View of Cardiff – Graig Hill loop from Machen

United Kingdom

Wales

South Wales

Bedwas Trethomas & Machen

View of Cardiff – Graig Hill loop from Machen

Moderate

riders

View of Cardiff – Graig Hill loop from Machen

01:22

17.5km

380m

Gravel riding

Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: September 24, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

1.10 km

Winding Forest Gravel Trails

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Great criss cross of tracks that are passable on a gravel/MTB. Good place to loop around with kids on bikes as well.

Tip by

4.87 km

View of Cardiff from the Ridgeway

Highlight • Viewpoint

Nice view from up on the Ridgeway overlooking Cardiff. On a good day you can see over to Weston-Super-Mare.

Tip by

7.65 km

View of Cardiff from Craig Llysfaen (Lisvane Graig)

Highlight • Summit

Just stop and contemplate.

Tip by

8.37 km

View of Cardiff

Highlight • Viewpoint

Great place to take a breather while climbing the hill

Tip by

9.19 km

Graig Hill

Highlight • Trail

Insanely steep

Tip by

9.54 km

View of the Valley

Highlight • Viewpoint

Good route across up over the fields that then crosses the road. More gravel / mtb than touring bike.

Tip by

10.9 km

Fred Jones Lane to Lisvane Path

Highlight • Climb

Good little cut through up over into Lisvane. Good climb up through the farm
Passable on a road bike just turns a bit rough past the farm. Also watch out for the gate after the first decent.

Tip by

13.7 km

Llwyn Hir

Forest

17.5 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

7.41 km

6.23 km

2.16 km

1.45 km

258 m

Surfaces

9.84 km

4.15 km

3.28 km

227 m

Elevation

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

Weather

Today

Monday 12 October

17°C

9°C

83 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 28.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

November 24, 2023,Machen gravel loop

Park at Machen Village Hall (free). Head over the river and away you go. Some mud, few gnarly bits and short steep climb. Nice little route worth doing as is, or adding to a longer route. OK for gravel.