Cycle Ride from Penmaenmawr, Conwy County

1 Leave the centre of Penmaenmawr (Mountain View Hotel) by Conwy Old Road and enjoy the marvellous views as you cycle past the golf course.

2 Go through the attractive old village of Capelulo and brace yourself for the cycle/walk up the long, steep Sychnant Pass Road. (You will need a very low gear; we suggest you walk up the hill and enjoy the views.)

3 Stop at the small car park/viewpoint near the top of the pass to have an ice cream and admire your achievement so far!

4 Proceed with care along the road to Conwy, crossing a cattle grid. It is a long glide down through unspoilt scenery. Turn first left at the outskirts of the town into Cadnant Park and eventually cross the railway by bearing left over a narrow road bridge.

5. Turn right at the T junction (take care) and then shortly turn left just before the town walls. Follow the road parallel to the town walls and then go through an arch. Turn left just before the lights controlled pedestrian crossing to reach the quay.

6. Linger a while at the quay to view the Smallest House in Great Britain, the castle and the estuary and maybe take some refreshment at the kiosks or the Liverpool Arms

7. After resting proceed back along along the Quay, but turn right after going through the arch in the walls and follow the National Cycle route 5 signs. You soon reach a cycle/foot path running along the very edge of the estuary and affording more splendid views.

8. Turn right at a T junction at the end of the cycle path (still following route 5 signs) and cross over the A55 by a bridge. Bear left near the Mulberry pub and then turn right to view the marina with its luxury boats and dream about sailing to Barbados or just Anglesey.

9. Leave the marina by the same short road and turn right to continue on cycle route 5. At the A55 turn right on to the signposted cycle/foot path that runs along the edge of the expressway in a contraflow direction. Take care here - children should be supervised.

10. Shortly before the Penmaenbach headland the cycle path leaves the edge of the expressway and you return to Pen by a dedicated cycleway. Enjoy the views over the sea and the magnificent and historic hillside: the hidden beauty spot of North Wales - shush, keep it secret!

Always check your bike before starting and carry a spare tube and/or repair kit. All cyclists participate at their own risk. Children should be kept under supervision and if in doubt about safety, get off and walk.

The author recommends helmets should be worn on the roads. For CTC policy regarding cycle helmets see our pages: New Government Promotion and Helmets Campaign.