Cycling Offa's Dyke Country
Bring your own bike and hop aboard the Heart of Wales Railway starting at Shrewsbury or Knighton in the north, or from Swansea, Llandeilo or Llandovery in south Wales. You will find great country towns and villages to visit along the route in this quiet part of central Powys.
There are a number of national cycle routes throughout the area including NCN Route 43 (which passes through Llanwrtyd Wells), Route 825 (Radnor Ring passes through Knighton and Llandrindod Wells) and the NCN Route 8 through Builth Wells and Rhayader.
Please note that if bring your own bicycles on the train, due to limited capacity and to avoid disappointment we recommend you book before you travel to reserve your slot! The itinerary is from Monday to Friday based on National Rail timetables from 15 December 2019 to 16 May 2020. Subsequent train times until December will probably be similar but will not be confirmed until nearer the time.
Morning
Monday to Friday a train leaves Swansea at 09.30 arriving at Llanwrtyd Wells at 11.18 and Knighton at 12.38. From Shrewsbury, the 10.09 train will get you to Knighton at 11.01 and Llanwrtyd Wells at 12.25
Wheely wonderful cycling, near Presteigne offers some fantastic self guided cycle tours and you can arrange to have your bicycles delivered to a local railway station of your choice if arranged beforehand.
The Offa's Dyke Centre is the number one port of call for everything to do with Offa's Dyke, the National Trail and Welsh border region.
West Street, Knighton, Powys, LD7 1EN
A circular 84 mile route following quiet country lanes, and crossing some of Mid-Wales' most spectacular scenery. For those with mountain-bike skills, there are exciting off-road alternatives.
Cycle Route: NCN Route 8 and Route 825
- Access: Moderate to Challenging
- Miles: 84
Rhaeadr Gwy | Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5BU
Lunch
Llanwrtyd Wells is the smallest town in Britain. It is also one of the friendliest, having a long history of catering for the many visitors who, today, come to enjoy the unspoilt beauty of the surrounding Cambrian Mountains.
Powys, LD5 4RW
Knighton is a Mid Wales Marches town with a remarkable landscape and rich history. Located on the scenic Heart of Wales railway line, it makes a great base to explore the Offa's Dyke Path or Glyndwr's Way National Trails.
Powys, LD7 1EN
Llandrindod Wells, or 'Landod' as it is known to locals, is the administrative centre of Powys and one of its largest towns. As the name suggests, it owes its origins to the spring waters that were recognised to have healing properties.
Powys, LD1 6BL
Journey through the lanes of cycle history and see bicycles from 1819, such as the Hobby Horse, Boneshakers and Penny Farthings, up to the most modern Carbon Fibre machines of today.
The Automobile Place, Temple Street , Llandrindod Wells , Powys , LD1 5DL
Afternoon
From Llanwrtyd Wells, there is a return train to Swansea at 16.25 or from Knighton to Shrewsbury at 17.37.
Llanwrtyd railway station is on the Heart of Wales Line that runs from Shrewsbury to Swansea.
Station Rd, Llanwrtyd Wells, LD5 4RW
THE IRFON VIEW ROAD RIDE Distance 14km (8.7m) TimE 1 - 2 hrs
Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, LD5 4RW
THREE RIVERS ROAD RIDE Distance 30.5 (19m) Time 1.5 - 3hrs
Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, LD5 4RW
IRFON FOREST OFF-ROAD CIRCUIT Distance 24km (I5m) Time 2.5 - 3hrs
Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, LD5 4RW
LLYN BRIANNE & THE DEVIL'S STAIRCASE Distance 62km (38.5m) Time 3 - 5 hrs
Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, LD5 4RW