Celtic Trail - NCN Route 4

The Celtic Trail is a dedicated cycle network that covers east, south and west Wales. The 360 mile, largely traffic-free route encompasses some of the country’s most diverse scenery taking in Wales’ eastern gateway across to the Pembrokeshire National Park and through the best cycling routes in the UK.

The Celtic Trail is a must for the cycle enthusiast and two-wheeled backpackers. The Guardian

The Celtic Trail is made up of two routes - National Route 4 which goes via the coast and National Route 47 which is an inland route. It takes approximately 30 hours to complete so it's recommended to take it in bite-size chunks. You can view the recommended traffic-free sections at Sustrans (The National Cycle Network).

Travelling from Merthyr Tydfil you can use the Taff Trail (Route 8) or the Trevithick Trail (Route 477) to link up at Quakers Yard onto Route 47 to Swansea or Newport.

Take a detour on Route 47 and 476 to Merthyr's little known gem - Parc Taf Bargoed.

The industry of the valleys, the castles of Chepstow and Caerphilly, or the beautiful Pembrokeshire coast? The Celtic Trail offers all this – and much more that you’ve never heard of.

It’s a uniquely varied route. The railway paths of the Valleys give way to the winding lanes of Carmarthenshire. At one end is the city of Newport; at the other, tiny St David’s.

Links

Alongside Treasuring our Trails we have a responsibility to ensure we, as custodians, maintain them for generations to come. Please respect the countryside and each other.

You can find more information and guidance by following the links below:

Countryside Code

Sustrans Cycle Route Network

Ramblers Cymru

Countryside Code

Sustrans Cycle Route Network

Ramblers Cymru

The Celtic Trail is just one of a series of trails running right through the county borough that encapsulates the area's history complemented by miles and miles of natural beauty. So, if you want to take time to stop at one of our amazing adventure attractions, learn about our history, shop, eat, sleep or just take a moment to savour the breathtaking scenery. Merthyr has it all.