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Three days of easy, mostly traffic-free family bike rides across Mid Wales, one in each area: the Mawddach Trail in Southern Eryri (Southern Snowdonia), the Ystwyth Trail in Ceredigion and the Elan Valley in Powys. Each ride is flat or gently graded, with a treat at the end: a beach, a cliff railway or a dam with water pouring over it.
The Mawddach Trail follows an old railway line for about nine miles along the Mawddach estuary from Dolgellau to Barmouth. It's flat and well surfaced, with Cadair Idris above. Stop at Penmaenpool to watch the birds from the RSPB observatory, then ride across Barmouth Bridge to the beach. Younger children can turn round at Penmaenpool. Across the estuary, the little Fairbourne Railway runs along the sand spit. Stay at Graig Wen near Arthog, dog-friendly cottages with direct access to the trail.
Drive south to Aberystwyth. The first stretch of the Ystwyth Trail, from the town to Llanfarian, is almost all tarmac, and most of the off-road sections beyond suit families. The trail crosses roads in places, so keep children close. In the afternoon, ride the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway up Constitution Hill, or walk the lakeside trail at Bwlch Nant yr Arian and watch the red kites being fed.
Head east over the Cambrian Mountains to the Elan Valley near Rhayader. The Elan Valley Trail follows the route of the old railway built for the dams and is mostly traffic-free and gently graded, with e-bike-friendly sections. The visitor centre has maps and toilets. Stay nearby at Clyn Cottages, which are pet-friendly and surrounded by cycling routes.
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.
Dog-friendly self-catering cottages near Dolgellau, Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, with direct access to the Mawddach Trail. Eco-conscious, peaceful and surrounded by wild scenery, they suit families seeking outdoor adventures and couples looking for a slower escape. View availability.
Barmouth is southern Snowdonia’s most popular seaside resort. In summer, its big sandy beach is a magnet for visitors, yet there’s so much space along miles of unbroken sands that it never gets overcrowded.
Narrow Gauge Steam Train journey offers superb views of Cadair Idris mountain range and Mawddach Estuary. G-Scale Railway and museum at Fairbourne. Can be accessed from Barmouth by means of the pedestrian ferry.
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.
The Aberystwyth Electric Cliff Railway is the longest in Britain and the only one in Wales.
Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre sits at the head of a dramatic valley and has commanding views of Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian Mountains. Expect beautiful scenic walking trails all of which are waymarked and start from the visitor centre.
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…
The Elan Valley Estate attracts a wide variety of visitors and a good starting point for all is the Visitor Centre which has a wide variety of information and educational and interactive resources.
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.
| From | To | Distance * (metric) |
|---|---|---|
| Lôn Mawddach | Mawddach Cycle Route (52.71658,-4.04575) | Graig Wen | Cottages (52.72251,-3.99329) | 3.24 |
| Graig Wen | Cottages (52.72251,-3.99329) | Barmouth Beach (52.72195,-4.05949) | 4.02 |
| Barmouth Beach (52.72195,-4.05949) | Fairbourne Railway (52.69511,-4.05084) | 2.74 |
| Fairbourne Railway (52.69511,-4.05084) | Ystwyth Trail | Aberystwyth - Ystradmeurig (52.41089,-4.08247) | 28.54 |
| Ystwyth Trail | Aberystwyth - Ystradmeurig (52.41089,-4.08247) | Aberystwyth Cliff Railway (52.42303,-4.0823) | 1.22 |
| Aberystwyth Cliff Railway (52.42303,-4.0823) | Bwlch Nant yr Arian | Walking Trails (NRW) (52.41462,-3.88531) | 12.07 |
| Bwlch Nant yr Arian | Walking Trails (NRW) (52.41462,-3.88531) | Cycling in the Elan Valley, Mid Wales (52.26937,-3.57244) | 24.06 |
| Cycling in the Elan Valley, Mid Wales (52.26937,-3.57244) | Elan Valley Estate (52.27185,-3.56661) | 0.44 |
| Elan Valley Estate (52.27185,-3.56661) | Clyn Cottages| The Cottage & Granary (52.25702,-3.56335) | 1.5 |
| Total Distance * | 77.8 miles | |
| Estimated Journey Time | 2.5 hours | |
* Approximate distance by road
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