UK & Ireland

125 miles of coastal trails on quiet scenic roads with the Snowdonia peaks as your backdrop make cycling on the small Welsh island of Anglesey a magical experience. Anglesey's Coastal Path, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, includes a mixture of farmland, coastal heath, dunes, salt-marsh, foreshore, cliffs and a few small pockets of woodland – perfect if you like variety as you ride.

Where to stay:

Y Stabl, an 18th century stable, renovated into a character stone cottage with sweeping views of the Snowdonia mountains. With its luxury rooms, pretty patio and short bike ride to the beach, it's a great place from which to explore every corner of Anglesey.
Y Stabl sleeps up to 6 - book at Best of Wales
www.bestofwales.co.uk

What to do:

The cycle route from Llangefni to Moelfre is a must. The route follows a series of country lanes to Mynedd Bodafon, a little gem of a village which offers gorgeous views of Snowdonia. The 8-mile Newborough Forest to Llangefni is ideal for those who do not like cycling uphill and is a pleasant ride through the estuary hamlet of Malltraeth into the centre of Llangefni, the county town of Anglesey. Romantics should take the cycle path to Ynys Llanddwyn, a stunning beach that's linked to Santes Dwynwen, Wales' very own St Valentine.

Where to stop:

Anglesey is known for its good pubs so you will be spoilt for choice but the Four Crosses in Menai Bridge gets a big thumbs up from cyclists.

Where to park the bike:

Between Llanfairpwll and Menai Bridge is a cracking view of two bridges crossing to mainland Wales and a panoramic view of the Snowdonia mountain range.

The Longest Place Name and Anything else?

Don't miss a visit to Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch which, not surprisingly, has the longest place name in Britain. Beaumaris Castle, one of the finest examples of medieval architecture in the UK and the last castle built in Wales by Edward I, is well worth a visit. 165-miles of glorious Blue Flag beaches are within easy reach, as are the challenging peaks of Snowdon.

Best for countryside cycling

The Welsh cultural town of Llangollen offers scenic days in the saddle with time off for good food and history hunting.

Where to stay:

Recently refurbished, this dreamy cottage of just two miles out of Llangollen sits at the foot of the National Trusts's Velvet Mountain and, as you'd expect, enjoys stunning mountain views. It's close to the famous Horseshoe Pass and Horseshoe Falls which means plenty of lovely rides teeming with birdlife and wildlife. The famous Offas Dyke Path, with its scenic walking and cycling trails, is within easy reach of the cottage too. Rooms are comfortable and chic with oversized beds, Egyptian cotton linens and a roll-top bath. The owners provide plenty of thoughtful touches from the locally-made toiletries and fresh flowers to the wine and basket of Welsh produce that greets you on arrival.

Hendy Isa cottage in Llangollen sleeps 4 - book at Best of Wales
www.bestofwales.co.uk

Must do:

Llangollen's Horseshoe Pass is a popular route offering good scenery and plenty of hills. Stop for a cuppa at the colourful Ponderosa Cafe, popular with bikers and cyclists, before making the memorable descent in to Llangollen. Water enthusiasts will enjoy the flat, canal tow path cycle oute from Llangollen to the world famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

What to see:

Make a day of it in Llangollen. Its steam railway and canal are a must for history buffs. Gather staples like wine, meat, cakes, pickles and fruit from the nearby Wrexham Farmers' Market (01987 292 010), held the third Friday of the month, then stop for a picnic lunch

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Best for coastal and countryside cycling

West Wales’ quiet roads, stunning hills and glorious coastline provide endless variety for cyclists.

Where to stay:

If you can’t decide between coastal or countryside cycling, and enjoy walking and wildlife too, Dairy Cottage could be just for you. Surrounded by historic towns, green rolling hills and blissfully quiet roads, this luxury holiday cottage is set within 35 acres of lush green farmland, woods and riverbank with fishing rights on the Clettwr River. The two-bedroomed cottage is as beautiful inside as out with loft bedrooms, south facing windows, and peaceful terraced gardens. More than four cycle paths start virtually from the doorstep which means no driving to get to your starting point. Highlights include National Routes 45 and 82 which runs from Aberystwyth to Fishguard taking an inland route via Lampeter. The friendly owners are a mine of information on everything from cycle paths to where to eat, and if you have a laptop, there's WiFi access, too - handy for downloading cycle maps and local info.

Dairy Cottage sleeps 4 - book at Best of Wales
www.bestofwales.co.uk

Must do:

The nearby Teifi Trail, part of the National Cycle Network, is stunning. Travel through wonderful woodland scenery to the coast at Cardigan or inland to the wild beauty of the nature reserves around Tregaron - great for birdwatchers, too. www.tourism.ceredigion.gov.uk/saesneg/cycling.htm

Where to eat:

Refuel at the Alltyrodin Arms pub in Rhydowen where cyclists and their hearty appetites are well catered for. This part of Wales is known for its fantastic produce - head west to the coast for superb seafood.

What to do:

 It’s more a case of what to leave out! There are some great walks which start right from the doorstep. The woodland trail takes you to the landmark glacial feature called Cerrig Hyllod – translated as The Ugly Stones - which is steeped in history and myth. Pay a visit to Rock Mills, one of the few working traditional woollen mills left in the country. The Honorwood Flock farm and shop is the place to pick up Shetland and Icelandic fleeces and Angora mohair. Dotted around the countryside are numerous ancient and medieval historical sites from Celtic hill forts to Roman mines and Welsh monasteries from the Middle Ages. Also worth a visit are the National Botanic Garden of Wales and the restored 17th century house and garden at Aberglasney in Carmarthenshire.

More info Best of Wales Offer discounted luxury cottages in Wales and will go the extra mile to make your holiday memorable. They can help with all your travel arrangements including fishing rights, food hampers and local information.
Tel: 01650 511 101
Email: info@bestofwales.co.uk

www.bestofwales.co.uk