Nowhere on earth compares to Wales. There may no longer be dragons around every corner, but it is still romantic, epic and one of the UK’s greatest motorcycling playgrounds. It’s a compact, outdoorsy country, packed with intrepid mountain passes, pretty coastal highways, ancient forests and biker-friendly towns and villages. Roads, especially inland, tend to be quiet and peaceful, and emptiest of all in Mid and North Wales. For total immersion in nature, plus countless cultural and historical attractions along the way, Wales delivers.
You can’t really go wrong in Wales, but here are our not-so-secret seven favourite motorcycle routes in The Land of Song.
1. The Black Mountain Pass (A4069)
Often described as one of the finest roads in the UK, the Black Mountain Pass in the Brecon Beacons is a rite of passage for riders. This 18–22‑mile stretch between Llandovery and Gwaun‑Cae‑Gurwen is famous for its hairpins, steep climbs and panoramic valley views. You may know it as the ‘Top Gear Road’, and it certainly offers a delicious mix of fast sections and tight switchbacks. A fun stop-off is Henrhyd Falls, the 90-foot waterfall that plays the Batcave entrance in The Dark Knight Rises. Places to rest include Llandovery, a small, classic biker town with cafés and fuel, and Brecon, a historic market town with pubs and accommodation.
2. Snowdonia North Loop (A4086 and A498)
Starting and ending in Betws‑y‑Coed, this 84–90‑mile loop takes you through the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, including the dramatic Llanberis Pass, where the cliffs of Snowdon tower above the road. The combination of smooth tarmac, mountain lakes and looming peaks makes this one of the most scenic rides in the UK. Highlights include Llyn Peris, Llyn Padarn and the slate landscapes around Pen‑y‑Pass. Betws‑y‑Coed bustles with outdoor shops, cafés and bikers, while Llanberis is great for food, fuel and lakeside views.
3. The Welsh Super 10
For riders seeking a challenge, the Welsh Super 10 links ten of the highest paved roads in Wales, including the legendary Bwlch y Groes (Hellfire Pass) and the Gospel Pass. Do take your time on the descents - they can be steep, narrow, and a popular hangout for sheep. This route rewards you with outstanding views across Snowdonia, the Cambrian mountains and Mid Wales. Bwlch y Groes (one of the highest tarmac roads in Wales) and Llyn Brianne reservoir are unmissable, the latter being perfect for photos and a quiet lunch stop.
4. The Elan Valley and Devil’s Staircase
Based around Rhayader, this 50–70‑mile route takes you through the dramatic Victorian dams and reservoirs of the Elan Valley, one of the most atmospheric landscapes in Wales. For a technical challenge, head toward the Abergwesyn Pass to tackle the infamous Devil’s Staircase, a series of brutal hairpins with a 25% gradient: a true test of low‑speed control. Traditional Rhayader, aka ‘The crossroads of Wales’, is home to biker‑friendly pubs and cafés, while the Elan Valley Visitor Centre close by offers food, parking and local information, including advice on routes.
5. The Horseshoe Pass (A542)
Near Llangollen, the Horseshoe Pass is a short but spectacular 13‑mile route that curves around the valley in a U‑shape. It’s hugely popular with bikers thanks to its big views across the Dee Valley. Sadly, its legendary meeting point, The Ponderosa Café, closed last year, but we can recommend Dee Side Café Bistro, Llangollen, and The Raven Inn free house in Llanarmon-yn-Iâl. Both are a 10-minute ride away from the Horseshoe Pass.
6. Mid Wales loop
This 140-mile tour through the heart of Mid Wales offers quiet roads, rolling hills and some of the most peaceful riding in the country. It’s ideal for riders who want to escape traffic and immerse themselves in nature. It’s a good way to visit the Cambrian mountains and the huge inland reservoir of Llyn Brianne, with its 91m tall dam, the highest in the UK. This trip connects to Elan Valley, too. Find all the amenities at Aberystwyth, a lively seaside town popular with bikers, from where you can ride in any direction and hit something spectacular within minutes.
7. Pembrokeshire coast
Well. We couldn’t leave this one out. For motorcyclists who love to be beside the seaside, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park offers breezy sandy beaches and charming villages linked by scenic coastal roads. It’s busier than inland, but has more amenities, and it’s easier to find your way around. Be sure to take some time to explore the tiny city of St David’s, Tenby harbour and Pembroke Castle and, for pints with a sea view, try The Galleon Inn at Broad Haven and The Smugglers at Amroth.
Useful information
When is the best time to visit Wales?
Wales has a cool, oceanic climate with mild summers that are unlikely to get uncomfortably hot and, yes, it does rain all year round. The driest month is typically April, and the warmest months are July and August, with average highs around 19–20°C, though of course this is when the roads will hit peak traffic, especially around beach resorts. So we'd say April, May, June and September.
What do I pack for a motorcycle trip?
If you are new to bike touring, take a look at our bike luggage and packing tips and if you need some fresh kit, get inspired by our award-winning jeans, cargoes, gloves, hoodies and jackets here.
How do I speak Welsh for bikers?
Hello - Helo (heh-lo)
Goodbye - Hwyl (hooil)
Cheers! - Iechyd da! (yeah-khid dah)
Thank you - Diolch (dee-olkh)
Have a good trip - Taith dda! (tythe thah)
Safe journey - Siwrne ddiogel (shoor-neh thee-og-el)
Yes - Ie (yeah)
No - Na (nah)
So we all that needs to be said now is: Lechyd da - taith dda! (Cheers - have a good trip!) We are sure you will.
About the author:
Ian Wilson is the co‑founder of Roadskin, the UK motorcycle‑clothing brand known for its high‑quality protective jeans. A lifelong motorcyclist and former London courier, Ian built Roadskin around real‑world riding experience and a commitment to practical, comfortable safety gear. He has also competed in extreme enduro events, including finishing the Red Bull Romaniacs.
The future of riding: How AI is transforming motorcycles and protective clothing for riders