Routes to Ride

THE NATIONAL CYCLE NETWORK - REGIONAL ROUTES

The Valleys

NCN Route Name or Route Number?

Many people find numbers provide little assistance with understanding the actual location of a cycle route. However, NCN Routes in the South East Valleys often follow specific valleys. Therefore, I have created two lists from which you may select the method that suits you best.

Aber Valley: Caerphilly to Senghynedd Darran Valley: Bargoed to Fochriw Ebbw Fach Valley: Aberbeeg to Brynmawr Ebbw Fawr Valley: Pontypool to Rassau Rhymney Valley: Pengam to Bute Town Sirhowy Valley: Blackwood to Tredegar Taf Bargoed Valley: Trelewis to Parc Taf Bargoed

or

NCN Route 465: Ebbw Fach Valley NCN Route 466: Ebbw Fawr Valley NCN Route 467: Sirhowy Valley NCN Route 468: Rhymney Valley NCN Route 469: Darran Valley NCN Route 475: Aber Valley NCN Route 476: Taf Bargoed Valley

The resulting page(s) will contain a brief route description, photos of the actual route, a small interactive map, as well as links to a printable (A4) version of the entire route and .gpx files for download.^[2]

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Note: This is a work in progress and only 7 out of the 28 NCN routes in South East Wales are currently outlined here. As I develop new pages for each of the remaining routes, I will add them accordingly. To see a complete list of ALL the NCN Routes in South East Wales, click below.

Overview: South East Wales  ►

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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.

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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.

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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

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