THE NATIONAL CYCLE NETWORK - REGIONAL ROUTES
The Valleys
NCN Number or Route Location?
Many people find the route numbers offer little assistance with understanding the actual location of a cycle route. Fortunately, NCN Routes in the South East Valleys mostly follow specific valleys. Therefore, I have created two lists from which you may select the option that suits you best.
| or |
The resulting page(s) will contain a brief description of the route you selected, photos of the actual route, a small interactive map, as well as links to a printable (.pdf A4) version of the entire route and .gpx files for download.[2]
475
Caerphilly - Senghenydd
• Distance: 4.7 mi. / 7.56 kms
• Travel Time: 2 - 3 hours
• Level: Beginner/Intermediate
• Travel Time: 2 - 3 hours
• Level: Beginner/Intermediate
A cycle path in two parts; urban & shared-use zig-zagging across Caerphilly town followed by a traffic-free ride up the rural Aber Valley.
469
Bargoed - Fochriw
• Distance: 5.4 mi. / 8.69 kms
• Travel Time: 1 - 2 hours
• Level: Beginner
• Travel Time: 1 - 2 hours
• Level: Beginner
A very easy traffic-free route starting in Bargoed and running up the sleepy Darran Valley. Hightlights include the lovely Parc Cwm Darran.
465
Aberbeeg - Brynmawr
• Distance: 7.8 mi. / 12.55 kms
• Travel Time: 1 - 2 hours
• Level: Intermediate
• Travel Time: 1 - 2 hours
• Level: Intermediate
This intermediate route starts in Aberbeeg and travels north up Ebbw Fach Valley past Six Bells, Abertillery, Blaina, Nantyglo, ending in Brynmawr.
466
Pontypool - Rassau
• Distance: 15.5 mi. / 24.94 kms
• Travel Time: 2 - 3 hours
• Level: Advanced
• Travel Time: 2 - 3 hours
• Level: Advanced
Complex route first travels from Pontypool to Llanhilleth, then then turns north to Rassau. Includes a variety of surfaces, traffic-free paths and roads.
468
Bargoed - Bute Town
• Distance: 9.7 mi. / 15.61 kms
• Travel Time: 1 - 2 hours
• Level: Beginner/Intermediate
• Travel Time: 1 - 2 hours
• Level: Beginner/Intermediate
An easy route up the Ebbw Fach Valley through Abertillery, Blaina, and Nantyglo, ending in Brynmawr. Highlights include the Gaurdian at Six Bells.
467
Blackwood - Tredegar
• Distance: 10.5 mi. / 16.89 kms
• Travel Time: 1 - 2 hours
• Level: Beginner/Intermediate
• Travel Time: 1 - 2 hours
• Level: Beginner/Intermediate
A route of 2 parts; a 4 mile traffic-free beginner route seperated by a 2.5 mile busy roadway leading to a 3.5 mile intermediate route.
476
Trelewis - Parc Taf Bargoed
• Distance: 1.5 mi. / 2.41 km
• Travel Time: 1 - 2 hours
• Level: Beginner
• Travel Time: 1 - 2 hours
• Level: Beginner
This very short and easy route travels from the junction of NCN Route 47 in Trelewis through Parc Taf Bargoed. Also includes the Climbing Centre!
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.
Notes:
1 This is a work in progress. Check back for updates!
2 .gpx files are generated using the online website Ride with GPS.
3 Wikipedia: A complete list of all the routes of the National Cycle Network
1 This is a work in progress. Check back for updates!
2 .gpx files are generated using the online website Ride with GPS.
3 Wikipedia: A complete list of all the routes of the National Cycle Network
