Conwy Mountain and surrounding hills — Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Conwy as a Cycling Base
Conwy sits at the heart of some excellent cycling country. The Carneddau mountains to the west, the Conwy Valley to the south and the North Wales coast to the north and east all offer cycling routes of very different character, from quiet lanes through pastoral valley scenery to demanding mountain passes and exhilarating ridge descents. The town itself is compact and easily navigated on a bike, and the surrounding road network includes a useful proportion of minor lanes that see little traffic compared to the main coastal road.
Cyclists arriving by train will find Conwy station convenient for the town centre, and the main Chester to Holyhead line accommodates bikes on most services. For those arriving by car, the main car parks on the edge of the town provide a starting point for rides that explore the surrounding countryside without the need to navigate the medieval streets.
The Sychnant Pass
The Sychnant Pass is the most obvious cycling challenge immediately west of Conwy. The climb from the Conwy side is sustained and rewarding, gaining significant height through a dramatic valley with fine views at the top before the descent to the village of Dwygyfylchi and the coast road beyond. The pass is a recognised challenge for road cyclists in the area and appears on local sportive routes. The return journey can be made via the coastal road through Penmaenmawr and Llanfairfechan, or by returning through the pass itself for a shorter but more demanding out-and-back route.
Mountain bikers have access to the moorland and tracks on the upper slopes of the Carneddau, though the terrain is serious and navigation skills are required. The lower tracks around the pass and the forested areas to the south of Conwy provide more accessible off-road riding for those not equipped for full mountain biking.
The Conwy Valley Route
The Conwy Valley provides a gentler alternative for cyclists who prefer flat terrain or are riding with children. The valley floor is crossed by a network of minor lanes that run through farmland and woodland alongside the river, connecting the villages of Tal-y-Cafn, Eglwysbach and Llanrwst. The traffic is light on most of these roads and the scenery is attractive throughout the year, with the wooded valley sides particularly colourful in autumn. Bodnant Garden is accessible from the valley cycling route, providing a pleasant destination for a refreshment stop and a garden visit mid-ride.
The Conwy Valley Railway runs parallel to the river and can be used for a linear ride, cycling one way along the valley and returning by train. This is a good option for families with children who may not want to ride the full return journey.
Coastal Cycling
National Cycle Network Route 5 passes through Conwy as part of a traffic-free coastal route that extends along the North Wales coast. The section between Llandudno and Conwy is just 1.7 miles and is entirely traffic-free, making it a straightforward and safe connection between the two towns for cyclists of all abilities, including families with children. The route is well-signposted and follows the coast with excellent views across the bay.
The North Wales coastal path and the minor roads along the coast provide further cycling options. The road through Llanfairfechan and Penmaenmawr to the west is manageable for most cyclists. Sustrans produce a free Conwy Active Travel Map covering the local cycling network, available as a free download from the Sustrans website, which is worth having before setting out. Cycle hire is available in the wider area, and the Visit Wales website has comprehensive information on cycling routes across North Wales.
Day trips