Nature Reserve, which includes a large lagoon, separated from the sea by a spectacular, naturally created shingle ridge. This reserve is home to a wealth of birds, wild flowers and marine creatures making it a delightful place to visit all year round.
This map may help.
Llanfairfechen to Holyhead
- Predominantly on-road, following the coast
- Around 35 miles
- A wonderful way to enjoy Anglesey’s dramatic coastal scenery and beautiful landscapes
This is the final leg of the National Route 5, leading along the coast to Bangor and then via road from Anglesey to Holyhead. This is one of the many small sections of the long-distance route which connects Reading and Holyhead via places like Oxford, Banbury, Stratford-upon-Avon, Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent, Colwyn Bay and Bangor.
More info here or maps can be downloaded online.
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