Cycling a full circuit of Wales takes in Pembrokeshire's dramatic coastline, the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia), the rolling border country of the Marches and the historic cities of Cardiff and Swansea — a complete cross-section of Welsh landscape and culture in a single two-week tour. At 1057km (657 miles) in 12 stages, it is a substantial undertaking, though the route also lends itself to shorter regional tours using six cross routes.

This Cicerone guidebook by Richard Barrett describes the full circuit of Wales alongside six cross routes ranging from 72 to 115km, which can be ridden independently or used to create shorter versions of the main tour. Schedules are provided for different types of riders, making it accessible to those seeking a leisurely trip as well as those after a challenge.

• The main circuit covers 1057km (657 miles) in 12 stages of 58 to 117km (36 to 73 miles), starting and finishing in Cardiff and passing through Mumbles, Tenby, Fishguard, Aberaeron, Machynlleth, Porthmadog, Conwy, Wrexham, Montgomery, Hay-on-Wye and Chepstow
• Six cross routes of 72 to 115km connect key points on the circuit, allowing cyclists to create shorter regional tours or split the full circuit into more manageable sections
• Long easy-rolling stages follow both the South Wales and North Wales coasts, much of which is along traffic-free paths, with harder riding along the rockier west coast and through the low hills of the border counties
• Route descriptions are supported by 1:200,000 OS mapping and elevation profiles for each stage, with accommodation and refreshment information throughout and GPX files available to download
• A comprehensive introduction covers planning, schedules, direction of travel, getting there, accommodation, what to take, preparing your bike and a Welsh words and pronunciation guide

Comprehensive, well-planned and packed with practical detail, this is the complete guide to cycling around Wales, whether you have two weeks or a long weekend.

Cycle Touring in Wales - Quick Facts

Main circuit: 1057km (657 miles) in 12 stages 
Stage lengths: 58 to 117km (36 to 73 miles) per stage 
Cross routes: 6, ranging from 72 to 115km; can be ridden independently or used to shorten the main circuit 
Start/finish: Cardiff 
Key stages: Cardiff to Mumbles; Mumbles to Tenby; Tenby to Fishguard; Fishguard to Aberaeron; Aberaeron to Machynlleth; Machynlleth to Porthmadog; Porthmadog to Conwy; Conwy to Wrexham; Wrexham to Montgomery; Montgomery to Hay-on-Wye; Hay-on-Wye to Chepstow; Chepstow to Cardiff 
National parks and landscapes crossed: Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) National Park 
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging; schedules for leisure riders and those seeking a challenge; long easy coastal sections with harder riding on the west coast and border hills 
Mapping: 1:200,000 OS maps and elevation profiles included for each stage 
Digital navigation: GPX files available to download 
Practical information: Accommodation and refreshment listings throughout; appendices covering cycle shops, accommodation, useful contacts, what to take and Welsh words 
Best season: April to October

Author Highlight

“You will ride past miles of golden sand along the south coast in Pembrokeshire, Britain’s only coastal National Park; past the historic castles of Cardigan Bay; along the Menai Straight and through the seaside towns on the north coast, visiting some delightful towns and villages that benefit from being off the normal tourist itinerary.”

- Richard Barrett, author of Cycle Touring in Wales

CONTENTS

Map key

Route summary tables

Overview map

Ride planner from Cardiff

Alternative Schedules

Introduction

Why cycle around Wales?

How tough is it?

Which direction to ride

Selecting a schedule

Getting there

Travel

First and last nights in Cardiff

When to ride

Accommodation

What to take

Preparing your bike

Eating

Phones and Wi-Fi

Emergencies

Waymarking

Maps

Using this guide

A circuit of Wales

Stage 1 Cardiff to Mumbles

Stage 2 Mumbles to Tenby

Stage 3 Tenby to Fishguard

Stage 4 Fishguard to Aberaeron

Stage 5 Aberaeron to Machynlleth

Stage 6 Machynlleth to Porthmadog

Stage 7 Porthmadog to Conwy

Stage 8 Conwy to Wrexham

Stage 9 Wrexham to Montgomery

Stage 10 Montgomery to Hay-on-Wye

Stage 11 Hay-on-Wye to Chepstow

Stage 12 Chepstow to Cardiff

Cross routes

Cross route 1 Wrexham to Bangor

Cross route 2 Barmouth to Chirk

Cross route 3 Welshpool to Machynlleth

Cross route 4 Aberystwyth to Knighton

Cross route 5 Fishguard to Carmarthen

Cross route 6 Carmarthen to Abergavenny

Appendix A Cycle shops

Appendix B Accommodation

Appendix C Useful contacts

Appendix D What to take

Appendix E Welsh words and pronunciation

Appendix F Selected further reading

Seasons

Best ridden between April and October when the days are longer and the weather is at its best.

Centres

The route passes through most of the historic cities and towns of Wales, including Cardiff, Swansea and St David's. The route also passes many famous castles and landmarks along the way.

Difficulty

The route can be ridden as a leisure ride or as a challenge and there are schedules for all types of rider. There are long easy-rolling stages along both the South Wales and North Wales coasts, much of which is along traffic-free paths, with harder riding along the rockier west coast and through the low hills of the border counties.

Must See

A 657 mile circuit around of Wales - or shorter tours around the regions - taking in miles of magnificent coastline in the Pembrokeshire National Park, the mountains of Snowdonia and the gentler marcher along the border.

September 2019

Corrections

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