There is a lot of talk in Newport at the moment around cycle routes and improving infrastructures for cyclists.
As part of the Active Travel Act, Newport council has been working to identify current and future routes for cyclists and pedestrians to use, encouraging people to ditch their cars in favour of greener alternatives.
The council has also reached out to people in Newport to ask them what improvements they would like to see in terms of available routes and accessibility.
Although there is still work to be done to promote commuting by bike as a viable alternative within the city, there is by no means a shortage of excellent cycling routes in and around Newport at the moment.
Whether you're a complete beginner to cycling or someone who's been using a bike since before they could walk, Newport has plenty to offer.
We've come up with a list of some of the best routes in and around Newport below.
1. Newport to Caerleon
A nice short route for beginners, this cycle path from the city centre to Caerleon allows you to travel relatively effortlessly from the busy city centre to the peace and quiet of Caerleon, all with very little traffic disruption.
Part of route 88 on the national cycle network, this is another well-maintained and signposted path that is ideal for those who may be unsure about their cycling abilities.
Starting on Albany Street, at the back of Sainsburys, the route will take you over the M4 and then onto the boardwalks along the Usk, where you can soak up views of the river before reaching Caerleon.
Length: 3.5 miles
Route map:
2. Newport to Pontymoel Basin
This route will take you from the heart of the city centre, along the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal, and all the way up to Pontymoel Basin in Pontypool.
Part of route 49 on the national cycle network, the route starts at Usk Way next to the transporter bridge, but you can choose to join it at any point along the Usk in the city centre.
The beauty of this route is that you can take on as much or as little of it as you choose and still enjoy the contrast between bustling city centre and tranquil countryside. It doesn’t take long for the city to give way to quiet green space, with the canal section beginning in Barrack Hill.
The route from Usk Way to Pontypool is around eleven and a half miles, but you can make it as short or as long as you like, with the possibility to extend it to places like Blaenavon, Abergavenny or beyond should you choose.
Length: 11.5 miles
Route map:
3. Goldcliff to Bishton
A beautiful, countrified route, the journey between Goldcliff to Bishton will take you through green fields and along the reens which are dotted around the area.
In the spring, the route is lined with trees and plants flowering into life, and city life will feel a million miles away.
Part of route 4 on the national cycle route, this path will show you the best of what Newport has to offer - from its dramatic sea wall to its rolling, green fields.
Length: 6 miles
Route map:
4. Marshfield to Duffryn
Another journey that takes in views of Newport’s sea walls, this stretch of the national cycle path stretches from rural Marshfield in the Gwent Levels to Duffryn.
Make sure you’re comfortable on the road with this one as you’ll start out on country lanes, although half way through the ride you’ll switch to route 4 of the national cycle route.
Another short, mostly flat route, it’s a great easy run if you’re looking for a quiet stretch between the city and its green fringes.
Length: 4 miles
Route map:
5. Nash to Caldicot
A slightly longer one this time, starting at the RSPB Newport wetlands and following route 4 of the national cycle network to Caldicot.
It’s another relaxing route, taking in the greenery of Newport and slightly beyond, with barely any elevation along the way.
Length: 13 miles
Route map:
6. Goldcliff to Aust
A more demanding ride not really suitable for novices, you need to be comfortable cycling on the road and longer distances for this route.
Starting on public roads, you quickly join route 4 of the national cycle route, following it all the way to Chepstow and joining the Severn Bridge.
Crossing the bridge is the highlight of this trip, although make sure to do it in good weather as it can get precarious when the wind picks up.
Length: 21 miles
Route map:
7. Duffryn to Liswerry
A nice, quick and easy route through the city centre, the next time you find yourself needing to travel between Duffryn and Liswerry maybe consider hopping on your bike if you can.
Using another section of route 4 of the national cycle route, this short hop from one side of the Usk to the other should take you just over 20 minutes.
Unlike other mentions on this list, this route is not so much about taking in the greenery on the outskirts of the city, but about taking in the interesting points at the heart of Newport.
This particular route will take you past the historic transporter bridge and Black Ash park.
Length: 4.5 miles
Route map:
