Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Routes
Road cycling routes
United Kingdom
Wales
North Wales
Gwynedd
Porthmadog

Lôn Eifion and Caernarfon Loop

Moderate

5.0

(2)

31

riders

Lôn Eifion and Caernarfon Loop

03:51

78.9km

700m

Road cycling

This moderate 49.0-mile (78.9 km) road cycling loop from Porthmadog offers varied coastal and mountainous scenery in Snowdonia National Park

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Waypoints

A

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1

17.6 km

Caffi Colwyn

Highlight • Cafe

Great cafe situated in Beddgelert. You'll find outdoor seating at the rear, ideal for the summer months.

Tip by

2

25.1 km

Llyn Cwellyn

Highlight (Segment) • Natural Monument

Llyn Cwellyn is a reservoir in North Wales which supplies drinking water to parts of Gwynedd and Anglesey. It lies on the Afon Gwyrfai in Nant y Betws between Moel …

Tip by

3

38.1 km

Caernarfon Castle

Highlight • Monument

Royal fortress-palace built on legends and bitter medieval conflict Caernarfon Castle is recognised around the world as one of the greatest buildings of the middle ages

Tip by

4

70.4 km

Sea views out to across Tremadoc Bay from the lively sea side town of Cricieth. This is on the NCN8 route.

Tip by

B

78.9 km

End point

Train Station

Loading

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

40.5 km

23.2 km

13.9 km

1.27 km

< 100 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

46.9 km

31.6 km

241 m

148 m

Sign up to see more specific route details

Sign up for free

Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (200 m)

Lowest point (0 m)

Sign up to see more specific route details

Sign up for free

Weather

Powered by Foreca

Thursday 7 May

17°C

7°C

34 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

This route was planned by komoot.

Save

Edit route

Download GPX

Move start point

Print

Share

Embed on a website

Report an Issue

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it typically take to complete this road cycling loop?

This moderate road cycling loop is approximately 78.9 kilometers (about 49 miles) long and typically takes just under four hours to complete, depending on your pace and stops.

Is this road cycling loop suitable for beginners?

Classified as a moderate road ride, this loop requires a good level of fitness. While the surfaces are mostly well-paved, the distance and elevation gain of around 700 meters mean it's not ideal for absolute beginners but is rewarding for those with some cycling experience.

Where does this road cycling loop start?

The loop starts from Porthmadog, which serves as an excellent base for exploring the edge of Snowdonia National Park.

Where can I park to access this route in Porthmadog?

Porthmadog offers various parking options, including public car parks. It's advisable to check local signage for specific parking regulations and fees. For more detailed information on parking in the area, you might consult local tourism resources like visitsnowdonia.info.

What kind of terrain can I expect on this road cycling loop?

The route features mostly well-paved surfaces, making it suitable for road bikes. You'll encounter a mix of main roads, side roads, and dedicated cycle tracks as you traverse both coastal sections and ascents into the foothills of Snowdonia.

What kind of scenery will I see on this route?

You can expect spectacular and varied scenery, showcasing both coastal and mountainous vistas. The route offers views of the Welsh countryside, the dramatic landscapes of Snowdonia, and coastal sections with views of the sea and estuaries.

Are there any notable sights or stops along the way?

Yes, the route passes by several interesting points. You might encounter the charming Caffi Colwyn, the serene Llyn Cwellyn, the historic Caernarfon Castle, and enjoy the View of Tremadog Bay from Criccieth Seafront.

Does this route connect with other cycling trails?

Yes, this road cycling loop intersects with several other well-known paths. Notably, it covers significant sections of the EuroVelo 2 - Capitals Route - part United Kingdom 1 and Lôn Las Cymru (North), as well as parts of Lôn Eifion and the Wales Coast Path.

Is this road cycling loop dog-friendly?

As a road cycling route, it's generally not suitable for dogs to accompany you on the bike for the entire duration. However, there may be opportunities for short walks with dogs at stops along the way, provided they are kept on a leash and you adhere to local regulations.

Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee to cycle this route?

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to cycle this particular road loop through Snowdonia National Park. However, standard road cycling rules and regulations apply.

What is the best time of year to cycle this route?

The best time to cycle this route is typically during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October) when the weather is generally milder and more predictable. Always check the local weather forecast before heading out, as conditions in Snowdonia can change rapidly.

Nearby routes

Moderate

4.6

350

Glyders, Ogwen Valley & Llanberis Pass loop from Bethesda — Snowdonia National Park

02:30h

49.3km

720m

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy