The best traffic-free bike rides around Llanishen Reservoir

There are over 15 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails around Llanishen Reservoir featured in this guide. These routes offer a range of distances and challenges, ensuring there's something for various skill levels.

The gravel biking terrain around Llanishen Reservoir and the wider Cardiff area is quite varied. You can expect a mix of ancient Roman roads, remote drover's tracks, fire roads, and purpose-built cycle trails. While the paths directly around the reservoirs are restricted for cycling, the surrounding routes offer diverse surfaces, often rocky, making them suitable for year-round riding.

The routes in this guide range from moderate to difficult, requiring good to very good fitness. For example, routes like the Caerphilly mountain loop from Cardiff involve significant elevation gain over 46 km, while the Hengoed Viaduct loop from Ninian Park covers over 63 km with nearly 1000m of climbing. Be prepared for challenging ascents and descents.

While many routes in this guide are rated moderate to difficult, the broader region offers options. For those new to gravel biking or looking for a less strenuous ride, consider routes with lower elevation gains and shorter distances. Always check the route details on komoot for specific difficulty ratings and terrain descriptions to find the best fit for your family or skill level.

Wales is celebrated for its gravel riding, offering year-round opportunities. The diverse terrain, often rocky, holds up well in various conditions. However, for the most pleasant experience, spring and autumn generally offer milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Always check local weather conditions before heading out, especially during winter months.

Many routes offer scenic views and pass by interesting landmarks. For instance, the Coed Craig Ruperra – View of Cardiff loop from Heath High Level provides views of Cardiff. Other routes might take you past historic sites like Castell Coch, or through natural areas with rich biodiversity. While cycling is restricted directly around Llanishen and Lisvane Reservoirs, the surrounding area is known for its ecological value, including SSSIs, and you might spot various wildlife.

Yes, many of the no-traffic gravel routes around Llanishen Reservoir are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Caerphilly mountain loop from Cardiff and the Blackweir Bridge and Weir – Coed Tranch-yr-Hebog Quarry loop from Ninian Park are excellent circular options.

Specific parking and public transport details vary by route starting point. Many routes begin from Cardiff, which has extensive public transport links and parking facilities. For routes starting closer to Llanishen Reservoir, there are visitor parking areas. Always check the individual route details on komoot for precise starting locations and recommended access points.

Many routes pass through or near towns and villages where you can find cafes and pubs. The Llanishen Reservoir visitor center itself has a cafe with views across the water, though cycling is restricted on the immediate reservoir paths. Planning your route with komoot allows you to identify points of interest, including refreshment stops, along your chosen trail.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.9 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse and challenging terrain, the sense of escape on traffic-free paths, and the beautiful Welsh countryside views. The opportunity to explore vast landscapes and wilderness, often on ancient tracks, is a significant draw.

Cycling is explicitly not permitted on the narrow footpaths directly surrounding Llanishen and Lisvane Reservoirs. This is due to their status as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and because the paths are typically 2 meters wide, which is deemed unsuitable for safe shared use with walkers. Cyclists are welcome to dismount and walk their bikes through the site if they wish to experience the reservoir paths on foot.