Wales - Top to Bottom

DonBike

Hi,

My friend and I are planning on riding (road bikes) from the north wales coast to the south wales coast.

We are intending to start from Conwy but after that have no set route in mind other than scenic quiet roads!

We are happy to do 100 miles a day (a little shorter if we hit big hills) and we want to end up in a town with a train station so we can head home.

Is anyone aware of a north to south wales route or can recommend a good way to plan this?

Many thanks

mercia_man

http://www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/route/route-8

This covers the length of Wales, with north and south sections. It's mostly road but there are some off-road stretches, with road alternatives. I've done it on a touring bike with camping gear. Recommended. Sustrans has a good route map.

whoof

I've also ridden it on a road bike, 25mm durano plus tyres and carrying a single pannier staying in B & Bs. The route starts in Holyhead and there are two end points, either Chepstow or Cardiff. I did the Chepstow route as I rode South to North from Bristol with the entire way on paved roads or paths. I understand that the majority of the unpaved stuff is on the last bit (for you) to Cardiff. There has been some diversions over the last couple of years as a result of bridges being closed at Barmouth and Briwet I would check the status now and what they will be like when you are going.

It's a great ride and you should enjoy it. I take it you know it's also really quite hilly.

If you need some info on possible places to stay let me know.

marcusjb

One of the most famous, and most classic, long distance events in the UK is the Bryan Chapman Memorial 600km, which is a 40 hour event from Chepstow to Menai and back route. It is a wonderful event and it's route may well serve your purpose. There's not an official route as such and plenty of people have their own variations on it (there used to be the 'Classic' and the 'Scenic' versions with the Scenic version heading even higher into the hills).

Wonderful riding and a great trip through Wales. Not flat, but most of the climbing is longer, more gradual stuff.

https://www.strava.com/activities/55281905

tbshooter

I've never done the full length of Wales but am very familiar with most of the roads having lived in various parts of Wales over the years. I've just finished writing a trip, the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge (http://www.moreadventure.co.uk/uk-trips/welsh-three-peaks-cycle/, and was rather alarmed by the total elevation, so best of luck!

dylanfernley

part of the fun is getting a map out and deciding your route ---thus is where all the pre programmed stuff doesnt hack it----you not camping i take it ? what time of year you thinking , you can do it in a day , but two is more relaxing.
i would head out of conwy and up onto the ridge above colwyn bay / glan conwy --a nice road takes you to pentrefooelas, then across the a5 onto minor roads via cwm pennaner to bala. llyn vyrnwy via cwm hirnant is spectacular, then meander your way towards montgomery, on to bishops castle --you are about half way and a good little town to stop.

stumpym4

Look at the Lon Las cymru ... welsh coast to coast