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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.

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

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Bala & Penllyn | Cycle Trails

Address

Bala & Penllyn, Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7AD

Bala

Cycle routes through southern Snowdonia and the exciting scenery around Bala,
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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…
Hendomen & Dolydd Hafren Cycle Route

Address

Trefaldwyn | Montgomery, Powys, SY15 6HN

Telephone
01938 552043

admin@montgomery-wales.co.uk

Powys

Circular cycle route starting from in front of the Montgomery Town Hall providing an exceptional view of the town and with the option of extending the route to include the Dolydd Hafren Nature Reserve.
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.
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.