Stage three of the Tour de France 2027 starts in Welshpool on Sunday 4 July 2027 and races south through Powys to Cardiff. If you want to ride the roads yourself, the Mid Wales section from Welshpool to Brecon makes a good two or three-day trip, through the Severn valley, the hill country around Llandrindod Wells and down the Wye to Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons). This page describes the expected route and how to plan your ride. The detailed course is still to be confirmed, and we'll update this page when it's published.
What is the expected route?
The expected course leaves Welshpool and heads south-west through the Newtown area, then south over the hills to Llandrindod Wells and Builth Wells, before crossing to Brecon and heading on through the south Wales valleys to Cardiff. The Mid Wales section is likely to be rolling rather than mountainous, with the harder climbs expected later in the stage.
Section one: Welshpool to Newtown
Start in Welshpool, the stage start town, and follow the Severn valley south-west. The main road through the valley carries a lot of traffic, so leisure riders are better off on the waymarked lanes nearby. The Welshpool and Berriew route uses part of National Cycle Route 81 on country lanes past Powis Castle to Berriew, and the Abermule and Bettws Cedewain and Montgomery cycle trails cover the lanes around Montgomery and Dolforwyn Castle. Stop for lunch at The Bull and Heifer in Bettws Cedewain, or in Newtown by the river.
Section two: Newtown to Llandrindod Wells
South of Newtown, the road climbs out of the Severn valley into open hill country, the most remote part of the Mid Wales section, with long views and few villages. This is where you'll feel the climbing. Carry food and water, and plan your stops. Llandrindod Wells, a Victorian spa town, is the natural overnight stop. Visit the National Cycle Museum, which has more than 250 bikes, and stay at The Bell Country Inn or The Metropole Hotel.
Section three: Llandrindod Wells to Builth Wells
A short, gently rolling stretch south to Builth Wells on the River Wye, home of the Royal Welsh Showground. The Radnor Ring, National Cycle Route 825, and Lôn Las Cymru, National Cycle Route 8, both use lanes in this area that make quieter alternatives to the main road.
Section four: Builth Wells to Brecon
From Builth Wells, the route heads south to Brecon, the market town at the edge of the high ground of Bannau Brycheiniog. Stay at The Castle of Brecon Hotel above the town, or the Usk and Railway Inn at Sennybridge. From here the stage continues south towards the valleys and Cardiff; the Mid Wales section ends here.
How long does it take?
The Welshpool to Brecon section is roughly 70 to 80 miles, depending on the lanes you choose. Most leisure riders split it over two or three days, stopping in Llandrindod Wells and perhaps Newtown. Strong club riders could do it in a day.
Tips for riding the route
- Use quieter lanes. Some main roads on the expected route are busy with lorries and fast traffic. The waymarked routes listed on our cycling in Mid Wales page make good alternatives.
- Plan food stops. Services are sparse in the hills between Newtown and Llandrindod Wells.
- Use the train. Welshpool and Newtown are on the Cambrian Line, and Llandrindod Wells and Builth Road on the Heart of Wales Line, so you can ride one way and take the train back. Book bike spaces in advance.
- Avoid race day. Roads on the route close on 4 July 2027. Ride it before or after.
Where to stay
See our guide to where to stay for the Tour de France 2027 for hotels, B&Bs, cottages and campsites along the route. For a ready-made plan with stops, see our itineraries, including a three-day ride from Welshpool to Brecon.
More cycling in Mid Wales
If you've got time to spare, ride the Mawddach Trail in Southern Eryri (Southern Snowdonia), the Ystwyth Trail or the mountain bike trails at Bwlch Nant yr Arian in Ceredigion. See family cycling and mountain biking.
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