Itinerary Planner

Ride the Tour de France Stage 3 Route | Three Days by Bike from Welshpool to Brecon

Ride the Mid Wales section of Tour de France 2027 stage three before or after the race. The expected route runs from Welshpool through the Newtown area to Llandrindod Wells and Builth Wells, then on to Brecon; the detailed course is still to be confirmed. This three-day ride covers roughly 70 to 80 miles, using quieter waymarked lanes alongside the main roads where they help, with comfortable stops each night.

Day one: Welshpool to Newtown

Start at the stage start town, Welshpool, and ride south-west along the Severn valley. Instead of the busy main road, use the waymarked lanes: the Welshpool and Berriew route, partly on National Cycle Route 81, takes you past Powis Castle to Berriew, and the Abermule and Bettws Cedewain route climbs past Dolforwyn Castle, built by Llywelyn ap Gruffudd in 1273. Stop at The Bull and Heifer in Bettws Cedewain, a country pub serving local game and grills, and stay in or around Newtown.

Day two: Newtown to Llandrindod Wells

The hardest day. South of Newtown, the road climbs out of the Severn valley into open hill country with long views and very few villages, so carry food and water. Drop into Llandrindod Wells, the Victorian spa town, and visit the National Cycle Museum, which has more than 250 bikes from boneshakers to modern racing machines. Stay at The Bell Country Inn just outside the town, which has rooms and a restaurant.

Day three: Llandrindod Wells to Brecon

A short, rolling stretch takes you south to Builth Wells on the River Wye, home of the Royal Welsh Showground. Lôn Las Cymru, National Cycle Route 8, uses quieter lanes in this area. From Builth Wells, ride south to Brecon, the market town at the edge of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), and finish with a night at The Castle of Brecon Hotel above the town. The race itself carries on south through the valleys to Cardiff.

Good to know

• Some main roads on the expected route are busy with lorries and fast traffic. Use the waymarked lanes where you can.
• Welshpool and Newtown are on the Cambrian Line, and Llandrindod Wells and Builth Road on the Heart of Wales Line. Book bike spaces on trains in advance.
• Roads on the route close on race day, 4 July 2027. Ride it before or after.
• See our guide to riding the Tour de France route.