Other cycling routes near the path
With the majority of the coast path being unsuitable for cyclists, here are some cycling routes that offer ways for cyclists to explore the coastline and nearby inland countryside.
Cycling on the north Wales coast
A handy guide to where you can cycle on the North Wales Coast & Dee Estuary section of the Wales Coast Path
For much of the way from Chester to Bangor, the Wales Coast Path can be cycled as it shares a route with the National Cycle Network. Where it is not possible to cycle on the Coast Path itself cyclists can take alternative routes. These are signposted with the NCN, rather than WCP logos. Details of the cycle friendly sections of the WCP on the north Wales coast are given here.
River Dee Path: Chester to Connah’s Quay
A popular flat path alongside the River Dee, running from Chester, over the border and the official start of the Wales Coast Path, to Wepre Riverside in Connah’s Quay. Other than a couple of short stretches between Queensferry and Connah’s Quay the Wales Coast Path and the National Cycle Network share the same route.
Distance: 6.5 miles / 10 km
National Cycle Network Route Number: 89 and 5
Terrain: Flat, traffic free, tarmac path throughout.
Leaflets & Maps: Sustrans East Flintshire
Read more information about cycling on the Chester to Connah's Quay section on the Cycling North Wales website.
North Wales Coast Cycle Route:
Prestatyn to Llandudno (North Shore)
Llandudno (West Shore) to Llanfairfechan
For cycling routes linking these two sections please see Sustrans links for Denbighshire and Conwy Borough County Council.
The Wales Coast Path and National Cycle Network mostly share the same route across Denbighshire and Conwy, linking the major north Wales resorts of Prestatyn, Rhyl, Colwyn Bay and Llandudno and the walled castle town of Conwy. However, please note that the WCP and NCN follow different routes in a few places and, where this occurs, cyclists should follow the NCN rather than WCP logos. This is a very popular route with extensive views out to sea, along the coast, and inland to the Clwydian Hills, the Vale of Clwyd and the northern slopes of Snowdonia National Park.
Distance:
- Prestatyn to Llandudno:16 miles / 26 km
- Llandudno to Llanfairfechan:12 miles / 19 km
National Cycle Network Route Number: 5
Terrain: Tarmac and mostly flat, other than occasional short sharp inclines up which bikes can be pushed. Entirely traffic free other than very short sections on roads, where bikes can be pushed on adjacent pavements.
Leaflets & Maps:
Read more information about cycling on the North Wales Coast cycle route is on the Cycling North Wales website.
Lôn Las Menai : Felinheli to Caernarfon
This section of the Wales Coast Path is mostly on the trackbed of the Bangor to Caernarfon railway (closed to passengers in 1970), follows the Menai Strait and affords good views to Anglesey. It forms a small part of Lôn Las Cymru, the 261 miles / 420 kilometres national cycle route from Holyhead – Cardiff.
Distance: 4 miles
National Cycle Network Route Number: 8
Terrain: Flat, traffic free tarmac path, except for short stretch on road to access town centres.
Read more information about cycling between Felinheli to Caernarfon section on the Cycling North Wales website.
