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National Cycle Route 8 - Lon Las Cymru

243.6 miles (392 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This epic Sustrans cycle route runs for nearly 250 miles through some of Wales' most beautiful scenery.
The route runs from Cardiff to Anglesey, passing through the stunning Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia National Parks.
It's a challenging ride with several hill climbs with fabulous views as your reward. There are also some easier coastal sections to enjoy towards the end of the route.
The opening section from Cardiff uses the popular Taff Trail with fine views of the River Taff and traffic free runs along old railway lines.
See the links below for the route split into manageable day ride sections.
Scroll further down for videos and a gpx file for the whole route.

Cycle Routes along National Cycle Route 8

National Cycle Route 8 OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

National Cycle Route 8 Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

The Chepstow to Glasbury section runs along National Cycle Route 42 which includes good views of the River Usk and a visit to the ancient Llanthony Priory.

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Photos

Cycle Path, Sustrans 8 (geograph 6170281)

Cycle Path, Sustrans 8. Along the River Taff near the route start in the city of Cardiff.

Lôn Las Cymru, Tywi Valley, Powys - geograph.org.uk - 1570929

Lôn Las Cymru, Tywi Valley, Powys. The cycle route has come through the forest on a very long and winding route, and here returns to the byway less than a mile and a half from where it left it. Something similar happens further west and I can only assume it is to bypass the several fords of varying depth that the drovers' route involves.

Talybont Reservoir, dam at north end - geograph.org.uk - 88109

Millennium Bridge Opened in October 2001 as part of Lon Las Cymru, the Welsh National Cycle Network. This footbridge/cycle bridge bypasses the Dyfi bridge on the A487.

Millennium Bridge - geograph.org.uk - 522036

Byway to Strata Florida, Powys. Here Nant Tadarn crosses the track on its descent to the Afon Tywi. The ford looks quite benign today, about 15cm in depth, following a few days of dry weather. However, after heavy rain it can be dangerous and/or impassable. A temporary road sign is available about half a mile south of here announcing (bilingually) "fords - road closed". The road/track shown is "open to all traffic", and leads eventually towards Strata Florida, linking with the National Cycle Route 8 (Lon Las Cymru) in the Tywi Forest ahead.

The ford, Nant Tadarn by Carreg y Fran, Powys - geograph.org.uk - 1044656

The ford, Nant Tadarn by Carreg y Fran, Powys Here Nant Tadarn crosses the track on its descent to the Afon Tywi. The ford looks quite benign today, about 15cm in depth, following a few days of dry weather. However, after heavy rain it can be dangerous and/or impassable. A temporary road sign is available about half a mile south of here announcing (bilingually) "fords - road closed". The road/track shown is "byway open to all traffic", and leads eventually towards Strata Florida, linking with the National Cycle Route 8 (Lon Las Cymru) in the Tywi Forest ahead.

Dolgau, Llanwrthwl - geograph.org.uk - 902694

Dolgau, Llanwrthwl

National Cycle Route 8 - geograph.org.uk - 1180874

In the Dyfi Forest.

Route 8 - geograph.org.uk - 884841

Approaching the River Wye

GPS Files

GPX File

National Cycle Route 8.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)