The best cycling routes around Llanidloes

Embark on a difficult touring bicycle journey through the heart of Wales with the Llyn Clywedog & Hafren Forest loop from Llanidloes. This challenging route spans 17.7 miles (28.5 km) and involves a significant climb of 1744 feet (532 metres), typically taking about 2 hours and 1 minute to complete. As you pedal, you will navigate through dense woodlands of Hafren Forest, offering a deep immersion into diverse Welsh landscapes. The trail also skirts the expansive Llyn Clywedog reservoir, where you can enjoy panoramic views across the water. Look out for the impressive Severn Break-its-Neck waterfall, a natural highlight along your ride.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the route is known for its relatively traffic-free roads, providing a peaceful cycling experience. You will find several opportunities to pause and rest, such as at the Afon Biga picnic area or a scenic viewpoint situated above the Clywedog dam. The path is predominantly paved, ensuring a smooth ride for most of its duration, with only short unpaved sections to navigate. Consider starting your ride early to make the most of the tranquil conditions.

This area is rich in both natural beauty and historical intrigue. Beyond the stunning reservoir and forest, you might spot local wildlife, including majestic red kites and buzzards soaring overhead. The route also passes the historic abandoned Bryntail mine buildings, offering a glimpse into the region's industrial past. This combination of natural and historical elements makes the Llyn Clywedog & Hafren Forest loop a distinctive and rewarding touring bicycle adventure in Mid Wales.

Embark on a challenging touring bicycle ride around the Llyn Clywedog loop, starting from Llanidloes. This route covers 19.7 miles (31.7 km) and features a significant elevation gain of 1681 feet (512 metres), making it a difficult journey that takes approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes to complete. As you pedal, you will experience the varied contours of the Welsh hills, cycling closely alongside the striking Llyn Clywedog reservoir. Keep an eye out for the Hafren Forest Waterfall as you pass through the expansive Hafren Forest, enjoying panoramic views of the Upper Severn Valley from higher elevations. The atmosphere is one of serene natural beauty, with rolling hills stretching into the distance.

Your touring bicycle adventure begins and ends in Llanidloes, a welcoming town known for its distinctive Old Market Hall. Parking is generally available in Llanidloes, making it a convenient spot to start your ride. The roads along this loop are typically traffic-free, which contributes to a more pleasant cycling experience. Plan your visit to allow ample time to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

This route offers a unique opportunity to explore the engineering marvel of the Llyn Clywedog reservoir, which was created by damming the Clywedog river. The reservoir is a central feature of the landscape, providing ever-changing views as you cycle its perimeter. Beyond the reservoir, the trail showcases the broader natural beauty of the region, from the dense Hafren Forest to the sweeping vistas of the Upper Severn Valley. It is a journey through both natural and man-made landscapes.

Embark on a difficult touring bicycle adventure around the Llyn Clywedog loop from Llanidloes, covering 18.7 miles (30.1 km) with a substantial 2172 feet (662 metres) of elevation gain. This challenging route, typically completed in about 2 hours and 13 minutes, takes you through varied terrain, including paved roads, single-track, and short unpaved sections. You will experience a long, gentle climb out of Llanidloes, followed by undulating sections and two steep ascents near the reservoir, all while enjoying expansive views of the Welsh countryside.

Planning your ride requires good to very good fitness levels, as the sustained ascents make this loop less suitable for beginners. The route starts and finishes in the scenic town of Llanidloes, offering a convenient base for your journey. Be ready for the demanding climbs, especially one away from the lake that rewards you with spectacular vistas extending towards the English border.

Along the way, you will encounter several notable features that enrich the experience. Marvel at the impressive Llyn Clywedog Reservoir and its 72-meter high dam, a central landmark of the loop. Cycle through the beautiful Hafren Forest, known for its natural beauty, and pass the historic abandoned Bryntail Mine Buildings, offering a glimpse into the region's industrial past. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including ospreys, red kites, buzzards, and ravens, particularly within the forest.

Embark on a challenging touring bicycle adventure with the Llyn Clywedog & Llanbrynmair loop from Llanidloes. This difficult route spans 38.4 miles (61.8 km) and features a significant elevation gain of 2420 feet (737 metres), taking you around 3 hours and 59 minutes to complete. You will experience truly wonderful scenery as you cycle along the expansive Llyn Clywedog reservoir, offering views of dense forests, rolling mountains, and the impressive Clywedog Dam. The trail often follows the water's edge and winds through the tranquil Hafren Forest, providing a rewarding experience for cyclists with very good fitness.

When planning your visit, be aware that while much of the route uses quiet, paved country roads, some sections may be unpaved and quite difficult, potentially requiring you to push your bike. This loop is demanding, featuring both long, gradual climbs and steep ascents, with some gradients reaching 25 percent or more. Parking is generally available in Llanidloes, which serves as the convenient starting point for this remote and scenic journey.

Beyond the physical challenge, this route offers a chance to immerse yourself in the natural and historical richness of Mid Wales. As you cycle through the Hafren Forest, keep an eye out for opportunities for bird watching, including sightings of ospreys and red kites. Near the Clywedog Dam, you will also pass the historical Bryntail Lead Mines, providing a fascinating glimpse into the region's industrial past set against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty.