Inspired by their epic Rebellion Road trip, the Adventure Bike Rider team have put together five of the best motorcycle routes in the country and paired them with standout cultural stops, rider-friendly accommodation, and top-tier food. Whether you're chasing curves, castles, or cawl, add these routes to your next two-wheeled adventure.
From the towering heights of Bwlch y Groes to the dragon-spined ridgelines of the Cambrian Mountains, Wales is a destination that rewards riders with both thrills and soul-stirring scenery.
The five motorcycle routes featured in this guide are:
The exhilarating Welsh Super 10 route is a badge of honour for riders. It links ten of the highest paved roads in Wales - each above 500m - including legendary passes like Bwlch y Groes (aka the 'Hellfire Pass') a 17-mile route through Dinas Mawddwy and Llanuwchllyn, and the Gospel Pass, a 22-mile route connecting Y Fenni (Abergavenny) and Y Gelli Gandryll (Hay-on-Wye).
- Region: North Wales and Mid Wales
- Route length: 219 miles (354 km)
- Estimated ride time: full day
- Road type: paved mountain roads and passes
- Difficulty: challenging
- Best for: experienced riders
Why ride it? You’ll conquer climbs that challenge both engine and ego, all while soaking in views across Eryri, the Cambrian Mountains, and beyond.
Don’t miss: Bwlch y Groes - One of the highest tarmac roads open to traffic in Wales.
Safety notes: Take your time on the descents. Some are narrow, steep, and frequented by sheep.
Planning your Welsh Super 10 trip
GPX: Download the .gpx file and load it onto your SatNav as per the manufacturers' instructions. - ABR Welsh Super 10.gpx
Food stops and accommodation options:
- Llyn Brianne Reservoir - Ideal for a lunch stop and photo opportunity.
- Plas Yn Dre, Bala - A hotel restaurant serving Welsh lamb with a warm welcome.
- Lake Vyrnwy Hotel & Spa - 4* hotel, bike-friendly with stunning scenic views.
The Mid Wales Loop through the heart of Mid Wales delivers epic riding on quiet roads through Rhayader, the Elan Valley, the Cambrian Mountains, and back through Llanidloes.
- Region: Mid Wales
- Route length: 140 miles
- Estimated ride time: full day
- Road type: quiet A and B roads, reservoir roads
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best for: scenic riding on quieter roads and open landscapes
Why ride it? It’s a perfect mix of flowing curves, vast open landscapes, and old-world charm.
Don’t miss: Claerwen dam and reservoir - the largest in the Elan Valley Estate, holding nearly as much water as all the other reservoirs combined
Safety notes: Plan ahead as there are limited fuel stops in remote areas, so top up in towns like Rhayader, Aberystwyth and Machynlleth..
Planning your Mid Wales loop trip
GPX: Download the .gpx file and load it onto your SatNav as per the manufacturers instructions. - Mid Wales Loop.gpx
Food stops and accommodation options
- The Triangle Inn, Rhayader - Hearty pub fare with a roaring fire.
- Elan Valley Lodge - Great for groups, with secure bike storage.
Stretching from Bannau Brycheiniog to the peaks of Eryri, the Spine of the Dragon route offers a comprehensive slice of Wales. Designed to test your skills and stamina, it traverses rugged terrain and rewarding views.
- Region: South, Mid and North Wales
- Route length: approx. 230 miles
- Estimated ride time: 2 days
- Road type: mainly tarmac, mountain and rural roads
- Difficulty: challenging
- Best for: experienced riders wanting a multi-day route across Wales
Why ride it? It’s the closest thing to a 'Welsh Route 66' - a spine-tingling journey through the nation’s wild core.
Don’t miss: Devil’s Staircase - a brutal zigzag climb near Abergwesyn, and Machynlleth, a cultural gem known as the 'ancient capital of Wales'.
Safety notes: There are remote sections so plan fuel stops carefully in larger towns such as Chepstow, Builth Wells, Rhayader, Machynlleth and Dolgellau on route. The weather can be changeable so pack gear for all seasons - Wales can serve up all four in a day!
Planning your Spine of the Dragon trip
GPX: Download the .gpx file and load it onto your SatNav as per the manufacturers instructions Spine of the Dragon 2.gpx
Food stops and accommodation options
- The Red Lion, Machynlleth - Local beer with great atmosphere.
- The Royal Victoria Hotel, Llanberis - A classic base near Yr Wyddfa.
One of the most rewarding historical motorcycle tours in Wales, The Bannau Brycheiniog Explorer route weaves through the mystical mountains. Expect sweeping roads, sheep-dotted valleys, and Celtic legend at every turn.
- Region: Mid Wales and South Wales
- Route length: approx. 100 miles
- Estimated ride time: full day
- Road type: mountain roads, rural routes
- Difficulty: moderate to challenging
- Best for: scenic mountain riding with cultural stops
Why ride it? From mountain passes to ancient castles, this route is where scenery and storytelling meet.
Don’t miss: Gospel Pass - Wales’ highest public road, with epic views of the Black Mountains and Brecon Cathedral - a quiet stop to soak in Welsh spiritual heritage.
Safety notes: Watch for sudden weather changes in Bannau Brycheiniog and reduced visibility on high ground. Good tyres are essential.
Planning your Bannau Brycheiniog Explorer trip
GPX: Download the .gpx file and load it onto your SatNav as per the manufacturers instructions - ABR TomTom Brecon Beacons Discovery Route.gpx
Food stops and accommodation options
- Hills, Aberhonddu (Brecon) - Arguably Wales’ best burger!
- The Felin Fach Griffin - Biker-friendly, stylish, and full of character.
If you only do one ride in North Wales, make it this one. The Snowdonia Loop tours scenic motorcycle rides in the iconic Eryri National Park, passing peaks, lakes, and ancient slate towns.
Why ride it? Eryri combines mountain drama with smooth, rider-friendly roads. It’s about as close as the UK gets to the Alps.
- Region: North Wales
- Route length: 200 miles
- Estimated ride time: full day
- Road type: mountain roads, A and B roads
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best for: classic mountain riding with iconic scenery
Don’t miss: Llanberis Pass, a sweeping, high-speed climb between craggy peaks, and Beddgelert, a postcard-perfect village with a legendary backstory. Beddgelert means "Gelert’s Grave", named after a legendary dog buried there by Prince Llywelyn in a tale of loyalty and loss.
Safety notes: Avoid peak times for a traffic-free lap. Dawn and dusk rides here are unforgettable.
Planning your Snowdonia Loop trip
GPX: Download the .gpx file and load it onto your SatNav as per the manufacturers instructions - Wales_Amazing_Britain_final.gpx
Food stops and accommodation options
- Lone Tree Cafe, Llanberis - A welcoming café serving hearty breakfasts and lunches.
- Pete's Eats - For local produce and an ingredient led, seasonal menu.
- The Bryn at Capel, Capel Curig - Mountain views and big portions await.
Ride safe, ride smart
Wales offers some of the UK’s most engaging motorcycle touring - but safety should always come first:
- Gear up: Always wear a full set of CE-rated riding gear. Weather can change quickly.
- Be alert: Watch for livestock, gravel, and wet road markings - especially on rural lanes.
- Respect local limits: Welsh roads can tempt you - but always ride within your limits and the law.
Whether you're inspired by the cinematic Rebellion Road trip or charting your own course through the valleys, motorcycling in Wales is more than just a ride - it’s an experience. From history-steeped towns to wild moorlands and coastlines, these routes show off the best of Welsh culture and motorcycling.
