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Five days of cycling across Mid Wales, from the English border to the Cardigan Bay coast and the mountains of Southern Eryri (Southern Snowdonia). Each day has a different kind of riding: quiet road loops, reservoir trails, forest mountain biking, an old railway line and an estuary path. Bring a bike that can handle gravel, or hire locally, and a car for moving between bases.
Warm up on the Welshpool and Berriew route, a 24-mile loop on quiet lanes from the Tour de France 2027 start town, with a detour to Powis Castle. Then drive west over the hills to Rhayader.
Ride the Elan Valley Trail, mostly traffic-free and gently graded, past the Victorian dams and reservoirs, then climb the mountain road towards Craig Goch for long views over the Cambrian Mountains. This is Lôn Cambria country, National Cycle Route 81. Stay at Clyn Cottages in the valley, which are surrounded by cycling and walking routes.
Head west to Bwlch Nant yr Arian, nine miles east of Aberystwyth, for a morning on the waymarked mountain bike trails, from flowing forest loops to rocky red and black routes on the open hill. In the afternoon, road riders can take the Rheidol Cycleway, which runs 17 miles from Aberystwyth harbour to Devil's Bridge, with a very steep final climb.
Ride the Ystwyth Trail from Aberystwyth, 20 miles on an old railway line and quiet paths through the Ystwyth valley to Tregaron. Walk the boardwalk over Cors Caron, then stay at Y Talbot, a 13th-century drovers' inn on the square.
Drive north to Dolgellau. Mountain bikers can ride the trails at Coed y Brenin, where trail centre riding began in Britain; everyone else can ride the Mawddach Trail, about nine miles each way along the estuary to Barmouth. Finish with dinner at the Penmaenuchaf Hotel, a country house hotel above the trail at Penmaenpool.
A picturesque cycle ride which follows part of Route 81 on country lanes between Leighton and Berriew.
23.7 Miles (38.1km) 3 hours - Elevation Total Ascent: 549M
Enjoy scenic cycling through one of Wales’ most dramatic landscapes. The Elan Valley is a hub for leisure cycling and mountain biking, with family-friendly routes, e-bike-suitable trails and challenging off-road rides. Traffic-free sections, iconic dams and wide reservoir views make this a standout…
Secluded self-catering cottages in the Elan Valley near Rhayader, Powys, sleeping up to 6. Pet-friendly and surrounded by walking, cycling, wildlife and dark skies, The Clyn suits couples, families and friends looking for a peaceful Mid Wales escape. Check availability and enquire about your stay.
Mid Wales is a serious stop off and venue for people wishing to improve their dirt jump and pump track skills and the Mountain Bike Skills Park at Bwlch Nant yr Arian equips people to more safely enjoy their cycling out on the existing mountain bike trails.
A 28km trail along designated cycle paths and quiet country lanes between the towns of Aberystwyth & Devils’ Bridge.
The Ystwyth Trail is a 32.https://dms-nvg.newmindets.net/App/PMS/Product.aspx?pid=1741451&ref=s#1km/20M cycle route and footpath linking Aberystwyth and Tregaron. Part of the trail follows the track of the old Great Western railway line.
Y Talbot is an historic and characterful Inn that offers excellent food and drink, comfortable bedrooms and a warm welcome.
Croeso i bawb!
Coed y Brenin Forest Park is set in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park near Dolgellau and forms part of the National Forest for Wales. There are many walking trails from various car parks within the Coed y Brenin forest park where you can see waterfalls, ruins of a copper mine and have accessible…
The Mawddach Trail is flat and totally traffic free, making for a superb 18 mile return trip.
The route follows the course of the old railway line from Dolgellau to Barmouth with picnic areas, viewpoints and little nature reserves.
Perched high above the Mawddach estuary at the foot of the rugged Cadair Idris, you’ll find our stone-fronted Penmaenuchaf. Inspired by the dramatic ancient landscape of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, this grand old house has its own beautiful history, and each room has its own unique and…
| From | To | Distance * (metric) |
|---|---|---|
| Welshpool and Berriew (Cycle Route) (52.56225,-3.14807) | Cycling in the Elan Valley, Mid Wales (52.26937,-3.57244) | 39.17 |
| Cycling in the Elan Valley, Mid Wales (52.26937,-3.57244) | Clyn Cottages| The Cottage & Granary (52.25702,-3.56335) | 1.36 |
| Clyn Cottages| The Cottage & Granary (52.25702,-3.56335) | Bwlch Nant yr Arian | Mountain Biking (NRW) (52.41462,-3.88531) | 25.26 |
| Bwlch Nant yr Arian | Mountain Biking (NRW) (52.41462,-3.88531) | The Rheidol Cycleway (52.4158,-4.0849) | 12.2 |
| The Rheidol Cycleway (52.4158,-4.0849) | Ystwyth Trail | Aberystwyth - Ystradmeurig (52.41089,-4.08247) | 0.51 |
| Ystwyth Trail | Aberystwyth - Ystradmeurig (52.41089,-4.08247) | Y Talbot | Stay (52.21467,-3.9405) | 21.5 |
| Y Talbot | Stay (52.21467,-3.9405) | Coed y Brenin Forest Park (NRW) (52.79319,-3.88584) | 58.06 |
| Coed y Brenin Forest Park (NRW) (52.79319,-3.88584) | Lôn Mawddach | Mawddach Cycle Route (52.71658,-4.04575) | 12.37 |
| Lôn Mawddach | Mawddach Cycle Route (52.71658,-4.04575) | Penmaenuchaf Hotel (52.74728,-3.94275) | 6.97 |
| Total Distance * | 177.35 miles | |
| Estimated Journey Time | 5.71 hours | |
* Approximate distance by road
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