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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…
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…
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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…
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
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.
The Rheidol Cycleway

Address

Ceredigion, SY23 1PG

Telephone
01970 612125

aberystwythtic@ceredigion.gov.uk

A 28km trail along designated cycle paths and quiet country lanes between the towns of Aberystwyth & Devils’ Bridge.
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
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
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.
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.
Coedwig Gymunedol Longwood Community Woodland

Address

Long Wood, Canolfan Longwood, Llanfair Clydogau, Lampeter, Ceredigion, SA48 8NE

Telephone
01570 493355

info@longwood-lampeter.org.uk

Llanfair Clydogau, Lampeter

Coedwig Gymunedol Longwood Community Woodland is a 300 acre site of mixed woodland just north of Lampeter in Ceredigion. The woods are owned and managed by the local community and is as a free facility for walkers, riders and cyclists to enjoy all…
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.
Bala & Penllyn | Cycle Trails

Address

Bala & Penllyn, Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7AD

Bala

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