About

The Elan Valley is one of the most important cycling destinations in Mid Wales, known for its combination of dramatic landscapes, peaceful routes and a wide choice of cycling experiences. Set within the Cambrian Mountains, the Elan Valley offers cyclists the chance to explore iconic dams, sweeping reservoirs, open moorland and quiet woodland trails, all within a protected and internationally recognised environment.

Whether you are visiting Mid Wales for a family-friendly cycling break, a leisurely e-bike ride, or a challenging mountain biking adventure, the Elan Valley caters for all ages and abilities. With a mix of traffic-free roads, quiet lanes and purpose-built trails, it is an ideal location for both first-time cyclists and experienced riders looking to explore Wales by bike.

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A Hub for Leisure Cycling and Mountain Biking

Cycling in the Elan Valley ranges from gentle, accessible routes around the reservoirs to technical mountain bike trails across remote and rugged terrain. Many of the leisure cycling routes follow smooth tarmac roads with gradual climbs, making them particularly suitable for electric bikes (e-bikes) and less experienced riders, while still offering breathtaking scenery at every turn.

For mountain bikers, the Elan Valley is a well-established centre with graded trails, allowing riders to choose routes that match their skill level. This variety makes the area especially popular with families, groups and visitors planning multi-day cycling holidays in Mid Wales.

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Bike Hire and Visitor Facilities

Visitors to the Elan Valley can hire a wide range of bikes, including adult and child bikes, e-bikes, tag-alongs and trailers. This makes cycling accessible even if you are not travelling with your own equipment and is particularly useful for families and group visits.

The Bike Hub, located next to the Elan Valley Visitor Centre, also offers a bike wash station, allowing riders to clean off mud after a day on the trails. The Visitor Centre area provides parking, cafés, toilets and information services, making it a convenient starting point for many cycling routes. Booking bike hire in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons and school holidays.

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Leisure and Family Cycling Routes

The Elan Valley is especially well known for its leisure cycling routes, which are ideal for relaxed exploration and scenic rides.

• Elan Trail (approx. 29km)
  One of the most popular cycling routes in Mid Wales, the Elan Trail follows largely traffic-free reservoir roads and offers gentle gradients, wide views and frequent stopping points. It is well suited to families, leisure cyclists and e-bike users.

• Ant Hills Loop (approx. 9km)
  A shorter circular route combining forest tracks and quiet country lanes, finishing with a downhill section. Ideal for visitors looking for a shorter ride with varied scenery.

• Around Caban Coch & Golf Links
  Moderate cycling routes around the largest reservoir in the Elan Valley, featuring woodland sections, open views and easy access from Rhayader.

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Mountain Biking in the Elan Valley

The Elan Valley also offers a selection of graded mountain bike trails, designed for riders with off-road experience and those seeking a challenge.

Mountain bike trails are graded as follows:

• Green (Easy) – Suitable for beginners and families

• Blue (Moderate) – For riders with basic off-road experience

• Red (Difficult) – Challenging routes for confident cyclists

• Black (Severe) – Technical and demanding routes for expert riders

Notable mountain biking routes include the Roman Camp & Nannerth Loop, Wye Valley Loop, and the demanding Elan Epic and Black Routes, which explore more remote areas of the Elan and Claerwen Valleys and offer a true sense of adventure in Mid Wales.

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Dog-Friendly and E-Bike Friendly Cycling

Many cycling routes in the Elan Valley are dog-friendly, making them a popular choice for visitors travelling with dogs. Dogs are welcome on leads on shared trails and reservoir roads, allowing cyclists to enjoy the landscape responsibly while protecting wildlife and livestock.

The Elan Valley is also particularly well suited to electric bikes, with smooth surfaces and manageable gradients on many routes. This allows visitors to cover longer distances and explore more of Mid Wales without needing advanced fitness levels.

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Good to Know Before You Ride

• A wide choice of leisure and mountain bike routes for all abilities

• Bike and e-bike hire, including child bikes and trailers

• Dog-friendly routes when dogs are kept on leads

• Family-friendly cycling, including traffic-free sections

• Parking, cafés and toilets available near the Visitor Centre

• Advance booking recommended during busy periods

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Cycling in the Elan Valley offers visitors to Mid Wales a unique opportunity to explore one of Wales’ most iconic landscapes at a slower, more immersive pace. Whether you’re planning a relaxed family day out, an e-bike adventure through the reservoirs, or a challenging mountain biking experience, the Elan Valley is a standout destination for cycling in Wales.