To provide you with the best experience, cookies are used on this site. Learn more

You are here: Experience and Enjoy > Active > Family Cycling

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.

#6D7F8A

Cycle 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.
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.
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

, currently showing 1 to 21.

Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

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…
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, &…
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.
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…
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 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…
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
Lôn Las Cymru Route 8 (South)

Address

Llanidloes - Cardiff, Llanidloes - Cardiff, LD2 3DT

reception@sustrans.org.uk

Llanidloes - Cardiff

This is the section of the route that runs south from Llanidloes, Rhayader, Llanelwedd/Builth Wells towards the Brecon Beacons and the Valleys before arriving into Cardiff.
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…
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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…
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
Abermule and Bettws Cedewain (Cycle Route)

Address

Trefaldwyn | Montgomery, Powys, SY15 6HN

Powys

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
Barmouth & the Mawddach Valley | Cycle Routes

Address

Abermaw | Barmouth, Barmouth, Southern Snowdonia, LL42 1LS

Telephone
01341 280787

barmouth.tic@gwynedd.gov.uk

Barmouth

With the development of Trans Wales cycle routes, Barmouth has become an ideal centre for a cycling based holiday. The dramatic beauty of North & Mid Wales offers a vast array of cycling opportunities for all types of cyclists.
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.
Ystwyth Trail | Ystradmeurig - Tregaron

Address

Ystwyth Trail (Stage 2), Ystrad Meurig - Tregaron, SY25 6BJ

Telephone
01970 612125

aberystwythtic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Ystrad Meurig - Tregaron

The Ystwyth Trail is a 32.1km/20M cycle route and footpath linking Aberystwyth and Tregaron. Part of the trail follows the track of the old Great Western railway line.
Start: Aberystwyth SN584812
Finish: Tregaron SN679597