THE NATIONAL CYCLE NETWORK - REGIONAL ROUTES
The Valleys
NCN Route Number or Route Name?
Route numbers provide little assistance with understanding a routes actual location. However, routes in the South East Valleys often follow specific valleys. Therefore, you may select which option which suits you best.
The resulting page(s) will show both the location and the number of that route.[1] Additionally, each page 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 route and .gpx files for download.[2] Let's get going!
The resulting page(s) will show both the location and the number of that route.[1] Additionally, each page 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 route and .gpx files for download.[2] Let's get going!
Ebbw Fach Valley
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 easy route travels up the Ebbw Fach Valley past Six Bells, Abertillery, Blaina, and Nantyglo, ending in Brynmawr.
Ebbw Fawr Valley
466
Pontypool - Rassau
Distance: 15.5 mi. / 24.94 kms
Travel Time: 2 - 3 hours
Level: Advanced
Travel Time: 2 - 3 hours
Level: Advanced
A complex route running east from Pontypool, then north to Rassau. Combines a variety of surfaces, traffic-free paths and roads. ► View route details
Sirhowy Valley
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 beginner route seperated by a 2.5 mile busy roadway leading to a 3.5 mile intermediate route. ► View route details
Rhymney Valley
468
Pengam - 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
This easy route travels up the Ebbw Fach Valley past Six Bells, Abertillery, Blaina, and Nantyglo, ending in Brynmawr.
Darran 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 running up the sleepy valley which hightlights include the lovely Parc Cwm Darran. ► View route details
Aber Valley
475
Caerphilly - Senghenydd
Distance: 4.7 mi. / 7.56 kms
• Travel Time: 2 - 3 hours
• Level: Beginner
• Travel Time: 2 - 3 hours
• Level: Beginner
A cycle path in two parts; urban & shared-use across Caerphilly followed by a rural ride up the Aber Valley.
► View route details
► View route details
Taff Bargoed Valley
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 easy and short route travels up from the junction of NCN Route 47 in Trelewis through Parc Taf Bargoed.
Regional Routes - South East Wales
You would be hard-pressed to find a higher concentration of the National Cycle Network anywhere else in the UK. There are 27 unique routes, covering nearly 600 miles in South East Wales alone![3] Now, I've compiled a list so you can view them all.
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
