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Family Cycling in Mid Wales

Mid Wales has some of the best family bike rides in Britain: old railway lines turned into flat, traffic-free trails, canal towpaths and quiet reservoir paths, with cafes, beaches and steam trains along the way. These are the easiest and most rewarding routes for children across Southern Eryri (Southern Snowdonia), Ceredigion and Powys, with tips on bike hire. Cycle routes and hire are listed below.

Mawddach Trail, Dolgellau to Barmouth

The best family ride in Mid Wales. The Mawddach Trail follows an old railway line for about nine miles along the south side of the Mawddach estuary, from Dolgellau to Barmouth. It's flat, well surfaced and almost all traffic-free, with Cadair Idris above and the estuary alongside. Stop at Penmaenpool, where the old signal box is an RSPB observatory, and finish by riding across Barmouth Bridge to the beach. Younger children can ride from Dolgellau to Penmaenpool and back, about six miles in total.

Ystwyth Trail, Aberystwyth

The Ystwyth Trail runs 20 miles from Aberystwyth to Tregaron, partly on the old railway. The first stretch from Aberystwyth to Llanfarian is almost all tarmac, and most of the off-road sections suit families with young children. The trail crosses roads at several points, so keep children close. Pair it with an afternoon on the beach or the cliff railway in Aberystwyth.

Elan Valley Trail, Rhayader

The Elan Valley Trail follows the route of the old railway built to construct the dams, past the reservoirs near Rhayader. It's gently graded and mostly traffic-free, with the dams and waterfalls as the reward. E-bikes suit it well. The visitor centre has toilets and maps.

Rheidol Cycleway, Aberystwyth to Devil's Bridge

The Rheidol Cycleway runs 17 miles from Aberystwyth harbour up the Rheidol valley, mainly on quiet lanes and cycle paths. It's gentle for most of the way, so families can ride part of it and turn back. The final climb to Devil's Bridge is very steep; save it for older, fitter riders.

Canal towpaths and short trails

Montgomery Canal, Welshpool and Newtown. Flat towpath riding along the restored canal. Welshpool is the start town for the Tour de France 2027 stage three.
Aberaeron to Llanerchaeron, Ceredigion. A two-mile traffic-free track along the River Aeron to the National Trust villa, with a cafe at the end.
Bwlch Nant yr Arian, near Aberystwyth. Family-friendly forest loops and a lakeside trail, with red kite feeding every afternoon.

Where can I hire a family bike?

Bike hire, including children's bikes, trailers and e-bikes, is available in several towns and at trail centres, mostly from spring to autumn. Look for cycle hire in the listings below, and book ahead in the school holidays.

Tips for cycling with children

Choose a route that's shorter than you think, and plan a treat at the halfway point.
Helmets are a must. Carry snacks, water and a waterproof.
Shared trails are used by walkers too, so ring your bell and slow down.
Check the weather: coastal and estuary trails can be windy.

Plan a family cycling trip

Our family cycling itinerary links the Mawddach Trail, the Ystwyth Trail and the Elan Valley in a few days. For more routes, see cycling in Mid Wales, and for places to stay, see family-friendly accommodation.

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Cycle routes and bike hire

Inspiration

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Mountain Biking
Cycling in Mid Wales

Quiet lanes, old railway trails and mountain bike centres, from the Mawddach estuary to the Radnor hills. The best cycling routes in Mid Wales.

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…
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…
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, &…
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.
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
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.
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…
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.
Radnor Ring Cycle Route

Address

Rhaeadr Gwy | Rhayader, Powys, LD6 5BU

Rhaeadr Gwy | Rhayader

A circular 84 mile route following quiet country lanes, and crossing some of Mid-Wales' most spectacular scenery. For those with mountain-bike skills, there are exciting off-road alternatives.
Welshpool and Berriew (Cycle Route)

Address

Trefaldwyn | Montgomery, Powys, SY15 6HN

Powys

A picturesque cycle ride which follows part of Route 81 on country lanes between Leighton and Berriew.
23.7 Miles (38.1km) 3 hours - Elevation Total Ascent: 549M
Montgomery Cycle Trail | Llandyssil and Abermule

Address

Circular Cycling Route, Montgomery, Powys, SY15 6HN

Telephone
01938 552043

admin@montgomery-wales.co.uk

Montgomery

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.
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.
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
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.
Sustrans Route 82:Machynlleth -Fishguard

Address

Sustrans Route 82:Machynlleth - Fishguard, Machynlleth Town Centre, SY20 8AB

Telephone
01179268893

Machynlleth Town Centre

This section of route 82 heads South towards Aberystwyth but the route is still under construction. Beyond Aberystwyth the route heads along the old railway line towards Tregaron and Lampeter. The route finishes in Fishguard.
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.
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
Bala & Penllyn | Cycle Trails

Address

Bala & Penllyn, Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7AD

Bala

Cycle routes through southern Snowdonia and the exciting scenery around Bala,
Ystwyth Trail | Aberystwyth - Ystradmeurig

Address

Ystwyth Trail, Aberystwyth - Ystrad Meurig, Ceredigion, SY25 6BJ

Telephone
01970 612125

aberystwythtic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Aberystwyth - Ystrad Meurig

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.