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Road cycling routes
United Kingdom
Wales
South Wales
Ceredigion

Tywi Forest

The best road cycling routes around Tywi Forest

4.5

(15)

890

riders

48

rides

Road cycling routes around Tywi Forest traverse a landscape characterized by extensive conifer plantations and elevated open vistas. The region features hills typically ranging from 1,300 to 1,500 feet (400-450 meters), with some peaks exceeding 1,600 feet (500 meters). Prominent natural features include the Llyn Brianne reservoir and the River Tywi, which winds through a valley of wooded hills and farmland. The terrain offers a mix of paved surfaces and challenging climbs suitable for road cyclists.

Best road cycling routes around Tywi Forest

  • The most popular road cycling route is The Towy Bridge Inn – Llyn Brianne Dam loop from Cefn Fannog, a 42.8 miles (68.9 km) trail that takes 4 hours 15 minutes to complete, featuring significant elevation gain around the Llyn Brianne reservoir.
  • Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Abergwesyn Pass – Abergwesyn Valley loop from Nant yr Hwch, a moderate 27.7 miles (44.6 km) path offering scenic views through the Abergwesyn Valley.
  • Local road cyclists also love the Bwlch Easgair Gelli Climb – Craig-y-Fintan loop from Nant-ystalwyn, a 22.5 miles (36.3 km) trail leading through varied terrain with notable climbs, often completed in about 2 hours 30 minutes.
  • Road cycling around Tywi Forest is defined by extensive conifer woodlands, the dramatic Llyn Brianne reservoir, and the scenic Tywi River valley. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to difficult ascents.
  • The routes in Tywi Forest are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 15 reviews. More than 890 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Tywi Forest's varied terrain.

Last updated: May 24, 2026

5.0

(1)

22

riders

#1.

Llyn Brianne Dam – View of Llyn Brianne loop from Llyn Brianne

68.9km

04:16

1,320m

1,320m

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

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Hard

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
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Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate

Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Easy

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Hard
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Popular around Tywi Forest

O Fon i Fynwy — Exploring Wales on foot from top to bottom

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Tips from the Community

Paul_C
April 14, 2025, Devil's Staircase Climb from Llyn Brianne Reservoir

Confronting the Devil's Staircase northbound from near Llyn Brianne reservoir is tackling one of Wales's most infamous climbs, famed for its savage steepness and remote beauty. Prepare for an immediate, brutal ascent as the narrow single-track road rears up, averaging a punishing 10-13% but hitting steep ramps well over 20%, reportedly reaching 25-30%. Feel the wild exposure of the Cambrian Mountains, with stunningly remote views as your reward for conquering this truly devilish challenge.

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It's going to climb!

Translated by Google

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Unavoidable !

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It was a truly stunning spot to take in the scenery from this elevated panoramic viewpoint. Highly recommended.

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Andy Bryant
February 5, 2025, Abergwesyn Pass

It's a truly stunning ride valley mountain road and not to be missed if you are in the area.

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Andy Bryant
February 4, 2025, Llyn Brianne Dam

A short climb up from the road brings you to the Dam and carpark, there is no access over the Dam itself. But you do get a good view over the spillway and valley below.

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The Elan Valley (Welsh: Cwm Elan) is a river valley situated to the west of Rhayader, in Powys, Wales, sometimes known as the "Welsh Lake District". It covers 70 square miles (180 km2) of lake and countryside. Caban Coch Dam.

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Devil’s Staircase is a climb for mountain bike type gears and an advantage for those that can ride out of the saddle .My attempts have failed miserably,best of luck.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many road cycling routes are available in Tywi Forest?

Tywi Forest offers a wide selection of road cycling routes, with over 45 options available. These routes cater to various skill levels, including easy, moderate, and difficult rides.

What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes in Tywi Forest?

The terrain in Tywi Forest is diverse, featuring extensive conifer plantations, elevated open vistas, and hills typically ranging from 400-450 meters, with some peaks exceeding 500 meters. You'll find a mix of mostly paved surfaces, but some routes may include unpaved sections or wide gravel tracks, especially around areas like the Claerwen Reservoir, offering varied challenges and scenic views.

Are there road cycling routes suitable for beginners in Tywi Forest?

Yes, Tywi Forest has several road cycling routes suitable for beginners. There are 8 easy routes available, such as the short Roadbike loop from Cefn Coch, which is just under 4 km with moderate elevation gain, perfect for a gentle introduction to the area's cycling.

What natural features or landmarks can I see while road cycling in Tywi Forest?

Road cycling routes in Tywi Forest often feature stunning natural attractions. You can enjoy spectacular views of the Llyn Brianne reservoir, and the scenic River Tywi winding through wooded hills. For a significant challenge and a notable landmark, the formidable Devil's Staircase Climb in Abergwesyn is a legendary ascent popular with cyclists.

Are there any challenging climbs for experienced road cyclists in Tywi Forest?

Absolutely. Tywi Forest is known for its challenging ascents. The region includes routes with significant elevation gain, such as The Towy Bridge Inn – Llyn Brianne Dam loop from Cefn Fannog, which covers 68.9 km with over 1300 meters of climbing. The legendary Devil's Staircase Climb in Abergwesyn is also a must-do for those seeking a formidable test.

Are there circular road cycling routes in Tywi Forest?

Many of the road cycling routes in Tywi Forest are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include The Towy Bridge Inn – Llyn Brianne Dam loop from Cefn Fannog and the Abergwesyn Pass – Abergwesyn Valley loop from Nant yr Hwch, providing convenient and scenic circular journeys.

Where can I find parking for road cycling routes in Tywi Forest?

For routes around Llyn Brianne Reservoir, car parks like Fannog and Carreg Clochdy offer convenient spots to park your vehicle and begin your ride. These locations are also ideal for enjoying the views and having a picnic.

What do other road cyclists enjoy about the routes in Tywi Forest?

The road cycling routes in Tywi Forest are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Cyclists frequently praise the varied terrain, the dramatic scenery around Llyn Brianne, and the quiet lanes that make for an engaging and rewarding riding experience.

Are there any long-distance road cycling options in the Tywi Valley?

Yes, the broader Tywi Valley is well-regarded for cycle touring and offers excellent long-distance potential. Its numerous quiet lanes and historic sites enhance the riding experience. For more inspiration on long-distance rides in Wales, you can explore resources like Visit Wales.

What are some moderate road cycling routes in the Tywi Forest area?

Tywi Forest features 28 moderate road cycling routes. A popular choice is the Abergwesyn Pass – Abergwesyn Valley loop from Nant yr Hwch, a 44.6 km path offering scenic views through the Abergwesyn Valley. Another great option is the Bwlch Easgair Gelli Climb – Craig-y-Fintan loop from Nant-ystalwyn, a 36.3 km trail with notable climbs.

Can I combine road cycling with other activities in Tywi Forest?

Absolutely. Tywi Forest offers opportunities to combine road cycling with other outdoor pursuits. You can explore short, waymarked walking trails through ancient woodlands, visit an historic well, or discover the remains of old farmhouses along the trails. The area around Llyn Brianne Reservoir is also perfect for photography and picnics.

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