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Itinerary Planner

Cycle Montgomeryshire | Three Days of Quiet Lanes, Castles and Country Pubs

The Montgomery Canal near the Offa's Dyke Path in Powys

The old county of Montgomeryshire, in the north-east of Powys, has some of the quietest cycling lanes in Wales: rolling farmland, border hills and small towns, with little traffic and a castle or a pub never far away. This three-day plan uses Montgomery as a base and follows three waymarked rides published for the area. Each is between 11 and 20 miles, so there's time for lunch and a look around.

Where to stay: Montgomery

Montgomery is a small Georgian town under the ruins of its castle, a mile from the English border. Hurdley House is a Georgian townhouse just off the main square with a log burner, sleeping up to eight. Cycle parking is on Broad Street in the town centre.

Day one: Llandyssil and Abermule (11.5 miles)

Start from the Town Hall and climb Kerry Street for a view over the town, then follow the valley lanes towards Abermule before a steady climb back with views over the Kerry Ridgeway and, on a clear day, to Cadair Idris. Walk up to Montgomery Castle in the evening; it's free, and the view over the Marches at sunset is worth the climb.

Day two: Abermule and Bettws Cedewain (17.5 miles)

A moderate ride on rural lanes with two steep hills, up to Dolforwyn Castle, built by Llywelyn ap Gruffudd in 1273, and back to Montgomery. The route passes through Bettws Cedewain, where The Bull and Heifer is a country pub serving lunch and evening meals with local game and grills. There's an option to detour along the traffic-free Montgomery Canal path to Newtown.

Day three: Churchstoke and Priest Weston (19.3 miles)

After two miles on the main road, this ride follows country lanes up towards Offa's Dyke and on through Churchstoke to Priest Weston. Detour to Roundton Hill Nature Reserve, an Iron Age hillfort with wildflowers and views. On the way back, stop at Kerry Vale Vineyard near Montgomery for lunch in the vineyard cafe, or finish the trip at The Nags Head Inn at Garthmyl, an award-winning coaching inn by the Severn and the canal.

Good to know

  • Downloadable route maps for each ride are on the listings below. Expect some steep, short climbs, and allow time to push.
  • Welshpool and Newtown stations on the Cambrian Line are both about eight miles from Montgomery.
  • More on our cycling page.

Product Information

  1. Trefaldwyn | Montgomery

    Montgomery, known in Welsh as Trefaldwyn, is a little town with a big history! It's seen everything from the Iron Age to the Romans, Saxons, Normans and even the English Civil War! This Georgian gem is tucked away from the hustle and bustle.

    Address

    Montgomery, Powys, SY15 6HN
  2. Hurdley House

    Characterful self-catering Georgian townhouse in Montgomery, Powys, sleeping up to eight in four bedrooms. With two bathrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, log-burning stove and a location just off the main square, it suits families and groups exploring Mid Wales. Check availability and book direct.

    Address

    Castle Street, Montgomery, Powys, SY15 6PW
  3. Montgomery Cycle Trail | Llandyssil and Abermule

    There are five Montgomery Cycle Trails based in and around Montgomery that will provide you with beautiful views of the dramatic countryside of the Mid Wales Marches. Cycle Parking is available in Broad Street in the town centre.

    Address

    Circular Cycling Route, Montgomery, Powys, SY15 6HN

    Tel:

    01938 552043
  4. Montgomery Castle (Cadw)

    Montgomery Castle is a masonry castle standing on a rocky promontory above the town of Montgomery. Precipitous slopes to the north and east make this an excellent defensive site.

    Address

    Montgomery Castle, Montgomery, Powys, SY15 6HN

    Tel:

    0300 025 6000
  5. Abermule and Bettws Cedewain (Cycle Route)

    A moderate cycle ride on peaceful, rural lanes with two steep hills to reach both Montgomery and Dolforwyn Castles.
    17.5Miles (28.2km) 2-2.5hrs - Elevation Total Ascent: 488m

    Address

    Trefaldwyn | Montgomery, Powys, SY15 6HN
  6. The Bull and Heifer

    Country pub in Bettws Cedewain near Newtown serving seasonal food with a Bettws Hall twist. Pub favourites, local game, grills and burgers, plus veggie, vegan and gluten free options. Open daily for drinks, with the kitchen serving lunch and evening meals.

    Address

    Bettws Cedewain, Newtown, Powys, SY16 3DS

    Tel:

    01686 651 210
  7. Dolforwyn Castle (Cadw)

    Discover Dolforwyn Castle, an ancient fortress nestled on a picturesque ridge above the enchanting Severn Valley near Newtown. Immerse yourself in the captivating tale of Welsh-English conflict as you explore the rich history that surrounds Dolforwyn Castle. The sweeping panoramic views from its…

    Address

    Abermule, Nr Newtown, Powys, SY15 6JJ

    Tel:

    0300 025 6000
  8. Churchstoke and Priest Weston (Cycle Route)

    A lovely cycle ride requiring 2 miles on main road at the beginning, after which you will be on beautiful, country lanes.
    19.3 Miles ( 31KM) 2-2.5hours - Elevation Ascent: 427m

    Address

    Trefaldwyn | Montgomery, Powys, SY15 6HN
  9. Kerry Vale Vineyard Cafe

    Enjoy a glass of wine, complemented by our delicious locally sourced food prepared in the vineyard kitchen. Offering a selection of light lunches and daily specials made from high quality locally sourced food. Gluten free and Vegetarian options available.

    Address

    Kerry Vale Vineyard, Churchstoke, Montgomery, Powys, SY15 6HU

    Tel:

    01588 620627
  10. The Nags Head Inn

    The Nags Head is a Grade II listed coaching inn on the A483 between Newtown and Welshpool and only a few yards from the Severn and the Montgomery Canal.

    Address

    Garthmyl, Montgomery, Powys, SY15 6RS

    Tel:

    01686 640600

Itinerary Distances

FromToDistance * (metric)
Trefaldwyn | Montgomery (52.56225,-3.14807)Hurdley House (52.55967,-3.14763)0.26
Hurdley House (52.55967,-3.14763)Montgomery Cycle Trail | Llandyssil and Abermule (52.56225,-3.14807)0.26
Montgomery Cycle Trail | Llandyssil and Abermule (52.56225,-3.14807)Montgomery Castle (Cadw) (52.56281,-3.14934)0.1
Montgomery Castle (Cadw) (52.56281,-3.14934)Abermule and Bettws Cedewain (Cycle Route) (52.56225,-3.14807)0.1
Abermule and Bettws Cedewain (Cycle Route) (52.56225,-3.14807)The Bull and Heifer (52.56153,-3.29722)9.09
The Bull and Heifer (52.56153,-3.29722)Dolforwyn Castle (Cadw) (52.54606,-3.25092)3.22
Dolforwyn Castle (Cadw) (52.54606,-3.25092)Churchstoke and Priest Weston (Cycle Route) (52.56225,-3.14807)6.47
Churchstoke and Priest Weston (Cycle Route) (52.56225,-3.14807)Kerry Vale Vineyard Cafe (52.53296,-3.10353)4
Kerry Vale Vineyard Cafe (52.53296,-3.10353)The Nags Head Inn (52.58272,-3.19127)7.31
Total Distance *30.79 miles
Estimated Journey Time59 minutes

* Approximate distance by road

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