Active Breaks in Anglesey: Cycling, Walking and Outdoor Adventures
Looking for an active break in Anglesey? With fresh sea air, rugged landscapes and miles of unspoilt coastline, this North Wales island is made for cycling holidays, walking breaks, trail running and outdoor adventures.
From your cosy base at The Old Post Office in Bull Bay, you can explore scenic cycling routes, coastal walks and running trails, then return to a comfortable home from home beside the sea.
The island specialises in muddy boots and outdoor adventures; it is a welcoming haven for those who think a well-earned coffee tastes even better after a long ride or an energetic stomp.
Even more reason than that to bring the bikes, pack the walking boots and get ready to make the most of Anglesey's scenic roads, trails, coastline and water. Whether you're planning a serious cycling weekend break, a walking escape, a running break or simply want to combine some exercise with spectacular coastal scenery, here’s our guide to making the most of your active break on Anglesey.
Cycling Breaks in Anglesey: Explore the Island by Bike
Cycling breaks in Anglesey are a particularly popular way to explore the island. With its diverse scenery, quiet lanes and traffic-free paths, you could say the island is made for adventuring on two wheels.
Whether you want a relaxed, traffic-free ride or a more demanding day in the saddle, Anglesey offers established routes for a range of abilities. Several National Cycle Network routes cross or connect with the island. Here are some of the best options.
National Cycle Route 566 and the Copper Trail (Lôn Las Copr)
National Cycle Route 566 begins at Malltraeth, next to the picturesque saltmarshes of Afon Cefni. Nearby along the coast is the national nature reserve Newborough Warren.
The path travels inland and north to reach Llangefni, where you'll be able to explore The Dingle nature reserve.
For keen cyclists staying on a cycling break at The Old Post Office at Bull Bay, the Copper Trail is another accessible circular cycle path, and although not part of the National Cycle Route, it links with Route 566 at its northern end.
At around 33–34 miles (approximately 55 km), this circular route passes through varied scenery around Cemaes, Cemlyn and Amlwch, with highlights including the historic copper mines at Parys Mountain.
The trail also reaches Cemlyn Nature Reserve, where a large lagoon is separated from the sea by a natural shingle ridge. Look out for birds, wildflowers and marine life on this rewarding year-round stop.
It is considered one of the more challenging cycling routes on the island and has all the defining features of what makes a cycling holiday worthwhile.
Plan your ride: National Cycle Route 566.
Lôn Las Cefni: A Relaxed, Mostly Traffic-Free Ride
If you'd rather opt for something a little more relaxed, Lôn Las Cefni provides a very different experience.
At around 9.1 miles and taking roughly 45 minutes, it meanders through some of Anglesey’s most picturesque scenery and is largely traffic-free.
Starting at Malltraeth, the route follows Malltraeth Marsh before joining a traffic-free path towards Llangefni, passing along the River Cefni and through The Dingle nature reserve, worth a visit to spot endangered red squirrels and unique wooden carvings and sculptures.
It continues to Llyn Cefni, a reservoir and nature reserve, before reaching the dam where cyclists can connect with Route 5 or continue towards Bodffordd.
National Cycle Routes 5 and 8
If you are a more experienced cyclist who enjoys covering longer distances, Anglesey also forms part of the National Cycle Network.
National Route 5 crosses the island between Holyhead and Menai Bridge before continuing towards Chester, while National Route 8 travels across Anglesey before continuing south through Wales.
Plan your route: National Cycle Route 5.
Plan your route: National Cycle Route 8.
For groups staying at The Old Post Office in Bull Bay, these routes open plenty of possibilities for planning a different cycling adventure each day.
Cycling Events in Anglesey
Anglesey also has a growing reputation for organised cycling.
The Tour de Môn is one of Anglesey’s best-known annual cycling events. The 2027 sportive offers several distances, from a family route to 46-mile, 77-mile and 106-mile challenges, making it a compelling reason to turn a ride into a full cycling break.
A highlight is the Flying Mile, a closed-road timed section on the RAF Valley runway where riders can test their speed. The next Tour de Môn takes place on Sunday 22 August 2027.
Event details: Tour de Môn.
For anyone looking for a cycling-focused holiday, checking the current event calendar before booking can be a great way of combining a stay at The Old Post Office, Bull Bay with a challenge ride or sporting event.
More Outdoor Activities in Anglesey
Cycling may be ideal to explore Anglesey, but it’s far from the only way to enjoy an active stay. When you’re ready to swap two wheels for walking boots, running shoes or a dip in the sea, the island offers plenty of opportunities to keep moving, from challenging coastal walks and trail running to wild swimming, kayaking and yoga.
Here are just a few options on how to go beyond the bike and stay active in Anglesey.
Walking Breaks in Anglesey
Bull Bay Circular Walk
If you are planning a walking break in Anglesey, The Old Post Office is an ideal base. Starting close to the cottage, the moderate 3.2-mile Bull Bay Circular Walk combines farmland with a dramatic section of the northern Anglesey Coastal Path, including views towards Porth Wen and its ruined brickworks.
Route details: Bull Bay Circular Walk.
Holyhead Mountain Circular Walk
Another circular route but this time more challenging - the 12.7-mile Holyhead Mountain Circular Walk has sections of steep, rocky and potentially boggy terrain. Taking in sea cliffs, open countryside and up to the highest point on Anglesey – the route also passes some unique historical sites such as the Iron Age hillfort and Roman watchtower.
Route details: Holyhead Mountain Circular Walk.
Running Breaks in Anglesey
Road Running, Trail Running and Local Events
Anglesey’s quiet lanes, coastal paths, hills and varied terrain suit both road and trail runners. Established events include the Jones o Gymru Anglesey Half Marathon & 10K and the Anglesey Trail Half Marathon & 10K, which takes place in Newborough Forest on 1 November 2026.
Event details: Anglesey Trail Half Marathon & 10K.
Wild Swimming and Water Sports in Anglesey
Guided Wild Swimming, Kayaking and Coastal Adventures
For a change of pace, Anglesey Outdoors offers guided wild swimming and introductory open-water sessions, while various providers also offer yoga and swimming retreats. Sea kayaking and other guided water sports are also available around the island.
Find out more: wild swimming with Anglesey Outdoors.
For independent swimmers, remember that Anglesey's tides and currents can be strong and conditions change quickly. Always check local conditions, avoid swimming alone in exposed locations and use appropriate equipment.
Stay at The Old Post Office, Bull Bay
The real advantage of staying at The Old Post Office, Bull Bay is that you don't have to choose between being close to the coast and being well placed for exploring the island. The cottage sits directly beside Bull Bay with spectacular views out across the sea and the Coastal Path close by.
There is space for up to six guests, and it is also dog-friendly, making it practical and homely for a group of friends or an active walking/cycling group who want somewhere comfortable to return to after a full day outside.
After a day on the coast, it is a welcoming place to relax, refuel and plan your next Anglesey adventure.
Plan Your Active Break in Anglesey
Ready for a cycling holiday, walking break or outdoor escape in North Wales? The Old Post Office, Bull Bay is available for active breaks throughout the year. Check availability and book your Anglesey adventure.
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