Cycling in North Wales: Routes for Beginners
North Wales is blessed with wide-open coastlines and miles of mountainous terrain. Panoramic views of lakes, forests, and valleys make it a go-to destination for thousands of cyclists each year, which enjoy the diversity of landscape. But bike trails aren’t just for experts; Cycling in North Wales is doable for beginners, too, as there are plenty of flat terrains and fun trails that can be taken as scenic routes or to build up your stamina and skills level. North Wales has many options for all levels and ages, and we’ve compiled a list of beginners cycling routes to make it easier for you to choose.
Dee Banks River Cycling Loop
Fans of plane sighting will appreciate this easy cycling route which borders the muddy banks of the River Dee, as it is close to the Hawarden airport near Broughton. Fear not if planes aren’t your cup of tea, this trail also offers a variety of sights you’ll get to enjoy from the comfort of riding a mainly flat terrain: shrub-lined landscapes and an expansive outlook of the river, marked here and there by historic dainty towns like Chester. Most cyclists opt to make a circular trip, but you can extend or shrink the loop according to your preference. We think Connah’s Quay is a great starting point as there is free parking at its wharf.
Route: Map
Level: Easy
Mawddach Trail: Dolgellau to Barmouth Cycling Trail
If real birds are more interesting to you than the variety we fly inside, this easy loop – which mostly takes place along the Mawddach trail – passes through two Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) reserves: the Coed Garth-gell woods and the Arthog Bog natural preserve. Estuary vistas extend in all directions, punctuated by the mountainous peaks of the Rhinogs and Diffwys on the horizon. You’ll eventually find yourself at Barmouth, accessing the town via a wooden railway toll bridge bordering a river. Barmouth is home to a Blue Flag sandy beach and beautiful gorse-covered low slopes. This is one of the most popular beginner-friendly cycling routes in North Wales as it takes you through mountainous views and the borders of rivers which eventually empties themselves into the sea – all this on a traffic-free path.
Route: Map
Level: Easy
The Alwen Cycling Trail
The cycling trail around the Alwen reservoir consists of a fully marked track that is easy to follow and very popular with young families. The loop circles around the water’s edge, which constantly reflects the sky above – allowing for a nice scenic flowing companion. Part of the track will take you into the forest and near the moorland of Mynydd Hiraethog. There’s a topographic variety around the reservoir inhabited by wildlife: a few illustrated panels mark the track and provide some fun information about its inhabitants, ranging from cuckoos to hen harriers and red squirrels. There’s a bit of a climb near the bridge, but nothing that necessitates previous experience to get through.
Route: Map
Level: Easy
Lôn Eifion Cycleway
The Lôn Eifion Cycleway is a traffic-free scenic route made out of broad surfaces which are fully paved. It will take you through the medieval fortress of Caernarfon Castle, along steam trains rushing through the Welsh Highland Railway. As you descend, this cyclic route neighbors some of Snowdonia’s peaks and the gentle coastline of Caernarfon Bay. It passes through many charming little villages like Dinas, Groeslon, and Bontnewydd, ensuring you’ll never get bored with the sceneries you take in. This trail is very popular and well known, ensuring it is well-maintained all year long.
Route: Map
Level: Easy
Yr Afon Trail
Coed Y Brenin was the UK’s first forest developed to become part of a trail center. It allows cyclists of all ages and levels to test or develop their skills in a large area occupied by small waterfalls and plenty of trees and moss. The region used to serve as a gold mine, which gives it a distinctive feeling. We recommend the YR Afon cycling route for beginners, also known as the ‘green trail,’ but you can pick from your fair share of options once you get there. Some sections offer the opportunity to practice speed control on downward hills, but the environment remains very safe. One great aspect of this park is that there’s a cafe on-site and a large area to enjoy a well-deserved picnic after climbing those hills.
Route: Map
Level: Easy and Intermediate, depending on which track you choose
