Inspiring places in Wales to explore by road bike

Road cycling, more so than other forms of transport, hits that sweet spot between covering substantial ground in a relatively short space of time, while still acquiring a feel for a place.

This is especially true for those longer days out, where you can experience the flow of the landscape at a pace that suits you, with regular stops at a café. Here’s an idea of where to go.

For those aiming high, the only way is down from here. Above Dinorwig Power Station lies a road accessible only by bike or foot, which forks into two breathtaking climbs. One of them leads to a surge pond with spectacular views over Llyn Padarn; the second leads to Marchlyn Mawr, the highest point attainable by road bike in Wales at higher than 2,000 feet (650 metres). A 5-mile climb from Brynrefail – low gears required.

Café stop: Plenty of options in Llanberis. Pantri is always a good choice.

The valley characteristics of Dyffryn Clwyd (the Vale of Clwyd) - have always attracted cyclists. The so-called Horseshoe Pass has long been popular with day-trippers from beyond Offa’s Dyke, as have the short but brutal climbs to Bwlch Pen Barras, Moel Arthur and the Shelf. If you’d rather avoid the hills, you may prefer the maze of country lanes or the cycle path from St Asaph to the renowned seaside town of Rhyl.

Café stop: Refuel at Café R in Ruthin Craft Centre.

The Mawddach Trail from Dolgellau to the bustle of Barmouth over its bridge is a perfect family day out. Combined with the ascent to Cregennan Lakes awaits a fantastic route for those wanting to venture into the hills. Those after a more demanding day out may wish to continue further afield to Tal y Llyn Pass, or even to the fearsome climb to Bwlch y Groes from Dinas Mawddwy, whose other foot lies on the shores of Llyn Tegid.

Café stop: Iconic honey buns at Popty’r Dref, Dolgellau.

Even road cyclists can experience the remoteness and solitude of the Elenydd which straddle the border between Ceredigion and Powys, far away from the bustle of modern life. You can meander towards the metal mines of Cwmystwyth, climb to Teifi Pools from the Strada Florida Abbey, or tackle the slopes of Devil’s Staircase from Abergwesyn.

Café stop: A paned and a bite to eat awaits at Ty Morgans, Rhayader.

Discover more about the Cambrian Mountains.

Gems are to be found all along the length of Wales’ longest river. Its source is in Llyn Brianne, a stone’s throw away from the remote chapel of Soar y Mynydd - a symbol of holy Wales and rural Wales. Between the market towns of Llandovery and Llandeilo, both the Black Mountain and its Tro’r Gwcw (cuckoo corner) and Castell Carreg Cennen make for detours worth your while.

Test your speed at Carmarthen Velodrome, or search for beaches and castles on both sides of the estuary in Llansteffan or Kidwelly.

Café stop: The essentials and more all day, every day in Diod, Llandeilo.

Discover more about cycling routes in Carmarthenshire.

Some of our greatest cyclists learnt their trade on this duo of climbs. Reachable from Cardiff or Swansea or anywhere in the historic county of Glamorgan, Bwlch and Rhigos each pose a similar degree of difficulty - and vast views over and beyond the Rhondda and Cynon valleys.

You may also wish to benefit from sections of the 55-mile Taff Trail from Cardiff to Brecon, most of which are traffic-free.

Café stop: Stop by the café run by cycling charity Pedal Power, next to Pontcanna Fields in Cardiff.

Within touching distance of Abergavenny's bustling town centre, easily accessible by train, is The Tumble, one of the most trodden roads by cyclists from far and wide. Wales’ highest road pass, Gospel Pass, is also within 15 miles (25km); a descent into Hay-on-Wye awaits as a reward.

If you’d rather admire views of the Bannau at a more leisurely pace, opt for the disused railway lines from Llanfoist to Brynmawr, or from Pontypool to Blaenavon World Heritage Site.

Café stop: Seasonal snacks and speciality coffee just up the road in Latte-da, Crickhowell.

Forget any assumption that the roads here are flat. Undulating roads combined with stunning coastline views offer days out with a taste of an ever-diminishing distinctly Welsh life. Go to the edge of Llŷn for views of Enlli (Bardsey Island) in Uwchmynydd, or head to Porth Dafarch on Holy Island and its crashing waves.

You may want to try out some organized rides, such as the Tour of Pembrokeshire in the spring or the Tour de Môn in the summer.

Café stop: Crwst makes Aberteifi cyclists the subject of great envy.