Swansea Gower Cycling Festival

The Swansea and Gower Cycling Festival takes place this year between Wed 27th May and Sun 31st May 2026.

The festival features a comprehensive programme of rides, graded to suit a wide range of cycling abilities, from novice riders and families cycling with children, to more experienced riders looking to push themselves by tackling the challenges posed by some of South Wales' most iconic routes.

There will be 15 rides, 3 rides per day, easy, moderate and challenging, every ride will have a designated leader, support riders and a back marker.  

For any additional information contact the Cycling Festival team Leader Nigel Smith at [email protected] or 07362 214159 (also WhatsApp on this number).

Festival Rides Programme 2026

To book a Festival Pass, which entitles participants to take part in as many rides as they can over the five days, the cost is £12. Alternatively you can book individual rides for £4 each or pay for them on the day for £5 each.

Wednesday 27 May
Ride 1: Southgate/Three Cliffs.
Start Dunvant RFC, 10.00: The route heads up the cycle path to Dunvant, joining the road to head uphill through an estate to a quiet country lane to Three Crosses, where we turn south, past Swansea Airport and on to Kittle, joining Pennard Road, for the final stretch to Southgate where we will stop for lunch. Afterwards, the route proceeds along a narrow lane and then across the grass banks above the coast to a viewpoint looking down on Pobbles and Three Cliffs Bay. Return via Pennard Road, Kittle, Bishopston, Murton, Newton and Mumbles to pick up the promenade path back to Blackpill for the Clyne valley cycle path back to the start.
Grade: Leisure Ride - Distance: 24 miles, with 1230 feet of climbing. (39 km, 375 metres)
…………………………………………
Ride 2: Cwm Ivy, North Gower
Start Dunvant RFC - 10.00: A beautiful, undulating ride across North Gower to the pretty Cwm Ivy Cafe, with no difficult climbs, mostly on quiet roads and lanes, with a flat ride back along the north Gower coast with great views across the estuary. The route heads up the cycle path to Dunvant, joining the road to head uphill through an estate to a quiet country lane to Three Crosses, where we join the road going over Welsh Moor and down to Llanrhidian, we follow the lanes past Fairy Hill and Burry Green and across and down to Cheriton, we have a climb up to Llanmadoc before dropping down to Cwm Ivy for lunch. We return through Cheriton and follow the lane to Oldwalls and Llanrhidian then drop down to the Marsh road as far as Crofty, then through Penclawdd and a flat run all the way back through Gowerton and the cycle path to Dunvant.
Grade: Leisure Ride - Distance: 27 miles. Ascent: 1712 feet. (44 km, 522 metres)
………………………………………………………………….
Ride 3: Rhossili via Oxwich
Start Dunvant RFC 10.00. The route heads up the cycle path to Dunvant, joining the road to head uphill through an estate to a quiet country lane to Three Crosses, where we join the road going over Welsh Moor and down to Llanrhidian. At the junction we turn left on the B4271 for 1 mile and then a right turn to start the climb up and over Cefn Bryn, stop at the top and take in the views, at this point you can see both sides of the Gower Peninsular and also Arthur’s Stone Burial Chamber. A short steep descent and a sharp left turn at the bottom at Reynoldston takes us through Little Reynoldston and a junction with the A4118, we take a left turn here and after 1 mile we turn right down a steep descent into Oxwich. Normally after a steep down there is a steep up and this is the case here as we climb up toward Penrice and then through Hangman’s Cross until we reach a T junction with the A4118 and turn right to Scurlage and then left onto the B4247 all the way to Rhossili and our lunch stop. Take some time to admire the amazing views before heading back to Scurlage and take a left onto the A4118 for 1.25 miles and then we keep left  through Llanddewi, Bury to Burry Green, then we turn left toward Llangennith but turn right after 1 mile toward Cheriton. A steady slow climb to the top of the hill with some great views across the estuary to Burry Port. Take great care at the bottom of a steep descent because there is a switch back right through Cheriton and the lanes to Oldwalls and Llanrhidian where we take a left turn down to the Marsh road to Crofty and then the B4295 all the way back through Penclawdd to Gowerton where we pick up the cycle path back to the start point at Dunvant RFC.
Grade: Challenging Ride – Distance: 44 miles, Ascent: 2428 feet. (71 km, 740 metres)
…………………………………………………………………
Thursday 28-May
Ride 4: Ystradgynlais alongside the River and Canal
