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Cycling in Mid Wales

Mid Wales is one of the best places in Britain to ride a bike. The roads are quiet, the old railway lines have become traffic-free trails, and the forests hold some of the country's first mountain bike trail centres. In July 2027, stage three of the Tour de France starts in Welshpool. This guide covers the best routes across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Eryri (Southern Snowdonia), from easy family rides to multi-day adventures. Local cycle routes and bike hire are listed below.

Traffic-free trails

Mawddach Trail, Southern Eryri. About nine miles on an old railway line along the Mawddach estuary from Dolgellau to Barmouth, finishing across the timber railway bridge. Flat, almost all traffic-free, with Cadair Idris above.
Ystwyth Trail, Ceredigion. A 20-mile trail from Aberystwyth to Tregaron, partly on the track of the old Great Western line. The off-road sections suit families; the full route is for experienced riders.
Elan Valley Trail, Powys. Follows the route of the old Birmingham Corporation railway past the reservoirs and dams near Rhayader. Mostly traffic-free and gently graded, with e-bike-friendly sections.
Montgomery Canal towpath. Flat riding along the restored canal near Welshpool and Newtown.

More easy routes are on our family cycling page.

Road rides

Rheidol Cycleway, Ceredigion. 17 miles from Aberystwyth harbour up the Rheidol valley to Devil's Bridge, mainly on quiet lanes, with a very steep final climb.
Radnor Ring, Powys. An 84-mile circular route around old Radnorshire, signed mainly as National Cycle Route 825, with lanes, valleys and mountain roads, and several stations on the Heart of Wales Line along the way.
Montgomery Cycle Trails, Powys. Five waymarked rides from Montgomery on quiet border lanes, including the Llandyssil and Abermule loop, the Hendomen and Dolydd Hafren route, and the Abermule and Bettws Cedewain ride past two castles.
Welshpool and Berriew, Powys. A 24-mile loop from the Tour de France start town on country lanes, with a detour to Powis Castle.
Irfon View and Three Rivers road rides, Powys. Two rides from Llanwrtyd Wells: an easy family ride by the River Irfon, and a more challenging loop through the Irfon, Cammarch and Cnyffiad valleys.
Crickhowell Blue and Red routes, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons). A loop from Crickhowell and a harder forest route on the flanks of the Black Mountains.
Aberaeron, Ceredigion. A two-mile traffic-free track to Llanerchaeron, and longer loops inland and along the coast to New Quay.

Long-distance routes

Lôn Las Cymru, National Cycle Route 8. The north to south route across Wales, passing Dolgellau, Machynlleth, Llanidloes, Rhayader and Builth Wells before crossing Bannau Brycheiniog to Brecon.
Lôn Cambria, National Cycle Route 81. 113 miles from Aberystwyth over the Cambrian Mountains and past the Elan Valley reservoirs to Rhayader, Llanidloes, Newtown, Welshpool and Shrewsbury.
Lôn Teifi, National Cycle Route 82. From Aberystwyth south through Ceredigion towards Cardigan and Fishguard.

Mountain biking

Bwlch Nant yr Arian, near Aberystwyth. Waymarked trails from family loops to long red and black routes, with a lakeside cafe and daily red kite feeding.
Coed y Brenin, near Dolgellau. Where trail centre riding began in Britain, with a visitor centre, cafe and bike shop.
Trans Cambrian Way. A 108-mile mountain bike route from Knighton to Dyfi Junction with about 13,000 feet of climbing. Most groups take three days.

See our mountain biking page for more.

Ride the Tour de France route

Stage three of the 2027 Tour de France runs from Welshpool through the Newtown area, Llandrindod Wells, Builth Wells and Brecon on its way to Cardiff. Our guide to riding the Tour de France route suggests how to ride the Mid Wales section, and our Tour de France accommodation guide covers places to stay.

What's the best time of year to cycle in Mid Wales?

