Tourist Information for Wales
Cycling Attractions | Welsh Towns | General Info | Other Attractions
Cycling Attractions in Wales
- National Cycle Museum - The history and development of the bicycle. Over 250 bikes on display, plus related memorabilia. Situated in Llandrindod Wells at the old Autopalace (note the carving above this ex-garage says "Bicycles, Motors and Aircraft" - the owner, Tom Norton, was obviously hedging his bets). The exhibition is well worth a visit, and so is the Victorian spa town of Llandrindod Wells (we recommend the Herb Garden wholefood cafe in the street opposite the Autopalace). Short detour off Lon Las Cymru (from Newbridge-on-Wye). Open 7 days a week, 10am to 4pm. The Autopalace, Temple Street, Llandrindod Wells, Powys. Phone: 01597 825531.
- Lon Las Cymru - Welsh National Cycle Route. The 276 mile way-marked cycle route running from Anglesey in the north to Cardiff or Chepstow in the south, taking in Snowdonia, the National Cycle Exhibition at Llandrindod Wells, the Wye Valley and the Black Mountains. Maps and details of the route are on the Sustrans site. Their guide to the route comes in 2 parts: South (Chepstow/Cardiff to Builth Wells) and North (Builth Wells to Holyhead) - available at about £6.99 and £6.29 from our maps page or bookshops/info centres along the route. Sustrans are also developing other routes in Wales (see our maps page). Be warned, Sustrans' way-marked routes signs do get vandalised or turned around (why do they put them on round posts?), so it is easy to get lost unless you carry a good map. Also, there are no signs to warn cyclists about dangerous descents (like the drop off the Black Mountains on route 43) or impossible fords (like the ford in St. Davids, on route 4).
- See our Anglesey page.
Some Welsh Towns
- Hay-on-Wye - The small border town in the lea of the Black Mountains is famous for its second-hand bookshops. On the 1st April 1977 bookshop owner Richard Booth, in a speech from his castle ramparts, declared the town independent of the UK crown and himself king. A parliament was formed, 98p bank notes printed (on rice paper, so at least you could eat them), passports issued, and Earldoms offered for sale at £5 (with a free t-shirt thrown in). A referendum in 1984 ended the rule of King Richard. The Duchess of Hay and Offa's Dyke, April Ashley sought exile in Hollywood. Each year the town hosts the Hay Festival and the How The Light Gets In festival (a bit like a fringe festival) over the two weeks at the end of May (25 May to 4 June in 2017).
- Llanwrtyd Wells (pro. thlan-ooer-tid) - The smallest 'town' in Britain. The 'town' is famous for holding the World Bog Snorkling Championships, the Horse v Man race, and the Real Ale Wobbles. Road cycling and mountain biking events take place throughout the year.
- St. Davids - The smallest 'city' in Britain, St. David's is only the size of a village. Situated in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park this is a fantastic area to cycle. But ignore the Sustrans route 4 sign next to the cathedral and DON'T cycle through the ford - there's a big step either side!
- Brecon - Info about the Brecon Beacons National Park and accommodation etc.
General Information
- Cycling in North Wales, CTC Cymru - Illustrated cycle routes together with news, features and photos.
- National Cycle Network - Comprehensive network of safe and attractive cycle routes in UK developed by Sustrans.
- Mid Wales Lakes and Mountains - The Elan Lakes, Upper Wye Valley, and Brecon Beacons National Park etc.
- Brecon Beacons National Park - Provides everything that there is to know about the Park, plus info about accommodation, local transport, entertainment etc.
- Map Quest - Interactive map.
- Wales Live - Guide to the outdoors in North Wales.
- North Wales Tourism
- Visit Wye Valley and Vale of Usk - About the lower Wye Valley around Monmouth and the Forest of Dean.dd
Other Tourist Attractions
- Centre for Alternative Technology - Situated in a disused slate quarry just north of Machynlleth (pro. mack-unth-leth), on the Mid Wales coast. Arrive by bike and it's cheaper to get in.
- Portmeirion - The Italianate village in north Wales built by the architect William Clough-Ellis, which featured in The Prisoner, the 60's cult TV series.
- CADW - Cadw (meaning 'to keep') looks after ancient buildings in Wales (such as Tretower Court near Crickhowell which you really should visit).
- The Friends of Friendless Churches - They have rescued and look after some amazingly beautiful redundant old churches in Wales. All 24 of their Welsh churches are worth a visit.
- Woodland Trust - Wales is blessed with lots of fine native woodland. Some woods are owned by the Trust and can be visited.
- Royal Society for the Protection of Birds - The RSPB own 12 reserves in Wales, which you can visit.
- National Trust - Own and protect lots of Wales' historic buildings plus large areas of hilltop and coastal landscape.
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