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Explore South Wales: Best 13 Family Cycle Routes Cardiff Has

Explore South Wales: Best 13 Family Cycle Routes Cardiff Has

cardiff cycling routes

In this post, we highlight some of the best family cycling routes Cardiff has available including national cycle paths and some of the area's best mountain bike trails! Did you know that Cardiff is a great place to cycle? The city has been known to be one of the best cycling cities in the United Kingdom! Cycling in Cardiff has many benefits. For one, it is a great way to get around the city and see all that it has to offer whilst staying healthy and fit. Cycling is also a very eco-friendly way to travel, so you can feel good about doing your part for the environment. If you are thinking about visiting Cardiff, or even if you live here already, I highly recommend getting out and cycling around! You won't regret it!

You can take the family on a bike ride around the Cardiff Bay Trail, spot the peregrine falcons on the Peregrine Path, or challenge your mountain bike skills on one of the 28 trails at BikePark Wales!

The places that show cycling is a great way to see Cardiff!

Cycling Routes
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    The table above lists all the best traffic free bike trails near Cardiff. Click on each name to be taken straight to the part of the blog post for that route.

    Cycling is a great way to see the beauty of the south of Wales. Have a look below at the cycle routes listed on the interactive map and click on the buttons below the map for each route, for further information before you travel.

    Cardiff Bay Trail

    The scenic trail through beautiful Cardiff Bay is perfect for cyclists of all ages. You can enjoy the ride or walk while also exploring what's around you- from restaurants and bars to sites like the International Sports Village, this area has something special waiting for just about anyone who visits! A traffic-free bike ride that's perfect for the family!

    Cardiff to Castell Coch

    This route is a haven for families looking to get some fresh air and enjoy nature. The trail starts at Bute Park, taking you on a traffic-free path that passes by the Principality Stadium before heading out towards Castell Coch. The 6.5-mile stretch from start to finish is full of wildlife offering plenty of areas to stop and see what furry animals you can spot!

    Peregrine Path

    The Peregrine Path is an easy ride that straddles the border between England and Wales. It’s perfect for family days out as it winds alongside the beautiful River Wye, with plenty of historic sights along its path to keep you interested as you pedal. The path leads up towards Symonds-Yat Rock; this spot has been known to host nesting peregrine falcons so if you're lucky maybe you'll spot some of your journey!

    Three Parks Trail

    Isn't it wonderful to escape the hustle and bustles of modern life for an hour or two? Three beautiful parks are waiting for you on this cycle route. With some incredible artwork that will take your breath away and fantastic views across Caerphilly, the 13-mile-long Three Parks Trail is one you should try!

    cardiff bike routes

    Sirhowy Valley Country Park

    Sirhowy Valley Country Park is a perfect place for those who love being outdoors and exploring nature. The four-mile-long stretch on the former railway line from Tredegar to Newport Docks offers you an opportunity to walk or cycle (mountain bike recommended!) on this historic route.

    Forest Farm Country Park

    The 3-mile-long circular cycle route around Forest Farm Country Park is a beautiful way to explore this 150-acre park. The wood within the boundaries provides wildlife sightings for kingfishers and herons, while you can enjoy views of the River Taff on your ride too!

    Bryngarw Country Park

    Bryngarw Country Park offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of Wales on the short cycle route available here. With over 100 acres of the park at your disposal, there are plenty of opportunities for discovery including woodlands with wildlife hiding spots, meadows where you can enjoy panoramic views all around, and formal gardens to stop and take in the colours on show!

    Bute Park

    Bute Park is a beautiful and tranquil spot in Cardiff where visitors can enjoy trails along the River Taff with plenty of stops if you wish to take it easy on one of the many park benches. There are 130 acres worth to explore, including flower gardens and tree-lined avenues that will keep you entertained on your cycle!

    MTB: Parc Cwm Darran

    Parc Cwm Darran is a Green Flag Award winner known for its picturesque beauty! The courses here are designed for cyclocross but also fun to ride on a mountain bike; they have tarmac roads with grassy intersections with some parts shale, giving a bit of variety on your ride! You can choose between three waymarked routes that are around the same difficulty level. Click on the button for more information before you travel.

    MTB: Cwmcarn Forest

    Cwmcarn Forest's mountain bike trails are a must for any budding mountain biker! The wild and more natural contouring singletracks will have you firmly focused on your riding. Plenty of scenic views are on offer here too making this a top destination for any enthusiast.

    MTB: The Gap

    The Gap is an all-time classic, taking in the Brecon Canal, Taff Trail, and Brinore Tramway. The ride up has some tricky ravines that you need to be aware of when climbing 600m above sea level but once past these obstacles, there's nothing else like it in the area. This trail is for the more experienced riders so read more information on the route before you travel and make sure you have adequate supplies etc.

    family cycle routes cardiff

    MTB: BikePark Wales

    The BikePark Wales offers a 1200-acre site with 28 descending trails organised similarly to ski resorts. Located in the South Wales Valleys, this mountain bike park features challenging terrain for all levels including blue and red trails perfect to challenge beginner and more experienced riders alike!

    MTB: Dare Valley Bike Park

    Try out the new gravity family bike park for adventures on trails or pump tracks designed by professional cyclists! They also have coaching sessions for anyone looking to learn. Check their website for further information!

    Conclusion

    In this blog post, we have shared some of the best cycle routes around Cardiff. To find out more about things to do in this area, click on the links below:

     

    Cardiff Blogs

     

    Free Things to do in Cardiff

     

    Forest Walks near Cardiff

     

    Local Delicacies and Souvenirs from Cardiff

    Please note...

    All outdoor activities including cycling involve a degree of risk. The routes are recommended due to the well known features of each route but this may change over time and further research is required before undertaking any activity. The weather can also impact the surface and general conditions of each route so please keep yourself updated with the weather forecast before setting off to enjoy your cycle!

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