Harlech Castle – Harlech Castle loop from Fairbourne

Harlech Castle – Harlech Castle loop from Fairbourne

Moderate

riders

Harlech Castle – Harlech Castle loop from Fairbourne

02:28

55.4km

420m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 27, 2026

Tips

The surface along some of this route may not be suitable

Some segments of your route comprise a surface that may not be suitable for your chosen sport.

After 2.41 km for 286 m

After 52.8 km for 286 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

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3.82 km

Barmouth Bridge

Highlight • Cycleway

A single-track railway with a wooden pedestrian walkway alongside, Barmouth Bridge is a particularly awesome viaduct. It stretches across the estuary at Barmouth and provides fantastic views in every direction, including of the Cadair Idris massif to the south.

You can walk and cycle across the bridge and it's toll-free as of 2013, although you can donate a toll. Due to significant planned renovations, the bridge periodically closes for months at a time so always check if it's open before you visit, particularly if you're using it as part of a longer hike for the detour is considerable.

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3.89 km

Barmouth Viaduct

Highlight • Monument

Barmouth Viaduct is a Grade II* listed single-track wooden railway viaduct across the estuary of the Afon Mawddach near Barmouth, Wales. It is 820 metres long and carries the Cambrian Line. It is the longest timber viaduct in Wales and one of the oldest in regular use in Britain

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16.8 km

Coed Aberartro

Forest

20.6 km

View of Harlech Beach

Highlight • Viewpoint

Stunning viewpoint over Harlech Beach from a footpath leading you to the Wales Coast Path providing direct access to the beach.

Harlech Beach offers a pristine four-mile expanse of golden sand, framed by breathtaking vistas of the Snowdonia mountain range and bordered by lush grassy dunes.

There’s a flat grassy plateau here, just off the path, for you to sit and admire the sweeping views.

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22.4 km

Harlech Castle

Highlight • Viewpoint

Against stiff competition from Conwy, Caernarfon and Beaumaris, this is probably the most spectacular setting for an Edward I castle in North Wales. All four are recognized as World Heritage Sites.
Harlech was completed from ground to battlements in just seven years under the guidance of the gifted architect Master James of St. George. The classic 'walls within walls' design makes optimal use of the difficult natural defenses.
Even when the castle was completely cut off by Madog ap Llewelyn's rebellion, it held strong – thanks to the 'Way from the Sea'. Via this path of 108 steps, which climbed steeply up the rock face, the besieged defenders could be supplied with food and drink by ship.
Harlech is easier to conquer these days. You can enter this amazing castle via an incredible 'floating' walkway.
(Cadw Wales)

Translated by Google •

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33.1 km

Harlech Castle

Highlight • Viewpoint

Translated by Google •

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33.4 km

Bard's Chair Overlooking Harlech Castle

Highlight • Structure

A series of five carved chairs around Harlech. Great idea to get the children outside to find them all, with scan codes at each one for more details. I believe this is number 3 over looking Harlech Castle.

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50.6 km

View of Barmouth Harbour

Highlight • Beach

Barmouth is a seaside town at the mouth of the Afon Mawddach. There is a large sandy beach and pretty promenade to ride along. Lots of shops and cafes, I recommend the Mermaid fish and chip shop which is open 12:00 - 20:00 every day.

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