TOUR GUIDE
Wales is an amazing place with, obviously, more than five great rides to its name. However, if you’re new to riding this far west these are a good place to start…
Five great rides in Wales. There are more than five, but this is a good start…
Bala to Tywyn 86 miles
Start at Bala on the edge of Llyn Tegid lake and follow the B4391 to Penybontfawr. Admire the scenery, and dodge the cattle grids. After 17 miles turn right onto the B4393 following signs to Lake Vyrnwy and ride over the dam wall at the end of the lake. Here you can go twitching in the bird hide. Having spotted your first ever Blacktailed Godwit get back on the B4393 and turn right onto the A490, riding through Llanfyllin and Bwlch-y-cibau, then onto the A495 which runs parallel with the River Vyrnwy. Continue through Meifod until joining the A458 for 16 miles before turning right onto the A470 heading towards Dolgellau, which sits on the River Wnion. Stop at the Cross Foxes pub for refreshments, then turn onto the A487 toward Machynlleth followed by the B4405. Turn left onto the A493 at the T-junction and arrive in the seaside town of Tywyn for a coastal walk and a cuppa.
Betws-y-coed loop 140 miles
Betws-y-coed is on the outskirts of the Snowdonia National Park. Take the A470 towards Llanrwst before turning onto the A548 to Abergele for twisty bends. At Llanfair Talhaiarn turn right onto the A544 then onto the A543 to Denbigh. Look out for the castle as you pass through the town and pick up signs for Ruthin on the A525. On the A525 head to the small village of Llandegla for a mix of tight bends and sweeping corners. Time for a break. Stop at Llandegla Fishery for great coffee and a bite to eat. Belly full, turn right out of the fishery back to the traffic lights and go left onto the A5104 then take the A542 for Horseshoe Pass and the Ponderosa cafe. At Llangollen, ride over the river bridge and pick up the A5. Turn off on the B4401 at Corwen towards Llanfor and turn left at the T-junction towards Bala. On entering Bala turn right onto the A4212 and after two miles take the B4501 to pick up the A5 again. After the long straight, turn onto the B5105 through the spectacular Clocaenog Forest arriving at Ruthin. Follow the route back through Denbigh, Bylchau, Llanfair Talhaiarn and Llanrwst to end up back at Betws-y-coed.
Dolgellau to Caernarfon 61 mls
If you’re looking for a steady ride out, this is the one. Begin by taking the A470 north towards Porthmadog then the A496 to Barmouth. Continue on the A496 heading for Harlech for uninterrupted sea views and a stop off in the town for a good selection of cafes and a look around the castle. Continue on the B4573 which joins back up with the A496 and carry on to Maentwrog and join the A470. After half a mile, turn right at the Oakeley Arms onto the B4410 to Rhyd. The road gets a little tight and twisty at this point on the route until you reach the T-junction, turn right onto A4085 then again onto the A498 which takes you into Beddgelert. Cross the small bridge and ride onto the A498 for ten miles and make the most of the viewing area for a wonderful panoramic of Snowden. Selfies taken, return to the A498 and turn left onto the A4086, which leads up to Pen-y-pass. Stay on the A4086 into Caernarfon.
Machynlleth to Aberaeron 104 miles
Begin the route at Machynlleth on the A498 and turn onto the B4518 at Llanbrynmair. Continue on to Llanidloes. Stay on the B4518 until Rhayader – where you can turn off and visit the spectacular Elan Valley, complete with visitor centre and cafe. Return to Rhayader and pick up the A470 to Newbridge-on-wye. Turn right onto the B4358 to Beulah to join the A483 to Llandovey. Take the A40 out of Llandovey, and after four miles turn onto the A482, riding through Lampeter and continuing until you arrive at Aberaeron. With its brightly coloured houses, harbour, hotels and bars.
Tenby to New Quay 130 miles
Leaving the seaside resort of Tenby, take the A4319 to Pembroke and onto the A477 to Haverfordwest. Take the A487 to St Davids, the least populous city in the UK and have a look around the cathedral. Ride out of St Davids on the A487 to Fishguard, from here take the B4313 which brings you into the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Stay on the B4313 towards Narberth, at the cross roads turn left onto the A40 to St Clears and pick up the B4299 to Newcastle Emlyn. At the T-junction turn left onto the B4333 riding through Newcastle Emlyn towards Tan-y-groes in Aberporth. Turn right onto the A487 at the cross roads and take the B4334 to Llangrannog, a small cove in a lovely setting, with a couple of cafes and pubs. Follow the B4321 out of Llangrannog and turn left onto the A487. After a few miles take the A486 to New Quay, where you’ll find a small harbour, sandy beach and proper fish and chips.