Cycling in the Vale of Glamorgan!

The summer holidays are finally here! There is so much going on in the Vale of Glamorgan that is fun for all the family, if you’re not sure where to start, take a look at our Summer Guide to the Vale here.

However, if you’re looking to get back to nature and spend some time with your loved ones exploring the gorgeous Welsh countryside, have you considered grabbing some bikes and cycling around the Vale?

There are a number of cycling routes that you could follow, the largest and most popular by far being The National Cycle Network Route 88 Cycleway (NCN88). It’s a combination of on and off-road cycling routes throughout the whole of South Wales! Some of the off-road routes are more suitable for families, whilst there are also stretches that are more suitable for cyclists that are experienced cycling on the road and have that bit of extra confidence.

The Vale is an area full of natural beauty that is easily accessible on two wheels, in particular, the part of the NCN88 hugging the coastline between Cardiff Bay and Bridgend is relatively flat. With our dramatic Triassic Liassic Cliffs, expansive beaches and lots of family-friendly stop-off points, there is so much to explore!

Visit the Vale has some excellent Cycling Highlights for you to choose from around our local area – our personal favourite is Barry and Back!

A family day out to Cosmeston Lakes

For a lovely family day out, we’d recommend a trip to the Cosmeston Lakes! Located just off the NCN88 cycle route between Penarth and Barry, you’ll find the stunning Cosmeston Lakes which are perfect for a summer family day out or for the amateur cyclist looking to build up some courage on a bike!

Surrounding the beautiful lakes is just over a mile and a half (1.65miles/2665m) of gravel pathways that provide flat cycle paths that are suitable for all the family. Plus, make sure you’re on the lookout for some of the beautiful wildlife living at Cosmeston Lakes including a wide range of birds such as swans, mallards, and herons; plus, you might even spot a Great Crested Grebe!

Not to be missed is the lovely café at Cosmeston Lakes for a lovely lunch or a well-deserved ice cream!

Visit the Vale has a wealth of information about cycling routes in the Vale, make sure to check out everything they have to offer!

Our Favourite Places to Stop Off!

There is so much to see and spot when you’re on a bike ride around the Vale, from stunning wildlife to superb views of the Heritage Coast. Here’s our favourite 5 places to stop off when you’re cycling around the Vale!

Ogmore Beach and river mouth

There are few other spots that really shop off the Heritage Coast the way Ogmore Beach does! Why not cycle from the beach along the road to Southerndown? Plus, not far away is the remains of Ogmore Castle which is unmissable!

Southerndown 

Stunning wild beauty, dramatic cliffs and golden beaches is how we’d describe Southerndown! However, watch out for the steep hill on the way down (and on the way back up again!!).

St Donats Castle

It’s easy to incorporate a stop off at St Donats on many of the bike rides from Llantwit Major as you head west. Plus if you visit between 4-11 August, make sure you stop off for a guided tour!

Nash Point Lighthouse
Offering stunning views of the Bristol Channel and a pretty lighthouse too! What more could you need?

Dyffryn House, Gardens and Cafe
Stop here off here for a much-deserved coffee or spend an hour wandering around the Dyffryn Gardens. 

We know that bikes can take up a lot of room, if you don’t have a garage or don’t want to keep tripping over them in the hallway; they can quickly start to take up lots of room if everyone in the family has a bike! However, with Masons Self Storage being accessible 24/7 365 days a year and based just ten minutes from Cardiff Bay, Penarth and Cowbridge, we offer a flexible solution to those bulky items that get in the way at home! Our rolling contracts begin from just £5 a week and have a range of storage units in different sizes! Plus, take advantage of our 50% offer and save 50% on your first 8 weeks with us!

Our modern facility even has state-of-the-art ESCORTA lifts ensuring a smooth ride from carpark to your storage unit, so you don’t need to worry about lugging several bikes up and down stairs… Why not contact our friendly team today or pop in for a tour?

To find out more, get in touch with our team on: 0800 533 5708 or email us on: [email protected]