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Two maps covering the National Cycle Network in Wales were launched this week.
The maps have been put together by sustainable transport charity Sustrans, have been funded by the Welsh Assembly Government. They were officially launched at the weekend by minister for the Environment, Sustainability and Housing Jane Davidson in time for the holiday season.
The maps will cover the 251 mile National Cycle Route from Holyhead to Cardiff, and the north and south sections of Lôn Las Cymru from Bangor to Cardiff and Chepstow. Cyclists on the routes would get the chance to take in coastline, the picturesque Valleys and the urban heartlands of South Wales. The maps include gradients, details, day ride route details and more.
Ms Davidson said: “I urge people throughout Wales to get out and cycle, and these new maps are a great way of helping people to take up cycling for recreation and hopefully as a means of transport too.
“If more people walk and cycle across Wales it will help reduce their dependence on the car, and contribute to cutting CO2 emissions. Cycling is a cheap, healthy, and sustainable activity and I hope that these maps inspire even more people to discover the National Cycle Network in Wales.”
The minister added: “Cycling has clear health benefits; it can reduce the risk of serious illnesses and help recovery from mental ill health. I congratulate New Horizons for successfully cycling Lôn Las Cymru in the last week and for reinforcing the link between physically activity and well being.”
Helen Davies, Sustrans area manager, enthused: “The scenery along this route is fantastic so we would love the Lôn Las Cymru to become just as popular as more-established challenge routes over the border. There are few other rides which offer such a variety of landscapes in such a short space of time, whether cyclists zip through it in three days or enjoy their surroundings at a more leisurely pace over the course of a week.
“The route is fully signed and is easy to follow when combined with the new maps, so riders will be able to devote their effort to the hills and to soaking up the fantastic views.”
