4.3
(93)
4,792
riders
91
rides
Touring cycling routes around Llwydcoed navigate a landscape characterized by river valleys, historic industrial features, and surrounding hills. The region offers a mix of paved paths along waterways and more challenging routes through varied terrain. Cyclists can expect to encounter features such as viaducts, country parks, and gravel paths. This area provides diverse options for exploring the South Wales valleys by bike.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
5.0
(5)
66
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(4)
41
riders
44.7km
02:42
220m
220m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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27
riders
44.4km
03:16
570m
570m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(2)
25
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
21
riders
42.0km
02:44
510m
510m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Cracking Cafe open, Sat Sun and Wed year round.
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Leads onto Pontygwaith bridge
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Absolutely loved the Taff Trail and it's contrasting scenery, starting in the mountains and Reservoirs of the Brecon Beacons through the working towns of the valleys and into the urban streets of Cardiff City. Fantastic contrast of landscapes industrial past and present. This trail is a must visit if you are in the area.
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While on the Taff Trail the viaduct suddenly looms out of the trees, another fantastic example of the amazing construction skills of our industrial past, take a moment to stop and have a proper look.
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The route starts in the main car park where there is also a cafe and places to spend the night.
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Beautiful stretch to walk run bike suitable for all ages and fitness levels
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The Penderyn whisky distillery was launched in 2004. They produce several different single malts and other spirits in three sites in south Wales. You can visit this distillery and take a tour but it's best to book beforehand as numbers on each tour are limited.
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There are over 90 touring cycling routes in the Llwydcoed area, offering a wide range of options for exploring the South Wales valleys by bike. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars.
Yes, Llwydcoed offers several easy touring routes. You can find 5 routes specifically categorized as easy. For a moderate option that's still very accessible, consider the Anerdare Country Park Café – Lake at Dare Valley Country Park loop from Aberdare, which is 17.8 km long and features a country park setting.
The routes around Llwydcoed navigate a diverse landscape. You'll find a mix of paved paths along river valleys, such as the Taff Trail, and more challenging routes through surrounding hills that may include gravel paths. Expect to encounter historic industrial features, viaducts, and country parks.
Yes, many routes offer a significant distance for touring cyclists. For example, the Barry Sidings Café – Old Bridge, Pontypridd loop from Aberdare covers 44.7 km, connecting local cafes with scenic points. Another substantial option is the Llanwonno Gravel Path loop from Aberdare, which is 44.3 km and features varied terrain including gravel.
For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, Llwydcoed has 53 difficult routes. The Llanwonno Gravel Path loop from Aberdare is a difficult 44.3 km route with significant elevation gain. Another challenging option is the Penderyn Distillery loop from Aberdare, which spans 42 km and includes substantial climbs.
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Llwydcoed are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the popular River Taff Riverside Trail – Quaker's Yard Viaduct loop from Merthyr Tydfil and the Barry Sidings Café – Old Bridge, Pontypridd loop from Aberdare.
The routes often pass by significant natural and man-made features. You can explore various reservoirs such as Pontsticill Reservoir, Llwyn-on Reservoir Dam, and Lluest-wen Reservoir Dam Wall. Some routes also lead to unique spots like Pontsarn Blue Pool.
Yes, several routes incorporate stops at local cafes. The Barry Sidings Café – Old Bridge, Pontypridd loop from Aberdare is specifically designed to connect cafes with scenic points. You'll also find refreshment opportunities at places like the Anerdare Country Park Café.
While touring cycling is possible year-round, spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be warm, and winter may bring colder, wetter weather, especially on higher ground or gravel paths.
The Llwydcoed area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 80 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscape, from tranquil river valleys to challenging gravel paths, and the opportunity to explore historic industrial features and country parks.
Yes, the region's varied terrain, including river valleys and surrounding hills, offers numerous scenic viewpoints. Routes often pass by impressive structures like the Quaker's Yard Viaduct and provide vistas over the South Wales valleys. You can also find specific viewpoints such as the BikePark Wales Trailhead, which offers expansive views.


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