May to September brings the longest days and the driest weather, and the trails are at their best. Spring and autumn are quieter, with good colours. The traffic-free trails are open all year, but the mountain roads can be icy in winter.

Where can I hire a bike in Mid Wales?

Bike hire, including e-bikes, is available in several towns and at trail centres, often seasonally. Look for cycle hire and guided rides in the listings below, and book ahead in the school holidays.

Plan a cycling trip

Our itineraries include a five-day cycling week, a family cycling trip and a ride along the Tour de France route. Many places to stay have secure bike storage; ask when you book.

Cycling routes and bike hire

Inspiration

Where to Stay for Tour de France 2027

Stage three of the Tour de France starts in Welshpool on 4 July 2027. Rooms along the route will go fast, so here is where to look.
Things to Do in Welshpool

A border market town with a castle, a steam railway and a canal, and the start of Tour de France 2027 stage three. What to do in Welshpool.
Mountain Biking
Family Cycling in Mid Wales

Flat old railway lines, canal towpaths and reservoir trails where children can ride safely away from traffic. The best family bike rides in Mid Wales.
Ride the Tour de France Route in Mid Wales

Ride the roads of stage three before or after the race: Welshpool to Brecon through the Severn valley, the spa towns and the Wye.
Tour de France 2027 in Mid Wales

On Sunday 4 July 2027, stage three of the Tour de France starts in Welshpool and races south through Powys to Cardiff. Here is how to plan your trip.

Number of results: 33

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Cycling in the Elan Valley, Mid Wales

Address

Elan Valley, Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5HP

Telephone
01597 810880

rangers.elan@dwrcymru.com

Rhayader

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…
Mountain Bike Wales

Address

The Lodge, Staylittle, Llanbrynmair, Powys, SY19 7BU

Telephone
01686 449354

mountainbikewales@me.com

Llanbrynmair

Discover guided mountain biking adventures across the wild landscapes of Mid Wales. Mountain Bike Wales offers single and multi day rides exploring remote bridleways, open moorland and classic long distance routes, ideal for confident riders seeking…
Yamaha Off Road Experience

Address

Glynhafren, Old Hall, Llanidloes, Powys, SY18 6PS

Telephone
01686 413324

info@yamaha-offroad-experience.co.uk

Llanidloes

Yamaha Off Road Experience offer something for everyone - off road tryout for a complete novice to top level national enduro riders who want help to improve their skills and take them to the next level.
Black Mountain Adventure

Address

Three Cocks, Brecon, Powys, LD3 0SD

Telephone
01497 847897

info@blackmountain.co.uk

Brecon

An Award Winning Outdoor Adventure Centre in the stunning Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog). At Black Mountain we offer a wide range of exciting activities from archery to caving, paddle boarding to gorge walking, land karting to high ropes, &…
Hafod Trails Bike Park

Address

Hafod Wen, Llansawel, Llandeilo, Dyfed, SA19 7PH

Telephone
07852 527517

info@trails.co.uk

Llandeilo

Uplift-served mountain bike park near Brechfa Forest, Llansawel, Carmarthenshire, with downhill trails from green to black grades and a skills area. Suitable for beginners through to experienced riders. Book an uplift pass and plan your ride.
Mountain Biking @ Black Mountain Adventure, Mid Wales

Address

Three Cocks, Brecon, Powys, LD3 0SD

Telephone
01497 847897

info@blackmountain.co.uk

Brecon

Enjoy guided mountain biking in the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons National Park. These 2–3 hour sessions include bike hire and expert instruction, with routes tailored to different abilities. Suitable for ages 12+, families and groups, this is…
Crickhowell Red - Mynydd Du Forest Route

Address

Crug Hywel | Crickhowell, Powys, NP8 1AA

Telephone
01874 623366

mountain.centre@breconbeacons.org

Powys

Mynydd Du Forest Route 36km
The Irfon View Road Ride

Address

Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, LD5 4RW

Telephone
01591 610666

info@llanwrtyd.com

Powys

THE IRFON VIEW ROAD RIDE
Distance 14km (8.7m)
TimE 1 - 2 hrs
Sustrans Route 81:Aberystwyth - Rhayader

