BEST CYCLING AND BIKE TOURING ROUTES IN CARDIFF (WALES)

Cycle the heart of Cardiff

Cardiff is one of the UK’s most bike-friendly cities, with well-marked trails, chill traffic, and some gorgeous views packed into compact loops. If you’re just arriving and want to ease into your ride while still seeing the sights, start with the Cardiff Bay and River Taff loop — flat, scenic, and dotted with great coffee stops.

Easy routes to get you rolling

• Cardiff Bay Trail: 10 km of breezy waterside cycling

• Taff Trail (city section): up to 15 km through parks and cityscapes

• Bute Park Loop: ride past Cardiff Castle and riverside greens

• Roath Park Link: classic local route with swan lake vibes

• Pontcanna to Llandaff: a leafy, relaxed detour

The Cardiff Bay Trail is a beauty. It’s a circular path that hugs the waterfront with views of the Millennium Centre, Norwegian Church, and boats bobbing in the harbour. Perfect for families, casual riders, or if you're just shaking off jet lag. Grab a coffee at one of the many waterside cafés and ride on — you’re in no rush here.

Want something with a little more range? The Taff Trail runs north from the Bay through the heart of the city, past Cardiff Castle and into the lush stretches of Bute Park. You can loop it or keep going toward the valleys — we’ll get to that later. The path is mostly traffic-free, flat, and very photo-friendly, so keep that camera ready.

Explore the trails to the north

If you’re ready to step up your ride and see the wilder side of Cardiff, point your wheels north. The further you go up the Taff Trail, the more rural and peaceful it gets — we’re talking forest tracks, ancient bridges, and charming little Welsh villages where you’ll feel like you’ve biked into a movie set. Perfect for a full-day ride or a chilled overnight tour.

Top valley routes from Cardiff

• Taff Trail to Castell Coch: 14 km with fairytale castle payoff

• Cardiff to Pontypridd: 22 km of peaceful greenways

• Llandaff to Radyr Weir: short riverside escape

• Coryton to Tongwynlais Loop: shaded paths with forest charm

• Whitchurch Green Link: a local gem for slow spins

Castell Coch is an absolute must. It’s a stunning red castle nestled in the woods above Tongwynlais, and the ride there is just as magical. The path winds through forest trails with minimal climbing, and you’re rewarded with one of the most Instagrammable sights in all of Wales. Stop for tea in the village and soak in the fairytale vibes.

For something longer, keep heading north to Pontypridd. It’s a 22 km ride along the River Taff with hardly any cars and loads of quiet moments. This is where the Taff Trail starts showing off — bridges, hills, ancient walls, and birdsong for days. It’s peaceful but not boring, and there are plenty of spots to stop for lunch or a cheeky pint.

Most of these routes are surfaced, but wider tyres are a good idea if you’re carrying panniers or planning to veer off onto bridleways or old towpaths. Cardiff’s cycling scene is friendly and inclusive — don’t be surprised if a local rider slows down to chat or share a shortcut.

Ride to the sea or beyond

Fancy a longer ride with a sea breeze? Cardiff has coastal access that makes it a dream starting point for bike tourers. From the flat stretches heading toward Penarth to full-on multi-day routes across South Wales, there’s something for every touring appetite. These rides combine nature, history, and some seriously epic views — bring snacks, sunscreen, and that sense of adventure.

Best longer and coastal routes

• Cardiff to Penarth Pier: 10 km with killer views of the Channel

• Cardiff to Barry Island: 21 km to the beach and fish & chips

• Cardiff to Newport via coastal path: 24 km of sea meets sky

• Lon Las Cymru (start section): gateway to epic Welsh touring

• Coastal loop via Cosmeston Lakes: mix of nature reserve and seaside charm

The ride to Penarth is short but oh-so-satisfying. Cruise across the Cardiff Bay Barrage and you’ll get sea views, lighthouse vibes, and a perfect pier to relax at. It’s one of those rides where the journey is just as good as the destination — and yes, there’s great ice cream at the end. If you want to go further, Barry Island is a fun 21 km ride with plenty of beachy payoff.

For longer touring, the coastal route to Newport is fantastic. It’s well-signed, mostly flat, and gives you a real taste of South Wales. You’ll pass through nature reserves and estuary views, and if you're lucky, spot some coastal wildlife. Continue east if you’re doing a multi-day trip — this section connects with longer-distance national cycling routes like Route 8 (Lon Las Cymru), which spans the entire length of Wales. Serious bragging rights.

These routes are great for bike tourers with bags in tow — plenty of cafés, parks, and campsites along the way. And with Cardiff’s compact size, you’re never far from civilisation if you need to tweak your plan or take a break. Just watch for rain — this is Wales, after all — and pack layers accordingly.