Start Sainsbury's, Swansea Marina, 10.00: Follow the cycle path up the Tawe River on NCR43 passing the Copper Quarter, scene of much of Swansea's Industrial heritage, we follow this route through Clydach and alongside the canal to Pontardawe where we cycle through the Alloy Industrial Estate to pick up the riverside path all the way to Ystalyfera then follow the roads to Ystradgynlais where we will stop for lunch before returning via the same route. This ride is suitable for those new to cycling.
Grade: An Easy/leisure Ride - Distance:  32 miles, 836 feet ascent. (35 km, 255 meters).
…………………………………………………………………….
Ride 5: Coelbren via Ystradgynlais
Start: Sainsbury's, Swansea Marina, 10.00: Follow the cycle path up the Tawe River on NCR 43 passing the Copper Quarter, scene of much of Swansea's Industrial heritage, we follow this route almost as far as Clydach but turn right just before onto another cycle path up to Station Road in Glais, we go along Station Road to the T junction then  a left and immediate right turn on the old road to Alltwen. We follow this road to the centre of the village then a left turn down to and across the roundabout on to Lon Hir for a few hundred metres then a left turn at the end down to join NCR 43 cycle path alongside river and follow this all the way to Ystalyfera then follow the roads to Ystradgynlais where we turn right up the hill toward Crynant. About a mile up the hill we take a left to pick up the NCR 43 cycle path again and follow this as far as Coelbren. Here we make right turn and join the A4109 inter valley link road through Banwen and a long fast descent down into Glynneath. We turn right at the traffic lights and follow the road through the village as far as Resolven where we turn right and across the A465 roundabout on to the works road and our lunch stop at the Ranch. After lunch we take a short cut through the village and follow this road through Melyncourt and Clyne as far as Tonna where we turn right toward Aberdulais and pick up the canal path all the way to Briton Ferry then over the Bridge to Fabian Way and back to the start point.
Grade: Moderate – Distance 47 miles, 1567 feet ascent. (76 km, 449 metres)
…………………………………………………………………..
Ride 6: The Bwlch via Cymmer
Start: Sainsbury's, Swansea Marina, 10.00: The classic ascent of the Bwlch starting from Swansea, via Briton Ferry, Port Talbot, and picking up NCR 887 cycle path through Cwmavon, Pontrhydyfen to Cymmer, where we join the road for the classic climb up over the Bwlch. Return via the fantastic downhill through Ogmore Vale before joining NCR 4 for the return west through Aberkenfig and Margam, Port Talbot and back to Swansea.
Grade: Challenging: Distance: 54.5 miles, with 2922 feet of ascent. (88 km, 890 metres)
…………………………………………………………………………
Friday 29-May
Ride 7: An easy ride to Booths by the Bridge Aberdulais.
Start: Sainsbury's, Swansea Marina, 10.00: Follow the cycle path up the Tawe River on NCR 43 passing the Copper Quarter, scene of much of Swansea's Industrial heritage; we follow this route as far as Morriston and then head off through Llansamlet, Skewen, Neath and Cadoxton  to Aberdulais where we stop for lunch. After lunch we follow the Neath Canal path Briton Ferry, across the Briton Ferry Bridge to pick up NCR 4 back to Swansea.
Grade: Easy. Distance 24 miles, 612 Feet ascent. (39 km, 187 metres)
………………………………………………………………………………
Ride 8: The Mountain Bike Centre Glyncorrwg
Start: Sainsbury's, Swansea Marina, 10.00: Heading out of Swansea on minor roads and NCR 4 paths towards Briton Ferry where we cross over the Briton Ferry Bridge and continue to Port Talbot, we pick up a cycle path here which takes us through Cwmafon, Pontrhydyfen and across the viaduct into the Afan Forest and along the path to Cymmer. We cross over to the other side of the valley here and follow another cycle path up to Glyncorrwg and the Mountain Bike Centre where we stop for lunch. After lunch we return to Swansea retracing the same route.
Grade: Moderate. Distance 40 miles, 1220 feet. (64 km, 372 metres)
…………………………………………………………………………….
Ride 9: Ogmore by Sea via Southerndown
Start: Sainsbury's, Swansea Marina, 10.00: Heading out of Swansea on minor roads and NCR 43 paths towards Briton Ferry where we cross over the Briton Ferry Bridge and continue through Port Talbot and follow the A48 through Margam and almost as far as Pyle then we turn left to Kenfig Hill and then onto quiet lanes though Bryntirion, Merthyr Mawr, Ewenny, St Brides Major then on the B4524 through Southerndown and along the top of the cliff road with magnificent views over the bay below. The lunch stop is at Ogmore by Sea. After lunch we continue along the B4524 back to Ewenny and via Laleston to pick up the route on which we came, we retrace this route all the way back to Swansea.
Grade: Challenging. Distance 54 miles, ascent 2054 feet. (87 km, 626 metres)
……………………………………………………………………………...
Saturday 30-May
Ride 10: Family Leisure ride around Swansea Bay & Mumbles
