Ride from Holyhead to Cardiff – Lôn Las Cymru through Wales (NCR 8)
Bike Touring Collection by Amy
7
days
3-5 h
/ day
264 mi
15,825 ft
15,750 ft
From the magnificent Welsh mountains to medieval castles, and picturesque coastal towns to historic canals: this Collection guides you through the stunning heart of Wales. Following the National Cycle Route 8 from Holyhead to Cardiff, you will explore some of the best cycling routes the UK has to offer.
Spanning 257 miles in total, this multi-day adventure is a dream for cyclists. As the majority of the route follows traffic-free trails and bike paths such as former railway lines like the Lon Las Menai, Lon Eifion, the Mawddach Trail and the Taff Trail, you are able to fully enjoy the vast Welsh landscapes as you ride.
This Collection is known to be one of the toughest cycling routes in the UK so try to fit in some extra training before you go. You will climb over 4,790 meters during the course of seven days into the stunning wilderness of two national parks: Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons. As some parts are off-road, we recommend leaving your slick racing tires at home in favor of a hybrid or touring bike with thicker tires.
Ranging in length from 30 to 50 miles (50 to 80 kilometers), the routes in this Collection are manageable for any rider with a good level of fitness. If you are looking for an even heftier challenge, you can combine some of the routes. Each day finishes in a town or city with plenty of good accommodation options: whether you prefer to stay in hotels, B&Bs, or campsites.
The route starts in Holyhead, the largest town on the island of Anglesey and one of the most northerly points of Wales. Situated on the coast, Holyhead is a bustling port town, with regular ferries running to Ireland. It also has good rail connections with the rest of the UK with direct trains to London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Cardiff.
For information about visiting Wales, visit: visitwales.com
For train tickets and timetables, visit: thetrainline.com/stations/holyhead
On The Map
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Last updated: November 25, 2021
Plan your own version of this adventure in the multi-day planner based on the stages suggested in this Collection.
Tours
- 04:0039.6 mi9.9 mph1,675 ft1,600 ftExpertExpert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Day one of your cycling adventure takes you through decades of history: from medieval churches to 19th-century architectural wonders and Roman forts.
The first day of cycling is a gentle introduction to the cycling adventure. The road falls and rises gradually but you will not climb higher than 330 feet…
by Amy
- 03:2133.1 mi9.9 mph1,500 ft1,450 ftExpertExpert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
This section of the route takes you to enchanting Roman castles, through meandering country lanes and to legendary fish and chip shops in sleepy coastal towns.
Beginning the day from Caernarfon, the first 12 miles (16 km) of the route are a gradual climb up to 490 feet (150 m) along the Lon Eifion railway…
by Amy
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- 04:5542.1 mi8.6 mph3,925 ft3,700 ftExpertExpert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Day three is one of the most challenging days of cycling from Holyhead to Cardiff. You will cycle 42 miles (68 km) and gain 3,930 feet (1,200 m) in elevation. But, the hard work is worth it: amazing landscapes and sweeping views of the Snowdonia National Park await.
Leaving Penrhyndaudraeth, the day…
by Amy
- 03:1729.7 mi9.0 mph2,525 ft2,250 ftExpertExpert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Day three is one of the most challenging days of cycling from Holyhead to Cardiff. You will cycle 42 miles (68 kilometers) and gain 3,930 feet (1,200 meters) in elevation. But, the hard work is worth it: amazing landscapes and sweeping views of the Snowdonia National Park await.
Leaving Penrhyndaudraeth…
by Amy
- 03:5536.8 mi9.4 mph2,275 ft2,375 ftExpertExpert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Day five of cycling from Holyhead to Cardiff gently leaves the Snowdonia National Park, following the River Wye as it meanders towards the luscious Elan Valley.
Leaving from Llanidloes, the route begins with the longest climb of the day to the village of Llangurig, a small village lying on the River…
by Amy
- 05:0247.9 mi9.5 mph3,025 ft2,375 ftExpertExpert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Day five of cycling from Holyhead to Cardiff gently leaves the Snowdonia National Park, following the River Wye as it meanders towards the luscious Elan Valley.
Leaving from Llanidloes, the route begins with the longest climb of the day to the village of Llangurig, a small village lying on the River…
by Amy
- 03:1635.0 mi10.7 mph925 ft2,000 ftIntermediateIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Your final day of cycling is a gentle route along the Taff Trail. Having left the mountains of the Brecon Beacons behind, you will descend 2,000 feet (610 m) with only 920 feet (280 m) of ascent.
The day begins with a long downhill stretch along the Taff Trail, a former railway line which follows the…
by Amy
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Collection Stats
- Tours7
- Distance264 mi
- Duration27:46 h
- Elevation15,825 ft15,750 ft
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