The Roman Way
Once you've cycled this small road running between Caerleon and Usk, you'll be hooked. As cyclists say in the South East Valleys; all roads lead to Usk. This is the Roman Way.
Route Overview: Bullmore Road, aka The Roman Way
Locations include: Caerleon, Llantrisant, and Usk
Total Distance: 9.2 miles / 14.80 kilometres
Elevation Change: +460 ft / -456 ft
Approximate Travel Time: ±1 hour
Ride Level: Intermediate / Advanced
I was first shown this road many years ago whilst cycling with the Kingfishers. We cycled this route most every Tuesday at the start of our weekly jaunts. Today, I often use this short section as a connector for longer rides throughout the Vale of Usk.
Many cyclists can be found pedaling along the somewhat busy Usk Road between Caerleon and Usk. However, Bullmore Road is a much safer and scenic option. Heading north, the route winds quietly to Llantrisant where it then merges onto NCN Route 42, which carries onto the town of Usk.
At just over nine miles in length, it can be cycled easily within an hour. There are a few rolling hills with a couple of lung-busters; the first is two miles from the start at Caerleon and the other just past Llantrisant (see map below).
If you are fairly new to cycling on the road; this is an excellent route for building confidence. Traffic is exceptionally light and cyclists are often seen individually or in groups as it is a very popular "out & back" ride. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to ride this road without seeing another cyclist or many other cyclists for that matter.
Many cyclists can be found pedaling along the somewhat busy Usk Road between Caerleon and Usk. However, Bullmore Road is a much safer and scenic option. Heading north, the route winds quietly to Llantrisant where it then merges onto NCN Route 42, which carries onto the town of Usk.
At just over nine miles in length, it can be cycled easily within an hour. There are a few rolling hills with a couple of lung-busters; the first is two miles from the start at Caerleon and the other just past Llantrisant (see map below).
If you are fairly new to cycling on the road; this is an excellent route for building confidence. Traffic is exceptionally light and cyclists are often seen individually or in groups as it is a very popular "out & back" ride. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to ride this road without seeing another cyclist or many other cyclists for that matter.
| ROUTE COLOUR KEY: | Traffic-free | Shared Use | Quiet Road | Steep Hill |
About this route - My plan is to create a large circular route from Newport to Usk, looping up through Bettws Newydd and then returning back to Newport. This is a big task, but I decided to first publish this section for not only is this ride worthy of its own recognition, but also as an individual module to be used with bigger and longer routes.
I have several shorter routes like this one planned, so I hope this sets a workable prototype for future route planning and design. This is my alpha or proof-of-concept model.
I have several shorter routes like this one planned, so I hope this sets a workable prototype for future route planning and design. This is my alpha or proof-of-concept model.
THE ROMAN WAY
ON ROAD |
+ | NCN | 42 |  | Caerleon to Usk |
Location(s): Quiet lanes with some small hills
Section Distance: 9.2 miles / 14.80 kilometres
Elevation Change: +460 ft / -456 ft
Section Distance: 9.2 miles / 14.80 kilometres
Elevation Change: +460 ft / -456 ft
Bullmore road is narrow and very unassuming as it starts off on the outskirts of Caerleon. It is surprisingly quiet with little traffic and despite the many blind turns along the way, you can generally hear a car from quite a distance before you see it.
You'll notice too that you follow along closely to the River Usk. In some places you're high above it, while others you're nearly right alongside it.
Aside from espousing platitudes, there's not a lot to say about the road. Hopefully, my photos can give you a pretty good impression of this special route.
There are a few ups and downs, but nothing too concerning. These rolling hills simply add to the overall character of the lane.
The Celtic Manor Resort has a couple of golf courses along both sides of the lane for a short distance, but thankfully, they intrude little upon the serenity of the ride.
Rougly 2.5 mi. from Caerleon, the road widens as it passes underneath the A449 dual-carriageway. Just on the other side of the flyover the route begins a slow climb through the area known as Kemmys Inferior.
