I have lived and worked in much better places, so maybe I am spoiled.
The Vale – it’s ok, but you have to cross Cardiff to get there unless you live out West. It’s also hemmed in by towns.
The flats to the east – a few lanes – nothing.
Monmouthshire – nice, but you have to go through Newport which is a pain, and it makes the rides quite long and the first 10-15 miles is generally the same.
Wye valley – nice but a ride taking it in from Cardiff is a sodding long way! And you still have to go through Newport AGAIN…
The Valleys – some great climbs but a hell of a lot of busy bypasses, roundabouts and strip towns, and the lanes up there are a bit thrutchy, like MTBing on a road bike.
I’ve worked and hence ridden a lot in Surrey/Hampshire/Berkshire and once you’re off the main routes you get as many miles as you can handle of deserted roads through bucolic beauty.. old woodland, waves of golden grain blowing in the wind, picture perfect village greens etc etc.. like I said the road riding from Cardiff is ok but not this good!