For people who live and work around Eryri (Snowdonia), the commute can be one of the best parts of the day. Several old railway lines in Gwynedd have been turned into traffic-free paths, linking villages to the towns where many local jobs are, and the Cycle to Work scheme can make a decent bike far more affordable. Here is a practical guide for local commuters. For leisure routes, see our cycling in Eryri guide.
Traffic-free routes for commuters
The lonydd glas (green lanes) are Gwynedd’s recreational routes, built mostly along disused railway lines. They are mainly flat, well surfaced and separate from traffic for most of their length, which makes them ideal for commuting.
Lôn Las Ogwen: Bethesda to Bangor
Running about 11 kilometres (7 miles) from Porth Penrhyn on the edge of Bangor up to Bethesda, Lôn Las Ogwen follows a former slate railway along the Ogwen valley. Heading into Bangor in the morning it is mostly downhill, which commuters appreciate. A further section continues from Felin Fawr towards Nant Ffrancon for leisure rides.
Lôn Las Menai: Y Felinheli to Caernarfon
This 7.4 kilometre (4.6 mile) path follows the old Bangor and Carnarvon Railway between Y Felinheli and Caernarfon, almost entirely traffic-free, with views over the Menai Strait.
Lôn Eifion: Bryncir to Caernarfon
Lôn Eifion runs about 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Bryncir north to Caernarfon, mainly along a former railway line, and forms part of National Cycle Route 8, Lôn Las Cymru. It is useful for commuters from villages such as Penygroes and Groeslon heading into Caernarfon.
Between them these routes connect Caernarfon, Bangor and the surrounding villages, where the hospital, the university, the council and many other employers are based. Check the latest route information and any closures with Gwynedd Council before you rely on them.
The Cycle to Work scheme
The UK Cycle to Work scheme lets employers provide bikes and safety equipment to employees as a tax-free benefit. In practice it usually works through salary sacrifice: your employer buys the bike, you hire it through deductions from your gross salary, and you save on tax and National Insurance. At the end of the hire period there is usually an option to keep the bike.
- It must be offered generally to employees, and you need to be paid through PAYE. Self-employed people cannot use it.
- Salary sacrifice cannot take your pay below the National Minimum Wage.
- Electric bikes can be included, which makes a big difference on Eryri’s hills.
Ask your HR department whether your employer offers a scheme and which providers or local shops it works with.
Choosing a bike
A local bike shop is the best place to start. They can help you choose the right bike for your route, fit mudguards and lights, and service it when the weather takes its toll. If you are looking for cycling in Conwy and along the coast, We Cycle describes itself as the largest bicycle showroom in North Wales, with electric, road, mountain and children’s bikes, a workshop and a café. Many shops work with Cycle to Work providers, so ask.
For hilly commutes, an e-bike can turn a daunting ride into a realistic daily option; our guide to beginner cycling in Snowdonia covers e-bikes and hire. For flat railway paths, a hybrid with mudguards and a rack is hard to beat.
Why it is worth it
- Health: regular moderate exercise built into your day, without needing to find extra time. See our 10 benefits of cycling, and if you want to use your commute as part of a plan, our guide to getting fit by bike shows how.
- Cost: less spent on fuel and parking, especially in towns where spaces are limited.
- Reliability: no queues on the A55 or the Bangor roundabouts on a traffic-free path.
- Wellbeing: many people simply arrive at work in a better mood.
Making the commute work
- Do a trial run on a weekend or a day off, so you know the route and how long it takes without the pressure of being on time.
- Ask about facilities: secure, covered bike parking, somewhere to change and a shower make a big difference. If your workplace does not have them, it is worth asking.
- Carry the essentials: a lock, a spare inner tube, a pump and a small multi-tool, and know how to fix a puncture.
- Mix and match: you do not have to ride every day. Cycling two or three days a week, or riding one way and taking the bus or train back, still adds up. Space for bikes on buses and trains is limited, so check with the operator before relying on it.
- Nervous about traffic? Our guide to building cycling confidence covers road positioning and training for adults.
Riding through a Welsh winter
- Good lights front and rear are essential, as many commutes will be in the dark from autumn to spring.
- Mudguards and a waterproof jacket make wet days bearable. Keep spare clothes at work if you can.
- Watch for wet leaves and ice on shaded sections of the paths. Our guide to winter cycling in Snowdonia has more on riding in the cold and wet, and on bike care.
- Be considerate: walkers, dog walkers and runners share the routes. A bell and a friendly bore da (good morning) go a long way.
If you are new to the area, our villages of Eryri guide and our transport guide are useful for planning journeys that combine bike, bus and train.
Frequently asked questions
What is Lôn Las Ogwen?
A mostly traffic-free path of about 11 kilometres from Porth Penrhyn near Bangor to Bethesda, built along a former railway line.
Can I get an e-bike on the Cycle to Work scheme?
Yes, electrically assisted bikes can be included, depending on your employer’s scheme.
Are the lonydd glas suitable for commuting?
Yes. They are mostly flat and traffic-free, though some sections are unlit, so use good lights in the dark.
