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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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…
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
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.
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.
| From | To | Distance * (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 Time | 59 minutes | |
* Approximate distance by road