National Cycle Route 8

Route 8 sign nearHarlech,North Wales

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

Both ends are easily accessible via the rail network.

Route

Cast ironMillennium Milepost,Lloyd George Avenue,Cardiff

Cardiff to Brecon

This largely follows theTaff 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 theSevern Bridge,followingRoute 42from Chepstow toGlasbury,where it joins Route 8:

Chepstow |Usk|Abergavenny| Glasbury

There is also a small loop at the top of Route 42 providing links toHay-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