WHETHER for fitness, to get away from the hustle and bustle or to explore the beautiful South Wales landscape, millions of journeys are carried out on cycle routes each year.

The National Cycle Network in Wales is very much alive, with more than 1,200 miles of routes to explore.

Cycling can be done any time of the year. Even in cold weather, just light exercise on a bike soon warms you up.

This week charity Sustrans Cymru, which works to encourage more people to travel by foot, bike or public transport, launched a new programme to urge more children to walk, cycle and scoot to school.

Active Journeys, the new three-year programme funded by the Welsh Government, wants to improve figures which show just 35 per cent of children are getting enough physical activity every day.

Transport minister Edwina Hart backed the scheme, saying the government is already investing millions in safe walking and cycling infrastructure in Wales.

She said they wanted to create a culture of “active travel”.

But often a love of cycling begins at home, and taking trips out on bikes at weekend is a great idea to keep fit and explore the countryside.

We’ve put together some of the best Gwent cycle routes.

1) The Peregrine Path, Monmouth to Symonds Yat, 3.1 miles. This route crosses the England and Wales border and cuts through some of the UK’s top scenery in the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The whole route is traffic-free and mainly follows the River Wye through the upper Wye gorge. Once you get to Symonds Yat East, there is an option to walk up the steep path to Symonds Yat Rock – a viewing area for panoramic views and, if you are lucky enough, to spot peregrine falcons, from where the route gets its name.

2) Three Parcs Trail, Crosskeys to Bargoed, 11 miles. A long one, but for those who want a more leisurely ride it can be shortened by turning back at any time. The traffic-free cycle route passes through three country parks, all regenerated from a post-industrial landscape by local councils Caerphilly and Merthyr. Even in cold January, the trail is perfect to visit. It begins at Sirhowy Valley country park near Crosskeys. One of the route’s highlights is the Hengoed Viaduct: after six miles cyclists will cross the 120 ft high viaduct with its 16 arches. Cyclists will also pass the Wheel of Drams, an eight-metre high sculpture. Next cyclists will pass through Parc Penallta which offers spectacular views across the county borough. At Trelewis the route will take cyclists to Parc Taff Bargoed, formerly a large coal mining area. This trail is part of the much-longer, cross-Wales Celtic Trail, which runs from Chepstow to Fishguard.

3) Afon Lwyd Trail, Cwmbran to Blaenavon, 16 miles. One of Torfaen’s best places to cycle, this route takes cyclists up through Pontypool and the Blaenavon World Heritage Site. It starts off just south of Cwmbran’s town centre and first runs along the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal towpath and then a former railway line. It is a route which makes a lovely day out for families. There is a gradual incline rising from south to north. Sustrans Cymru also recommends this as an ideal commuting route as it passes through many valley communities and has great connections to buses and trains. It is a “healthy, pleasant and low cost way to commute to work or school”, Sustrans Cymru said. For leisurely days out, there are lots of places to stop off including the Pontymoel canal basin and Pontypool’s indoor market. The last part of the route runs through part of Cwmavon Corridor local nature reserve.

4) Blackwood to Hollybush, 3.5 miles. A shorter and easier route which might be better for families, this Blackwood to Hollybush trail is likely to take around an hour. Starting at the iconic Chartist Bridge, the route runs alongside the river for a picturesque ride right in the middle of the county borough. The starting point is at the car park on the A4048 north of Blackwood, across from the Rock bed and breakfast and pub. The route meanders through the Sirhowy Valley through wooded hillside. It is undisturbed by any roads to cross so perfect for families with small children out on a Sunday ride. Coming back is easy – the slight incline on the way means it’s mostly downhill.