Cycling in Monmouthshire - on or off road: the choice is yours

Cwm Carn is the newest MBWales centre, but already one of the most visited. Just quarter of an hour's motorway drive from England and half an hour from the Black Mountains it's perfect for riders who want to hit superb singletrack as soon as possible. In fact the designers at Whyte bikes have ridden it so much they’ve now become the official trail sponsors.

The steep sided valley just north west of Newport is the perfect site for the purpose built all weather singletrack of the Whyte bikes sponsored Twrch Trail. With stunning views over the Bristol Channel, surrounding forest ridges and the Black Mountains. It's hard to believe you're riding right in the industrial heart of South Wales.

The visitor centre has an excellent cafe, full camping facilities and a forest drive as well as scuplture walks and an adventure playground in the centre of the forest, making it ideal for family visits.

Brecon offers some of the richest and most varied cycling in Wales in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The cycle rides take you within sight of the Beacons themselves, but hug river valleys and country lanes through the wonderful scenery of the park. The canal from Brecon to Newport is one of the most beautiful in the country and its towpath is now an easy, low-level cycle path. The Taff Trail also starts at Brecon - this 55 mile cycling and walking route to Cardiff takes you into the beautiful industrial landscape of the Valleys. And while you’re there, why not explore a section of , the long distance cycle trail.

Route 1: Lock and Brecon Canal
Route 2: Llangors Lake, 16 miles or 8 miles circular
Route 3: Old railway to Talybont reservoir, 10 miles
Route 4: Sarn Helen and Roman roads
Route 5: Llanthony Priory and Gospel Pass, 52 miles or 30 miles there and back

The Celtic Trail crosses Wales at its widest point, from the dramatic Pembrokeshire coast in the west to Chepstow's mighty castle in the east, passing through an astonishing variety of scenery, including coastline, lush pastures, forest tracks climbing to 2000 ft, canal towpaths, country parks and the fine industrial heritage of the South Wales Valleys.

The Celtic Trail is best ridden from west to east to make the most of the prevailing winds. If you wish to do the whole of the 220-mile Celtic Trail you should set aside 5-7 days. However, shorter sections could be sampled over the course of a long weekend or even as a series of day rides.

Distance: 220 miles
Start: The Ocean Lab, Fishguard, Pembrokeshire
Finish: Chepstow Castle

The route is waymarked with blue signs - a bicycle surrounded by four castles.

This 52KM (32 MILE) circular route is entirely on roads and takes in the castles of Abergavenny, White Castle, Skenfrith and Grosmont. Although not particularly difficult it is suited to more experienced cyclists used to sharing the road with other traffic. There are several challenging hill climbs.

Abergavenny to White Castle - 45 mins; Hard; 14km
Turn left out of the bus station. take the first left into Holywell Road. Turn right at the T junction signed Rockfield. The road begins with a long steep uphill climb (the hardest on route) dropping and climbing again before reaching Llanvapley. Continue straight on through the village to reach Llantilio Crossenny. Turn right off the road into the village. Continue through the village and bear left back to main road. Carefully turn right then immediately left; signposted White Castle.

White Castle to Skenfrith - 30 mins; Easy; 10km
From the castle return 100m to the road, turn left and go downhill. Take the first right and continue uphill past houses. Fork left near old school and follow around to the T junction. Turn left. Do not turn off until you reach the main road B4521. Carefully turn right. Continue through Cross Ash and on to Skenfrith. Turn left into village with castle on your right.

Skenfrith to Grosmont - 30 mins; Easy; 8km
Continue straight on past castle and church and over stream, bearing left. Follow the lane to the T junction. Turn right. Follow the road to Grosmont with good views over the Monnow Valley. The road crosses a stream before a short, steep climb to Grosmont village. The castle is signposted on right.

Grosmont to Graig Syfyrddin - 30 mins; Hard; 5km
Turn left immediately behind Town Hall signposted Cross Ash. After a steep descent, the road levels before forking right uphill land on to a T junction. Turn left. The road steepens uphill past Grosmont Wood Farm before bearing right and levelling.

Graig Syfyrddin to Abergavenny - 45mins; Medium; 15km (9.2 miles)
Take care to turn right before the old school down a narrow road. Follow it downhill (rough in places) to a T junction above the Three Salmons pub. Turn right with care onto the main road B4521 and continue to Llanvetherine. Keep straight on. A gradual climb takes you to the base of The Skirrid before descending gently to Abergavenny. After going under the two road bridges, fork left. Continue downhill past the houses to a T junction. Turn right, then left twice back to the start.

The Route - Recommended for experienced cyclists used to sharing the road with other traffic. Be aware that the B4521 can be busy, with fast moving vehicles. Some roads are narrow with high hedges. There are several challenging hill climbs, with the reward of excellent views in many directions.

Cycle Stands - You can leave your bike in safety at Abergavenny Railway Station, the Tourist Information Centre, and at White Castle and Skenfrith.

Your Bike - Ensure it is in good working order. Check brakes, wheels and tyres regularly. Always carry a small tool kit, puncture repair outfit and spare inner tube, a small first aid kit and drink/light refreshments.

Clothing - Be safe - be seen. Wear suitable and high visibility clothing. Wearing a helmet is advisable.

Cycling on Roads - Follow the advice given in the Highway Code. Leave a gap of at least 3 meters between riders in wet weather and take extra care downhill. Always ride in single file when roads are busy or narrow.