NCN 5 - Thames Midlands North Wales
NCN 5 - Thames Midlands North Wales is a 589 km road cycling route in Cotswolds & Chilterns with 2693 m of climbing, about 13% of it off road, and it splits into about 6 days at a moderate pace.
The route runs from the Thames valley north through the Cotswolds, across the Chilterns and up through the Midlands to North Wales, so the climbing comes in waves rather than as a single sustained haul. Around thirteen percent of the surface is off road, enough to matter on a loaded bike. The line passes through Cannock Chase, where the character changes and the road quieter stretches give way to rougher ground.
Worth knowing before you go
Cannock Chase is the most remote section and the least well served for resupply. The route is tagged as road, but that off-road fraction is worth checking against your tyre clearance before you leave.
NCN 5 - Thames Midlands North Wales in numbers
- Distance: 589 km
- Climbing: 2693 m
- Off road: 77 km, about 13% of the route
- Riding time: about 34 hours, roughly 6 days at a moderate pace
Water, food, campsites and stations along this route are shown on the interactive map.
Plan it and ride it
The map on this page carries the surface breakdown, the elevation profile and every point of interest. You can split the route into days against your own pace, see what it will cost to ride, and take it with you. Download the GPX.
Read the NCN 5 - Thames Midlands North Wales route guide.
Getting to the start without flying · Browse all routes
Route from Sustrans.
Compiled by Ed Hunton, Cicerone guidebook author, from TourTrax's own route data.