Start: Dunvant RFC 10.00, A pleasant leisurely ride down from Dunvant RFC along the cycle path to Swansea Bay, then south along the promenade to Mumbles, perhaps for ice cream, before following the path back curving north east around the Bay to the Marina to learn about Swansea's maritime history. Then back around the bay to the Clyne cycle path to return to the start.
Grade: Easy. Distance 17 miles, ascent 420 feet. (27 km, 128 metres)
……………………………………………………………………………...
Ride 11: Brynaman, via Ammanford & Amman River Cycle Path
Start Dunvant RFC, 10.00: A clockwise Loop heading north to Pontarddulais, with a good climb up to Garnswllt, down into Ammanford to pick up the Amman River Cycle path. Heading east to Brynamman for lunch, then south-east to pick up another cycle path through Cwmllynfell and down to Ystalyfera, where we join the Tawe cycle path and follow back through Pontardawe, Clydach, into Swansea and through the Marina, around Swansea Bay and back to the start.
Grade: Moderate - Distance 46 Miles, 1646 feet of climbing. (74 km, 502 metres)
………………………………………………………………………………
Ride 12: Castell Carreg Cennen via The Black Mountain
Start Dunvant RFC, 10.00: An anticlockwise circuit heading north through Gorseinon, Pontarddulais, climbing up to Garnswllt, and down into Ammanford. The route then follows the road east through Glanaman and up to Brynamman where we start the 4 mile climb up to the top of the Black Mountain. Shortly after starting the descent there is a sharp left turn on a narrow lane heading to Brest Cwm Llywd, there a lots of zigs and zags, ups and downs and a few arrows to overcome until a long descent down to Castell Carreg Cennen for lunch. After lunch the route goes down the hill to Trapp, up and over and down to Llandybie then via Blaenau, Saron, Capel Hendre, Llanedi, Pontarddulais and the same way back to the start at Dunvant.
Grade: Challenging. Distance: 52 miles, 4292 ascent. (84 km, 1308 metres)
……………………………………………………………………………………
Sunday 31-May
Ride 13: Pembrey Country Park
Start, Dunvant RFC - 10.00: A pleasant, mostly flat ride suitable for most riders, along cycle path to Gowerton, on road through Loughor, picking up the Millennium Coast Path before Llanelli and following this along the coast with views of the Gower Peninsula, through Burry Port and on to Pembrey Country Park, for lunch, before returning via a canal path, and the Millennium Coast Path.
Grade - Leisure ride. Distance 33.5 miles 667 feet of ascent. (54 km, 203 metres)
……………………………………………………………………………………
Ride 14:  Kidwelly
Start Dunvant RFC: Heading north on the cycle path to Gowerton, across Pont y Cob to Loughor, through Bynea and Dafen to join NCR 47 (Swiss Valley) at Felinfoel; continuing north to Cynheidre where we leave the cycle path and join the B4309 for a fast downhill into Pontyates and across the railway crossing, we turn left at the Post Box onto Heol Nazareth, we follow this lane with a steady climb up to a T junction at Four Roads, then we have a well-deserved long and fast descent to the A484, we go straight across and into Kidwelly for a lunch stop. Return is via Pinged, Pembrey and Burry Port  then we pick up NCR 4 and follow the Millennium Coast path back to Bynea, then through Lougher and Gowerton to re-join the cycle path back to the start.
Grade: Moderate - Distance: 40 miles.   Ascent: 1600 feet. (65 km, 488 metres)
……………………………………………………………………………………
Ride 15: Ferryside via Carmarthen
Start, Dunvant RFC - 10.00,  Heading north on the cycle path to Gowerton, across Pont y Cob to Loughor, through Bynea and Dafen to join NCR 47 (Swiss Valley) at Felinfoel; continuing on this path until it passes under the B4306, we exit the path at this point due to a landslide a short way ahead. We join the B4306 down to Pontyberem then turn right onto the B4317 to a T junction then left on the B4310 through Drefach (20 mile point) to Porthyrhyd where we divert off toward the Botanical Gardens and still on the B4310 up and over to a T junction on the B4300, a right and immediate left takes us toward Nantgaredig where we pick up a new cycle path to Abergwili and Carmarthen. We keep left and pick up NCR47 for a couple of miles and then NCR4 through Croesyceilog, Llwyncelyn and on to Ferryside (40 mile point) and stop for lunch. After lunch we follow NCR4 along the coast road to Kidwelly and then through Pinged to join the A48 for 1 mile before turning right down toward Burry Port Harbour (50 mile point) and picking up NCR 4 and the magnificent Millennium Path as far as North Dock Llanelli, we pick up the B4304 which joins the A48 1 mile before Lougher Bridge (60 mile point) and 1 mile later we turn right and cross over Pont y Cob back to Gowerton and onto the start point at Dunvant RFC.
Grade: Challenging.  - Distance: 65 miles.  Climbing: 3300 feet. (105 km, 1006 metres)
……………………………………………………………………………………

