National Cycle Route 5

Britain is a nation of cyclists. We make an astonishing 232 million trips a year on the National Cycle Network, which passes within one mile of half the population and stretches for more than 10,000 miles.

Spectacular river views are the theme of National Cycle Route 5 as it passes through the full length of Flintshire on its epic journey from Reading to Holyhead.

It includes the Chester to Connah’s Quay Railway Path, which was Britain’s longest off-road cycle track built as part of the Millennium Cycle Route in 2000.

Because it’s flat and traffic-free, this is the perfect place for families to start. Look out for the Millennium Milepost and signs marking the boundary between England and Wales.

The route closely follows the River Dee as far as Bagillt and then begins to climb inland and demand greater levels of fitness and endurance. By the time you reach Holywell Common, you could well be ready for a breather.

But there are two big compensations. One is the knowledge that you’ve conquered the highest point of the whole route between Holyhead and Chester. The second is the magnificent view across the Dee Estuary to the Wirral peninsula and beyond.

From there the route passes through the villages of Whitford with its sandstone church and Llanasa, still 450 feet above sea level and a fine example of a small Welsh community virtually untouched by the passage of time.

The route then drops back down towards the coast at Gronant and passes into Denbighshire on the way to the seafront at the holiday resort of Prestatyn.

Only serious cyclists would tackle the whole Flintshire section in a single day. Choose the part that suits you, your family and your level of dedication the best. 

Find out more by calling 01352 704639 or visit www.flintshire.gov.uk