The Best Motorcycle Routes in Wales: Your Ultimate Guide to the Open Road

Wales is a world-class destination for motorcycling. It offers a rare combination of rugged mountain passes, sweeping coastal vistas, and technical twisties that rival the best roads in Europe. For the riders looking for the best motorcycle routes in Wales, finding the perfect stretch of asphalt is about more than just getting from A to B—it’s about the experience of the ride.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best motorcycle routes in Wales, complete with road numbers and distances, to help you plan your next two-wheeled adventure.

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1. The Black Mountain Pass (A4069)

• Distance: Approx. 18–22 miles
• Location: Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)
• The Ride: Often cited as the finest road in the UK, the A4069 connects Llandovery to Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen. Known famously as the “Top Gear road,” it delivers a thrilling mix of hairpin turns, steep gradients, and vast valley views.
• Why You’ll Love It: The technical descent through the “Cuckoo Turn” (Tro Gwcw) is a rite of passage for any biker. Keep a keen eye out for roaming sheep that frequently wander onto the road.

2. The Snowdonia North Loop (A4086 & A498)

• Distance: Approx. 84–90 miles
• Location: Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park
• The Ride: Starting and ending in the picturesque village of Betws-y-Coed, this loop takes you through the heart of the high peaks. You’ll follow the A4086 through the dramatic Llanberis Pass, where the craggy peaks of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) tower above you.
• Why You’ll Love It: It’s as close as the UK gets to the Alps. The road surface is generally excellent, and the views of lakes like Llyn Peris and Llyn Padarn are truly world-class.

3. The Elan Valley & Devil’s Staircase
(B4518  &  Abergwesyn Pass) 

• Distance: Approx. 50–70 miles
• Location: Mid Wales
• The Ride: Based around the market town of Rhayader, this route explores the stunning Victorian dams and reservoirs of the Elan Valley. For those seeking a challenge, head towards the Abergwesyn Pass to tackle the “Devil’s Staircase”—a series of brutal, narrow hairpins with a 25% gradient.
• Why You’ll Love It: This is wild, remote territory with very little traffic. The single-track sections require focus, but the reward is total immersion in the Cambrian Mountains. You’ll navigate “The Staircase,” cross small fords (which can submerge after rain), and pass the famously remote Soar y Mynydd chapel. It is a technical, low-speed adventure that feels like riding through the end of the world. 

4. The Horseshoe Pass (A542)

• Distance: Approx. 13 miles
• Location: Denbighshire
• The Ride: This short but sweet pass near Llangollen reaches a peak of 1,400ft. The A542 winds in a broad “U” shape around the valley, providing spectacular sightlines through the corners.
• Why You’ll Love It: It’s a popular meeting spot for bikers, with the famous Ponderosa Café at the summit serving as the perfect pit stop for coffee and a panoramic view.

5. The Pembrokeshire Coastal Ride (A487)

• Distance: Approx. 45 miles
• Location: West Wales
• The Ride: For a change of pace, the A487 from St Davids to Cardigan offers flowing bends with constant sea views. This route passes through the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, known for its rugged cliffs and hidden coves.
• Why You’ll Love It: It’s a smoother, more relaxing alternative to the mountain passes, featuring castle ruins and plenty of spots to stop for fresh seafood.

6. The Aberystwyth to Rhayader Mountain Road (B4574)

• Distance: Approx. 20–25 miles
• Location: Ceredigion / Powys
• The Ride: The B4574 is often described as one of the most scenic “B” roads in the country. It passes through Cwmystwyth, following the river through a landscape of ancient lead mines and waterfalls.
• Why You’ll Love It: It offers a real sense of adventure away from the main A-roads, with technical sections that reward smooth, precise riding.

7. The Rebellion Road Tour

Why You’ll Love It: This is perhaps the best way to combine sensational, non-stop riding with a deep dive into the history of Welsh resistance. It is an all-encompassing Welsh adventure. You can find more information and GPX files for this route on the Adventure Bike Rider website. 

Distance: Approx. 230–300 miles (typically ridden over two days)

Location: Spans Mid and North Wales

The Ride: This is not a single road but a spectacular, curated two-day tour created by Adventure Bike Rider magazine. It links numerous epic mountain and coastal roads, starting near Knighton and culminating in Betws-y-Coed. The route focuses on areas linked to Welsh national hero Owain Glyndŵr, passing castles in Harlech and Caernarfon and featuring a unique motorcycle-permissive crossing of the wooden Barmouth Railway Bridge over the Mawddach Estuary.

8. The Welsh Super 10

For those who crave high-altitude thrills and technical challenges, The Welsh Super 10 is the ultimate “badge of honour” for any rider visiting Wales. 

This curated challenge, originally popularised by Adventure Bike Rider (ABR), tasks you with riding the ten highest paved roads in Wales—all of which sit at an elevation of over 500m. 

The Welsh Super 10 Challenge

• Total Distance: Approx. 219–260 miles.
• Time to Complete: Typically 12–24 hours.
• The Ride: This isn’t just about speed; it’s a grueling test of focus. The route takes you from the steep mining valleys of South Wales up to the high mountain passes of the North. You’ll navigate everything from long, sweeping A-roads to incredibly narrow, technical single-track lanes. 

Key Peaks and Passes Included:

• Gospel Pass (The Highest): Reaching 549m, this is the highest road pass in Wales. It connects Abergavenny to Hay-on-Wye via a 22-mile stretch of narrow, atmospheric tarmac.
• Bwlch y Groes (The Hellfire Pass): Often cited as the second-highest paved road (545m), this 17-mile route near Bala features brutal gradients and stunning views across Eryri.
• The A4107 (Bwlch y Clawdd): The highest A-road in Wales, reaching 527m. This road offers wide, sweeping turns and dramatic hairpins as it drops into the Rhondda Valley.
• Cwm Hirnant: A lesser-known but essential tick-off for the Super 10, reaching 507m as it loops around Bala Lake.
• Rhigos Mountain Road: Reaching roughly 490-500m (ranking 10th on the list), it is famous for its panoramic views and “ice cream mountain” laybys. 

Why You’ll Love It

The Super 10 is designed to show you the “spine” of Wales. It forces you off the beaten path into remote moorlands where you’ll often have the road entirely to yourself—save for the occasional wild horse or sheep. Finishing the route in a single day is a serious achievement that rewards you with some of the most dramatic landscapes in the UK. 

Planning Tip: Because these roads are so high, they are the first to be affected by snow or ice, even in early spring or late autumn. Check local weather and road closures before setting out. 

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Planning Your Trip to Wales

When exploring the best motorcycle routes in Wales, remember that mountain weather can change in an instant. Always check the local forecast and ensure your bike is in top condition—especially your brakes and tyres for those steep descents.

Whether you’re looking for a weekend blast or a week-long tour, the roads of Wales never disappoint. For more local tips, visit our homepage at The Wale Way.

Which of these legendary Welsh routes are you planning to ride first?

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