To Download the gpx of the rides above, go to the additional downloads at the bottom of this page, right click on the file name, save link as --

If using a mobile, the file may be saved as file.gpx.txt  This can be opened with the "Open with" option by selecting your route provider such as Garmin. If the file has a gpx.xml extension, you may be able to do the same but if not, rename the file replacing the .xml with .txt

..............................................................................................................

Rides Disclaimer:
By participating in a Swansea & Gower Festival ride, you acknowledge that it is a condition of participating that you do so at your own risk and abide by the statement below:

You acknowledge that participating in the ride may involve a risk of serious injury from various causes, including over exertion, dehydration, equipment failure, and / or accidents with equipment and / or surroundings

You confirm that you are physically fit enough to participate safely in the ride and you have not been advised by a medical professional not to do so.

You are not aware of any medical condition, injury or impairment that maybe detrimental to your health by participating in the ride.

If it is detrimental to your health if you participate in the ride, you understand that it is your responsibility to inform the ride leader immediately. Should you choose to continue with the ride despite these conditions, injuries or impairments, you accept the increased risks and likelihood of injury.

You confirm you bike is in a good working order and safe to ride.

You certify that you have read and fully understood this statement.

You consent for any photographs taken during the ride to be used on social media. If NOT, please advise the ride leader before any pictures are taken.
……………………………………………………………...
 

To book a Festival Pass or individual Rides, click on the link below:

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/swanseaandgowercyclingfestival2026