4.1
(8)
67
riders
18
rides
Gravel biking around Lisvane offers diverse landscapes, from reservoir paths to challenging ridgeways and hills. The region features the Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs, providing circular paths and a mix of grassland, woodland, and waterside habitats. Beyond the reservoirs, hills like The Graig, Twmbarlwm, and Mynydd Machen offer elevated terrain and expansive views. This area provides varied terrain suitable for mixed-terrain cycling, including natural singletrack and forest segments.
Last updated: May 5, 2026
4.0
(1)
21
riders
46.8km
03:46
540m
540m
The Caerphilly mountain loop from Cardiff offers a challenging gravel biking experience, covering 29.1 miles (46.8 km) with a significant 1775 feet (541 metres) of elevation gain. This difficult route…
3.0
(1)
8
riders
96.9km
08:33
1,820m
1,820m
Embark on a challenging gravel biking adventure with the Cwmcarn loop from Cardiff, a route designed for experienced riders. This difficult 60.2-mile (96.9 km) journey will test your endurance, featuring…

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4.7
(3)
8
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
5
riders
63.6km
04:21
970m
970m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
7
riders
32.1km
02:11
500m
500m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Great place to capture some photos of the River Taff. Scenic all year round
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Nice easy flat ride. Can be busy with walkers and other cyclists, particularly on weekends. Early mornings are the best, with so much birdsong and wildlife. Take a moment to enjoy the view of the Weir, which usually has a row of gulls fishing on it.
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Gonna give this loop a go tomorrow- thanks for sharing
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This Weir is a wonderful home for birds as they wash their feet, and gossip about others' nests
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The white noise from the crashing water makes this a perfect place to tune out of the world. Unique place!
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Built in 1280, this castle has a fascinating life story. It is the second largest castle and grounds in UK, slightly smaller than Windsor castle. The water defenses are now home to plenty of birds and the grounds offer fantastic views of this stunning castle
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Some gates are pain to get the bike through loud easy turn handapbares lift front wheel
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Gravel biking around Lisvane offers a diverse mix of landscapes. You'll find smooth reservoir paths, challenging ridgeways, and flowing forest segments. The area is known for natural singletrack trails and varied unpaved roads, providing options for both moderate and difficult ability levels.
While many routes around Lisvane are rated moderate to difficult, the paths around the Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs offer 5km of circular, generally flatter paths suitable for a more relaxed ride. For a moderate route, consider the Blackweir Bridge and Weir – Coed Tranch-yr-Hebog Quarry loop from Ninian Park, which covers 34.1 km.
The area boasts several scenic spots. The Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs themselves are a tranquil oasis with 5km of paths and bird hides. Further afield, hills like The Graig, Twmbarlwm Hill, and Mynydd Machen offer expansive views of the Severn Estuary, Newport, and Cardiff. You can also find the Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs and Rhydypenau Woods and Llanishen Reservoir as highlights.
Yes, there are several longer routes for experienced gravel bikers. The Cwmcarn loop from Cardiff is a challenging 96.9 km path with significant elevation. Another option is the Monmouth and Brecon Canal – Monmouthshire Canal Lock loop from Rogerstone, which spans 87.0 km and includes canal paths and varied terrain.
The gravel biking routes in Lisvane are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 10 reviews. Many riders appreciate the varied terrain, from reservoir paths to challenging ridgeways and forest segments, making for an engaging experience.
The 5km circular paths around the Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs are generally flat and suitable for families looking for a gentler ride. These paths offer a safe and scenic environment away from traffic, perfect for a family outing.
Yes, the region is rich in history. While riding, you might be near attractions like Caerphilly Castle, a medieval fortress, or Castell Coch, a Victorian Gothic revival castle. Other points of interest include St Fagans National Museum of History and Cardiff Castle.
Lisvane offers enjoyable gravel biking throughout the year. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with changing foliage. While winter can bring challenging conditions, the varied terrain means there are always options, though some higher ridgeways might be more exposed.
Absolutely. The Caerphilly mountain loop from Cardiff is a difficult 46.8 km trail known for its challenging climbs and rewarding views from Caerphilly Mountain. The Cwmcarn loop from Cardiff also features significant elevation gain, with 1818 meters of ascent over its 96.9 km.
There are over 25 gravel bike trails available around Lisvane, offering a wide range of distances and difficulty levels to suit various preferences.
Yes, many of the gravel routes around Lisvane are designed as loops. For instance, the Hengoed Viaduct – Hengoed Viaduct loop from Ninian Park is a 63.6 km difficult loop. The paths around the Lisvane and Llanishen Reservoirs also form a 5km circular route.


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