Walking & cycling

There are many routes criss-crossing the region, taking cyclists through countryside, along coastal paths and past heritage sites. You can cycle just a part of a route in a couple of hours, or take a few days to travel the whole length.

Lôn Las Cymru translated as the Greenways of Wales, is part of the Welsh National Cycle Route. The Southern Wales section has some of the most varied terrain and is suitable for all standards of cyclist. There are tracks in the Brecon Beacons National Park for those who like a challenge but more relaxing routes can also be enjoyed.

The Taff Trail is ideal for walking and cycling. It takes you vertically through the region, from Cardiff into the heart of the South Wales Valleys and up to the Brecon Beacons. Landscaping has transformed this once heavily industrialised area; some of the old works have even opened as tourist attractions and are well worth a detour. The Brecon Beacons give you over 500sq miles of unspoilt countryside and challenging rides, with beautiful scenery, including waterfalls and caves, making all the effort worthwhile.

The Celtic Trail that traverses South Wales from the old Severn Bridge at Chepstow towards Carmarthen, will eventually extend through to the ferry ports of Pembroke Dock and Fishguard. It takes you through the Ancient Roman Settlement of Caerwent and along the Gwent Levels to Newport. At Pontypridd the Trail divides into two contrasting routes. Heading South will leave you free wheeling through green valleys, passing through Tonyrefail, the Ogmore Valley and the ancient town of Bridgend. The high level route is a challenging 24-mile mountain bike section that climbs to over 600m for panoramic views of South Wales.

The Four Castles Cycle Route is a 32-mile circular route which takes you to the castles at Abergavenny, White Castle, Skenfrith and Grosmont, in a quiet, rural area of Southern Wales. Starting and finishing in the bustling market town of Abergavenny, the trail passes through several historic villages, and offers wonderful views of the Black Mountains and the Brecon Becons.

The majority of cycle paths and walking trails are waymarked so that they are very easy to navigate. Guides and map packs are produced for many of the popular routes. Cycling and walking enthusiasts should look out for hotels, guest houses or farmhouses which have the "bike" and "foot" symbols.

They are displayed by places which have undertaken to provide features which cyclists and walkers always find welcome. These include drying facilities for wet clothes and boots, secure lockable areas for bikes, adequate storage space for rucksacks and packed lunches.

Southern Wales has some of the most enjoyable walks and compelling scenery in Britain. The many routes available vary from short circular walks to much longer routes that could take several days. The following selection will give you an idea as to what is available:

Starting in Chepstow and ending at Prestatyn, the Offa's Dyke Path is one of Britain's National Trails. It largely follows the route of the earth bank built by King Offa in the 8th century to defend his western boundary against the Welsh Princes. During the path's 177 miles, it crosses the Wales - England Border no less than thirteen times and gives stunning views of the Welsh countryside.