The Most Scenic Cycle Routes in Cardiff

Starting outside the Cardiff Bay Water Activity Centre in Cardiff, this route runs along the Taff Trail following the west bank of the river. It takes you from the heart of the city to the picturesque Castell Coch, which looks out over the village of Tongwynlais. If you fancy hanging up your helmet and taking a break mid run, head to Tongwynlais’ sole pub the Lewis Arms.

Classification: Easy

Start: Cycle path outside Cardiff Bay Water Activity Centre

Finish: Taffs Well railway station

Explore 1000 acres of woodland and meadows in this beautiful country park in Risca. The National Cycle Network Route 47 runs through the park and takes you towards Parc Penallta. Whilst it is about a 30-minute drive outside of Cardiff, it is worth it to see such natural beauty.

Classification: Easy

Start: Route 47 of the National Cycleway

Finish: Parc Penallta

The 6.2-mile circuit around Cardiff Bay offers a lovely circular ride that links up all the fabulous attractions and activities within the area. Along the way there is plenty to see and do with lively bars, cafes, restaurants and heritage sites. Take advantage of the array of activities on offer at the International Sports Village, or just relax and unwind as you cycle across the Barrage taking in the coastal views across the Bay and Penarth.

Classification: Easy

Start: Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay

Finish: Barrage, Cardiff Bay

The 3-mile-long cycle route around Forest Farm Country Park follows the beautiful park and nature reserve. A wood lies within the 150 acres of the park, as well as part of the Taff Trail alongside the River Taff, providing wildlife sightings of kingfishers and heron. The route is a circular loop, so you’ll double back on yourself as you return to your starting point, the quaint district of Llandaff.

Classification: Easy

Start: Llandaff

Finish: Llandaff

Located on the River Garw, a half hour drive from Cardiff, this trail boasts woodland views rich with wildlife and towering trees. After breezing by on the 2-mile-long cycle path you can visit the formal oriental-style gardens with stunning flora and the peaceful lake.

Classification: Easy

Start: Bryngarw Country Park

Finish: Bryngarw Country Park

With views of both the Millennium Stadium and Cardiff Castle, a cycle around the green oasis that is Bute Park is always a solid option for those looking to get outdoors. You can follow the River Taff or just breeze around. You also have the option of heading to the Riverside café to chill out once you’ve peddled yourself tired.

Classification: Easy

Start: Bute Park

Finish: Bute Park

As beautiful as it is long, this ride allows you to follow the River Taff, from Cardiff to Brecon, on this fantastic water side cycling. You start on the River Taff in Cardiff and head along the river northwards passing the Millennium Stadium and Cardiff Castle where there are views of the attractive riverside Bute park and the Weir on the Taff. You soon come to Radyr where you will pass the splendid Forest Farm Country Park and Castle Coch before cycling through the village of Nantgarw. The route continues along the river through Glyntaff and on to Pontypridd where you join the trackbed of a disused railway to Merthyr Tydfil. The final section runs from Merthyr to Brecon passing the beautiful Pontsticill, Pentwyn and Talybont Reservoirs. You’ll also pass the beautiful Blaen y Glyn waterfalls before joining the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal taking you into Brecon. There are splendid views of the Brecon Beacon mountains as you approach Brecon. The trail is roughly 55 miles meaning it is far more difficult than any others, and is more suited to the avid cyclist.
Classification: Hard

Start: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

Finish: Brecon Beacons canal system