RideCymru is more than just a bike ride.
It’s a journey through the wild heart of Wales, and the unique history of this remarkable landscape. Peppered with ancient castles and hill forts, there are few places on earth where you can see more historic locations in a three-day cycle.
With just five days to go until entries open to our Pioneer Event this September, we’re shining the spotlight on five incredible historic sites you can look forward to at RideCymru.
Llanduno
Your 250-mile adventure at RideCymru starts in the beautiful town of Llandudno.
Sheltered from the Irish Sea by the Great Orme limestone headland, Llandudno traces its origins back to the Bronze Age, but it was during the Victorian era that it blossomed into a vibrant seaside resort town. With its many pubs, restaurants, and cafes, it’s worth arriving early the day before we depart to soak in the atmosphere.
Llandudno benefits from immediate access to the great outdoors, with Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) on its doorstep. Plus, being only a few hours from major transport hubs like Manchester, Liverpool, and Chester, it’s a hassle-free start point for riders to get to from anywhere in the UK, or overseas.
Conwy Castle
Crossing the River Conwy from Llandudno Junction just ten miles into the ride, you won’t be able to miss the mighty Conwy Castle, which sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking the town.
Build by Edward I during his conquest of Wales in the late 13th century, the castle has witnessed countless sieges and exchanges of power throughout Wales’ history, and in 1401 it was held for many months by forces loyal to Welsh leader, soldier, and military commander Owain Glyndŵr, the last native-born Welshman to claim the title Prince of Wales.
Conwy Castle gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1986; today, its reputation as one of the finest castles in Europe draws visitors from around the world.
Machynlleth
To call Machynlleth ‘historic’ is something of an understatement. A Royal Charter granted by Edward I in 1291 gave Owen de la Pole, Lord of Powys, the right to hold “a market at Machynlleth every Wednesday for ever and two fairs every year”. Today, almost 750 years later, that market continues to serve the town every week.
Machynlleth was also the site of Owain Glyndŵr’s coronation as the Prince of Wales in 1404. Today, the Machynlleth Comedy Festival draws visitors from around the UK to the town every May.
Brecon
Sharing its name with the nearby Brecon Beacons, the ancient town of Brecon traces its origins back to Roman times, where its strategic location on the River Usk led to the establishment of a nearby Roman fort, Y Gaer in 75 AD. 1000 years later, the invading Normans built a castle in the town, which has withstood multiple sieges and battles to remaining standing today.
As with so many sites on the RideCymru route, Owain Glyndŵr’s story is woven into the fabric of Brecon, with the town walls having been fortified in 1404 to protect it from his forces. Today, only fragments of the wall survive, much having been destroyed in the English Civil War.
Cardiff
Wales’ largest city, Cardiff is an iconic European capital and the commercial centre of the Welsh economy. It’s also the triumphant finish line of RideCymru!
Home to countless historic sites, including the Senedd Building (Welsh Parliament), the Wales Millennium Centre, and the 11th century Cardiff Castle, Cardiff’s vibrant city centre and stunning bay make it the ideal place to spend an evening unwinding before returning home. But, if you need to be back at work on Monday, the city’s fast transport links mean getting around the UK is no problem, with regular trains travelling to London in less than two hours.
Pioneer Entries Open 11th March
Interested in taking part? Entries to the RideCymru Pioneer Event will open 11th March. Limited to 50 riders, special guests, and media, the 2025 Pioneer Event is your chance to shape the future of RideCymru, a new icon of UK cycling.
Riding in guided groups with GPX file support, you’ll enjoy three nights in hotel accommodation, with all food provided, on and off the bike.
To celebrate your achievement and recognise your contribution to a future classic, you’ll take home an exclusive Pioneer’s jersey to wear with pride.
Images: © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2022) Cymru Wales
