Wales is a gravel rider’s playground. From the peaceful reservoir loops of North Wales to rugged mountain gravel in mid-Wales and sweeping forest tracks in the south, this guide highlights six of the best Komoot routes across the country. As with the rest of our UK regional guides, the routes are grouped into 2 Easy, 2 Moderate, and 2 Hard, so riders can pick adventures that match their skills, fitness and available time.
About Komoot.
Komoot is a GPS-based route planning and navigation platform. You can discover, preview, save and download GPX files for offline navigation — ideal when exploring rural Scotland with limited mobile signal. Routes below link to Komoot so riders can save or export them directly.
EASY RIDES — Scenic & Accessible Gravel
1. Brenig Cycle Trail — Llyn Brenig
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/e1068302184/brenig-cycle-trail-llyn-brenig
Distance: ~15.2 km | Elevation: ~130 m | Estimated Time: ~1 h 15 min
Difficulty: Easy
A relaxed circuit around the large reservoir of Llyn Brenig in north Wales. Mostly flat and well-graded gravel tracks make this an inviting introduction to riding in the north, with a few short climbs rewarding you with views across the water and surrounding hills.
Access & Logistics:
- Parking: Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre
- Rail: Nearest larger rail stations at Conwy or Colwyn Bay + onward taxi/cycle
- Amenities: Café, toilets, bike hire and picnic areas at the visitor centre
2. The Slipway – Tarw Du Trail Entrance loop from Afon Mawddach
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/27476276
Distance: ~20–25 km (estimate) | Elevation: Gentle | Estimated Time: ~1 h 45 min
Difficulty: Easy
A gentle loop picking quiet farm tracks and bridleways through rural Wales. This ride is ideal for riders who want a peaceful gravel outing with flowing open roads and minimal technical challenge.
Access & Logistics:
- Parking: Likely small town or trailhead depending on final start location
- Rail: Regional stations serve nearby towns
- Amenities: Local pubs and cafés along the route
MODERATE ROUTES — Half-Day Adventures
3. Pontsticill Reservoir – Pontsticill Reservoir loop from Cefn-coed-y-cymmer
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/23558819
Distance: ~30–45 km (estimate) | Elevation: Steady | Estimated Time: ~3 h
Difficulty: Moderate
A well-balanced Welsh gravel loop with rolling climbs and scenic views. Quiet country roads and robust gravel tracks make this suitable for riders with some off-road experience looking for a classic half-day adventure.
Access & Logistics:
- Parking: Small town car parks or trailheads
- Rail: Regional rail plus onward cycling
- Amenities: Village cafés and pubs en route
4. Gravel loop from Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/30506550
Distance: ~40–50 km | Elevation: Moderate | Estimated Time: ~3 h 30 min
Difficulty: Moderate
This route mixes valleys, forest tracks and open gravel sections. Expect a handful of rolling climbs and varied terrain — a great way to explore a mix of Welsh countryside and off-road riding.
Access & Logistics:
- Parking: Near start point in local town or village
- Rail: Accessible via regional stations + onward cycle/taxi
- Amenities: Pubs and shops along the way
HARD EPICS — Full Day & Challenging Terrain
5. Black Mixen Summit – View of the Valley loop from New Radnor
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/27467454
Distance: ~60–90 km (estimate) | Elevation: Significant | Estimated Time: ~5–7 h
Difficulty: Hard
A substantial Welsh gravel loop with long climbs, remote tracks and sprawling countryside. Riders should be comfortable on mixed surfaces and prepared for an all-day commitment with limited services on route.
Access & Logistics:
- Parking: Start point likely small town/village car park
- Rail: Nearest rail plus onward transport
- Amenities: Cafés and pubs in towns near start/end points
6. Trans Cambrian Way Loop
Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/e1695966559/trans-cambrian-way-loop
Distance: ~195 km+ | Elevation: ~4,000 m+ | Estimated Time: ~15–18 h (multi-day option)
Difficulty: Hard
One of Wales’ most ambitious gravel adventures. This loop follows much of the famed Trans Cambrian Way terrain — remote bridleways, old tracks, open moorland and endless climbing through the heart of mid-Wales’ hills. While it can be ridden as a long single push, many riders tackle it over multiple days with overnight stops.
Access & Logistics:
- Base parking: Central Wales towns such as Rhayader or Llandovery
- Rail: Regional rail plus onward taxi/cycle
- Amenities: Limited — plan food/water carefully and consider accommodation if breaking into stages
🌍 Travel & Riding Tips – Gravel Cycling in Wales
- Wales’ terrain can be remote and exposed — weather changes quickly and planning is key.
- Recommended tyres: 40–50 mm for comfort and grip on rougher tracks.
- Download GPX routes from Komoot before you ride — mobile signal can be patchy in upland areas.
- Carry ample food and water for long or remote rides.
Part of the UK Komoot Gravel Route Series
This article completes our eight-part UK regional gravel cycling series:
- Gravel Cycling in Scotland
- North West England Gravel Cycling
- Gravel Cycling in North East England
- Gravel Cycling in East Anglia & the Midlands
- Gravel Cycling in South East England
- Gravel Cycling in South West England
- Gravel Cycling in Wales
- Gravel Cycling in Northern Ireland – COMING SOON
Together these guides map the best gravel adventures across Britain — from scenic reservoir loops to epic cross-country rides.
Conclusion
This UK Komoot gravel route series has explored some of the best gravel cycling terrain across Britain, from the highlands and remote trails of Scotland to the coastal paths of South East England and the rugged mountain gravel of Wales.
Across eight regional guides — we’ve highlighted routes that balance accessibility, scenery and challenge. Using Komoot as the primary planning platform allows riders to preview terrain, save routes and download GPX files for reliable offline navigation.
Whether you prefer flat rail trails, forest gravel loops, chalk ridge climbs or remote mountain adventures, Britain offers exceptional gravel cycling opportunities for riders of all experience levels. We hope this series helps you discover new routes, plan future rides and explore more of the UK by gravel bike.
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