Address

Aberystwyth Town Centre, SY23 1LG

Telephone
01179268893

Sustrans route 81 or "Lon Cambria" is an East-West cycle route which crosses the Cambrian Mountains and heads towards Shrewsbury and beyond.
Lôn Mawddach | Mawddach Cycle Route

Address

Barmouth - Dolgellau, Barmouth, Gwynedd, LL40 2TA

Telephone
01654 702653

info@mwtcymru.co.uk

Barmouth

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.
Bwlch Nant yr Arian | Mountain Biking (NRW)

Address

Bwlch Nant yr Arian, Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre, Ponterwyd, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3AB

Telephone
0300 065 3000

enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Ponterwyd, Aberystwyth

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…
Crickhowell Blue -Crickhowell Loop Route

Address

Crug Hywel | Crickhowell, Powys, NP8 1AA

Telephone
01874 623366

mountain.centre@breconbeacons.org

Powys

Start Crickhowell Car Park GR219 183
Turn R out of CP and down to main road. Turn L and take first L off main road. SO for 2km and turn R onto path between hedges. Follow path then SO over bridge and up to road junction. Turn L then R up steep…
Bala & Penllyn | Cycle Trails

Address

Bala & Penllyn, Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7AD

Bala

Cycle routes through southern Snowdonia and the exciting scenery around Bala,
Aberaeron | Cycle Routes

Address

Aberaeron, Aberaeron, Ceredigion, SA46 0BT

Telephone
01545 570602

aberaerontic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Aberaeron

There are two cycle routes that start from Aberaeron Tourist Information Centre. There is also a 2 mile cycle trail from Aberaeron to Llanerchaeron.
Churchstoke and Priest Weston (Cycle Route)

Address

Trefaldwyn | Montgomery, Powys, SY15 6HN

Powys

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
Lon Las Cymru | Rhayader to Llangurig

Address

Rhaeadr Gwy | Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5BU

Telephone
01597 826605

Rhaeadr Gwy | Rhayader

Although this is not strictly a traffic free route, this minor gated road running down the Wye Valley carries next to no traffic as the main A470 runs parallel, on the other side of the valley, all the way from Llangurig to Rhayader.
Sustrans Route 8 | Dolgellau - Llanelwedd

Address

Dolgellau Town Centre, LL40 1SR

Telephone
01179268893

reception@sustrans.org.uk

The cycle route heads inland from the town of Dolgellau across the Cambrian Mountains and heads South East towards Builth Wells and Llanelwedd.
The Epynt Way

Address

Sennybridge, Brecon, LD3 9RG

enquiries.epynt@gmail.com

Brecon

THE EPYNT WAY is a 65 km long distance path around the circumference of the Sennybridge Training Area. It is open to walkers, equestrians and mountain bikers. The trail is well marked with frequent, yellow-topped marker posts which have green and…
Trans Cambrian Way

Address

Knighton - Dyfi Junction, LD7

The Trans Cambrian Way is a 108 mile / 175 km long distance mountain bike route that snakes its way through the heart of mid Wales, and climbs over the oldest mountain range in Europe, the Cambrian Mountains.
Three Rivers Road Ride

Address

Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, LD5 4RW

Telephone
01591 610666

info@llanwrtyd.com

Powys

THREE RIVERS ROAD RIDE
Distance 30.5 (19m)
Time 1.5 - 3hrs
Sustrans Route 81: Rhayader - Shrewsbury

Address

Rhayader Town Centre, Rhayader - Shrewsbury, LD6 5BU

Telephone
01179268893

Rhayader - Shrewsbury

This section of route 81 heads North East via Llanidloes, Newtown and Welshpool towards Shrewsbury and England.