Barmouth Estuary and Coast Loop

A varied loop on the Cambrian coast of North Wales that never settles into one scene. It begins along a broad tidal estuary beneath rounded mountains, climbs through an oak-lined gorge and a conifer forest onto high moorland, passes a quiet hydro lake, and finishes with a long run beside dunes and open sea.

Nearly all of it is easy, well-surfaced A-road with generous visibility, so it suits any bike and any level of experience, and there is only one short, twisting climb. The rhythm is relaxed rather than technical, which makes it a good half-day or a lazy afternoon with time for stops. Ride it on a bright, settled day from spring to early autumn, and pick a weekday for the quietest roads.