National Cycle Route 8

National Cycle Route 8 (or NCR 8) is a route of the National Cycle Network, running from Cardiff to Holyhead. The route passes through the heart of Wales, and is also known as Lôn Las Cymru (Welsh for 'Wales' green lane'). It is largely north–south from Holyhead to Cardiff or Chepstow, and in total measures some 400 km (250 mi) in length. Some of its route follows the trackbed of former railway lines, such as Lôn Las Menai, Lôn Eifion, the Mawddach Trail and the Taff Trail; in other places, the route is on public highways.

Route 8 sign near Harlech, North Wales

Both ends are easily accessible via the rail network.

Route

Cast iron Millennium Milepost, Lloyd George Avenue, Cardiff

Cardiff to Brecon

This largely follows the Taff Trail:

Cardiff | Pontypridd | Abercynon | Merthyr Tydfil | Brecon

Alternative: Chepstow to Glasbury

Lon Las Cymru provides an alternative south route for those coming into Wales from the Severn Bridge, following Route 42 from Chepstow to Glasbury, where it joins Route 8:

Chepstow | Usk | Abergavenny | Glasbury

There is also a small loop at the top of Route 42 providing links to Hay-on-Wye.

Brecon to Machynlleth

Brecon | Talgarth | Glasbury | Erwood | Builth Wells | Newbridge on Wye | Llanwrthwl | Rhayader | Llangurig | Llanidloes | Staylittle | Machynlleth

Machynlleth to Porthmadog

Machynlleth | Dolgellau | Trawsfynydd | Penrhyndeudraeth | Porthmadog

Porthmadog to Holyhead

Porthmadog | Penygroes | Caernarfon | Bangor | Holyhead

External links

• Sustrans map and description - north section
• Sustrans map and description - south section
• Wales Trails
• A map of the route