This is the first steep climb, but it's not terribly long. Just put it in yer granny gear and find your groove.
Then just as soon as you reach the top, the road drops back down under the A449 again and returns to a narrow winding lane above the River Usk.
Nearly 5 mi. from Caerleon the road bends and weaves down through a short wooded section named; "Gypsies Tump" (unknown origin). This area was once very dark and thick with large oak trees lining both sides of the lane.
Although still quite wooded and unusual, the recent felling of trees has opened up the canopy and changed its character significantly. Rumour has it too that there was once a Roman outpost along here somewhere.
Heading down from the tump, the road flattens out as it snakes through several old working farms on the outskirts of Newbridge-on-Usk.
Here the valley gets wide and flat. This unusually flat and straight half mile is commonly called "the stretch" (image below). Sometimes when you've got a tailwind, you can fly down this section at over 20mph — hardly touching the pedals.
But if you've got a headwind, ya better just tuck down on your drops and appreciate the good workout you're gonna have!
It looks pretty now, but in all likelyhood the mistletoe will kill that tree. A few years from now it will probably be gone and this stretch will look very different.
Then it's up and over and down and around the bend into lovely little Llantrisant.
What can I say? I just dig beat-up old buildings (image below).
Little Llantrisant is little more than a wetspot along the road. Cute, but miniscule and before ya know it, you're heading out of town.
Now you've got the big climb (image above). It doesn't look like much. In fact, it's a very strange optical illusion (as many will attest) and I've yet to hear a rational explanation as to why this innocuous looking hill is so brutally difficult. But be warned, this baby is a lung-buster!
Once at the top, turn left and merge onto NCN Route 42. The next 2.8 miles are a breeze — being either downhill or flat all the way into Usk. Sit back and enjoy!
After passing under the A449 (yet again), the road narrows as it saddles alongside the River Usk for the remainder of the way.
(I also like barns.)
There ya have it! You've reached the town of Usk following 9.2 mi. of cycling bliss. I hope you've enjoyed it. Cheers!
Additional Details - Bullmore Road, aka The Roman Way
I can't say enough good things about this short and delightful route. I highly recommend it to every serious cyclist. It's just a joy to ride in either direction.
Look for this route at the start of several upcoming Routes to Ride in the coming months!
Look for this route at the start of several upcoming Routes to Ride in the coming months!
| ROUTE COLOUR KEY: | Traffic-free | Shared Use | Quiet Road | Steep Hill |
Getting to the start: From Newport - cycle along NCN Route 88 heading east to where it ends in Caerleon by the Hanbury Arms. Crossover the River Usk turning left by the toll house and make your way a very short distance down the lane to the Bell Inn and the junction with Bullmore Road. From Usk - head south out of town along Maryport Street, turn right just above Llantrisant and follow Bullmore Road into Caerleon.
Before you leave: It's worthwhile to do a little research before you make your trip to learn about the area. There are locations with facilities, but they're some distance apart and depending upon the time or day, may not be open.
You & your equipment: You should bring snacks and drinks to last the ride. It is highly recommended that you also carry suitable rain gear (This is Wales!) Always carry a spare tube, tyre patch kit (with tyre levers), a good quality multi-tool, and a reliable tyre pump. Be sure your bicycle is in top mechanical condition — do the 11-step M-test!
Before you leave: It's worthwhile to do a little research before you make your trip to learn about the area. There are locations with facilities, but they're some distance apart and depending upon the time or day, may not be open.
You & your equipment: You should bring snacks and drinks to last the ride. It is highly recommended that you also carry suitable rain gear (This is Wales!) Always carry a spare tube, tyre patch kit (with tyre levers), a good quality multi-tool, and a reliable tyre pump. Be sure your bicycle is in top mechanical condition — do the 11-step M-test!
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.
