THE NATIONAL CYCLE NETWORK - REGIONAL ROUTES
South East Wales
Overview
You would be hard-pressed to find a higher concentration of the National Cycle Network anywhere else in the UK. There are 28 unique routes, covering nearly 600 miles in South East Wales alone![1] This region covers roughly 1,200 square miles, from Chepstow in the east to Swansea in the west and Barry in the south to Abergavenny in the north. You can see the extensive range of these routes in the map below.[2]
Map created from Ordnance Survey Online
The orange-lined routes are traffic-free, whilst the blue-lined routes follow along quiet roads. You may click the map to view a larger version. You may also view the entire collection in an interactive map at the website: ⧉ Ride w/ GPS.
The Complete List
As an alternative, I've also created a table of all NCN Routes in South East Wales (as shown in the map above). Starting points are generally in the south and east, then travel north and west, respectively. To read more about a specific route, select the corresponding link under the column "Details"[3].
Also included are links to each route map, printable .pdf files, as well as .gpx files ready for download. Each map and its corresponding .pdf & .gpx files have been created using the online website; Ride w/ GPS. I use this exceptionally robust app for all my cycling adventures of which I highly recommend.
Also included are links to each route map, printable .pdf files, as well as .gpx files ready for download. Each map and its corresponding .pdf & .gpx files have been created using the online website; Ride w/ GPS. I use this exceptionally robust app for all my cycling adventures of which I highly recommend.
Note: This is a work in progress. "Details" are currently being updated most every month.
Be sure to check back!
Be sure to check back!
Notes:
1 This figure does not include local routes.
2 The full list of valleys in this region can be found on the Wikipedia page: South Wales Valleys
3 This is a work in progress. Check here for updates: Regional Routes - The Valleys
* NCN Route 4e* and NCN Route 8s* are sub-sections of longer cross-country routes; NCN 4 and NCN 8, respectively.
† NCN Route 882 is listed, but as of 2023, it is only proposed.
1 This figure does not include local routes.
2 The full list of valleys in this region can be found on the Wikipedia page: South Wales Valleys
3 This is a work in progress. Check here for updates: Regional Routes - The Valleys
* NCN Route 4e* and NCN Route 8s* are sub-sections of longer cross-country routes; NCN 4 and NCN 8, respectively.
† NCN Route 882 is listed, but as of 2023, it is only proposed.
Regional Routes - The Valleys
I've also begun creating my own route descriptor pages to coincide with every route listed in the table above (i.e. all 27 routes!) It's a huge undertaking, but with the first six complete, I'm on my way. Check back for updates or click the button below to start browsing!
The National Cycle Network
At the core of most all of the routes described in this section is the National Cycle Network. This extensive UK-wide network consists of nearly 12,000 miles of signposted paths and routes for walking, cycling, and exploring. The shear number of routes is remarkable for such a small area and a testament to the efforts of it's charitable caretaker; Sustrans.
NCN Routes primarily focuses on traffic-free or low-traffic paths designed for families with children or beginner cyclists. Generally these routes follow repurposed rail lines, tow paths, and/or quiet lanes in order to limit contact with traffic; however, some routes may involve sections on roadways which may only be suitable for experienced cyclists.
Note to Readers: Examine the provided online maps closely to understand conditions prior to your ride. Each route listed includes a colour-coded map indicating specific terrain along with the distance(s). When considering difficulty; remember elevations +/- gains are equally important to distances. Printing the included .pdf maps and/or downloading the GPS file is highly recommeded.
Disclaimer of Liability. Bike Wales™ and everyone associated with this website/blog accept no responsibility for the conditions of the routes discussed. These are simply "suggested" routes of the National Cycle Network that the reader may choose to follow. Any action(s) taken from reading the content herein, is solely the responsibility of those involved.
