At a glance
12-mile traffic-free tarmac cycleway and walking route from Caernarfon to Bryncir along a former railway trackbed — gentle gradients, Snowdonia views, family-friendly. Part of NCN Route 8. Free. Start near Caernarfon Castle (LL55 2PB).
About Lôn Eifion
Lôn Eifion is a 12-mile traffic-free shared-use path between Caernarfon and Bryncir, following the trackbed of the former Caernarfon to Afon Wen railway — a line that closed under the Beeching cuts of 1964 and was subsequently converted to recreational use as part of the National Cycle Network. The route starts beside Caernarfon Castle and heads south through the farmland of the Llŷn Peninsula hinterland, on well-maintained tarmac with gentle gradients throughout.
The character of the route is pastoral rather than dramatic: hedgerows, stone walls, scattered farmsteads, and open fields, with the Snowdonian peaks visible to the east as a consistent backdrop. Snowdon itself — at 1,085 m, the highest point in England and Wales — is visible on clear days, along with the Nantlle Ridge and the mountains above Beddgelert. The surface quality and absence of motor traffic make it one of the most family-friendly cycling routes in North Wales — accessible to young children, wheelchair users, and those on adapted bikes.
Lôn Eifion forms part of the National Cycle Network Route 8 (Lôn Las Cymru), which runs the length of Wales from Cardiff to Holyhead. From Caernarfon, the network continues north to Bangor and across the Menai Bridge to Anglesey. Bike hire is available in Caernarfon, making the route accessible to visitors without their own cycles.
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Frequently asked questions
<span lang="cy">Lôn Eifion</span> (Eifion Lane) is a 12-mile traffic-free cycleway and walking route between <span lang="cy">Caernarfon</span> and Bryncir, following the trackbed of the former Caernarfon to Afon Wen railway line. The railway closed in 1964 under the Beeching cuts; the trackbed was converted to a shared-use path as part of the National Cycle Network (Route 8). The route starts at <span lang="cy">Caernarfon</span> Castle and heads south through the hinterland of the <span lang="cy">Llŷn</span> Peninsula, with consistent views of the Snowdonian peaks to the east.
Yes — <span lang="cy">Lôn Eifion</span> is one of the best family cycling routes in North Wales. The surface is well-maintained tarmac throughout, gradients are gentle, and there is no motor traffic on the route itself. Young children on balance bikes or with stabilisers can manage sections comfortably; older children will find the full 12 miles achievable. Bikes can be hired in <span lang="cy">Caernarfon</span>, and the starting point near the castle provides a memorable beginning to the ride.
Yes — the route is shared use for walkers and cyclists, and the full 12 miles is a pleasant day's walk in either direction. The surface is easier underfoot than most country paths. However, most walkers prefer shorter out-and-back sections from <span lang="cy">Caernarfon</span> rather than the full route, as public transport back from Bryncir is very limited. The first few miles from <span lang="cy">Caernarfon</span>, passing through <span lang="cy">Dinas</span> and into open countryside, give an excellent sense of the route.
The route runs south through farmland on the eastern side of the <span lang="cy">Llŷn</span> Peninsula, with consistent views east to the Snowdonian mountains. On clear days, Snowdon itself (1,085 m — the highest point in England and Wales) is visible, along with the ridges of the Nantlle range and the peaks above <span lang="cy">Beddgelert</span>. The route passes through a gentle pastoral landscape of hedgerows, stone walls, and scattered farmsteads — very different in character from the more dramatic mountain scenery nearby.
<span lang="cy">Lôn Eifion</span> forms part of the National Cycle Network Route 8 — the Celtic Trail / <span lang="cy">Lôn Las Cymru</span> — which runs the length of Wales from Cardiff to Holyhead. From <span lang="cy">Caernarfon</span>, the route continues north to <span lang="cy">Bangor</span> and the Menai Strait, and on to <span lang="cy">Anglesey</span>. At the southern end, connections allow cyclists heading towards Porthmadog and the Mawddach Trail. Together with the Mawddach Trail and the Lon Cambrian, these form a substantial network of traffic-free cycling in Gwynedd.