The best road cycling routes around Stanner Rocks National Nature Reserve
4.8
(7)
430
riders
73
rides
Road cycling around Stanner Rocks National Nature Reserve offers routes through a landscape characterized by ancient igneous rock formations, steep hills, and varied terrain. The region features a mix of woodlands, open countryside, and valleys, providing diverse gradients for cyclists. While the core reserve is sensitive, the surrounding area is well-suited for road cycling, with routes offering panoramic views of the Powys and Herefordshire borderlands.
Best road cycling routes around Stanner Rocks National Nature Reserve
- The most popular road cycling route is Bike Shop loop from Evenjobb, a 38.0 miles (61.2 km) trail that takes 2 hours 45 minutes to complete. This moderate route features significant elevation gain through the local hills.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Very Quiet Country Lanes – Bogs Mount Castle loop from Burfa Bog, an easy 11.6 miles (18.7 km) path. This route navigates through tranquil country lanes, offering a less strenuous ride.
- Local road cyclists also love the Craig Goch Dam – Elan Valley Reservoirs loop from Kington, a 75.3 miles (121.1 km) trail leading through the Elan Valley Reservoirs, often completed in about 6 hours 12 minutes.
- Road cycling around Stanner Rocks National Nature Reserve is defined by ancient igneous rock formations, steep hills, and expansive valleys. The network offers options for various ability levels, from easy country lane rides to challenging long-distance routes.
- The routes in Stanner Rocks National Nature Reserve are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 5 reviews. More than 400 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Stanner Rocks National Nature Reserve's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
8
riders
61.0km
02:47
620m
620m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
7
riders
18.7km
00:54
200m
200m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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6
riders
121km
06:13
1,630m
1,620m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4
riders
61.4km
02:50
590m
590m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
1
riders
50.2km
02:23
450m
450m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Tips from the Community
Lovely little old church and an even better hedge!
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A little place with a lot of history, and a spectacular hedge!
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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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The Craig Goch Dam, often called the Top dam, is a masonry dam in the Elan Valley of Wales and creates the upper-most of the Elan Valley Reservoirs. Construction on the dam began in 1897, and it was completed in 1904. The primary purpose of the dam and the other reservoirs is to supply Birmingham with water. In 1997, a 480 kW hydroelectric generator began operation at the dam.
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The Elan dam scheme was developed in the 19th century following rapid growth of the population of Birmingham due to the Industrial Revolution. The city's expansion resulted in regular outbreaks of water-borne diseases and major epidemics such as typhoid, cholera and dysentery due to the lack of clean water.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available around Stanner Rocks National Nature Reserve?
There are over 70 road cycling routes available around Stanner Rocks National Nature Reserve on komoot, offering a wide range of options for various skill levels.
What is the general difficulty level of road cycling routes in this area?
The routes around Stanner Rocks National Nature Reserve cater to all abilities. You'll find 11 easy routes perfect for a relaxed ride, 57 moderate routes for those seeking a bit more challenge, and 8 difficult routes for experienced cyclists looking for significant climbs and distances.
Are there any easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, there are several easy routes. For a less strenuous ride through tranquil country lanes, consider the Very Quiet Country Lanes – Bogs Mount Castle loop from Burfa Bog, which is 11.6 miles long. Another easy option is the Rose Craft Shop & Cafe – Bike Shop loop from Evenjobb, covering 23.2 km.
What kind of scenery and views can I expect on these road cycling routes?
The routes offer diverse scenery, from ancient igneous rock formations and steep hills to woodlands, open countryside, and expansive valleys. You can expect panoramic views of the Powys and Herefordshire borderlands, with some routes providing glimpses of the unique microclimate and rare flora that characterize the Stanner Rocks area.
Are there any challenging routes for experienced road cyclists?
Absolutely. For a significant challenge, the Craig Goch Dam – Elan Valley Reservoirs loop from Kington is a difficult 75.3-mile route with substantial elevation gain, leading through the scenic Elan Valley Reservoirs.
What do other road cyclists say about the routes around Stanner Rocks National Nature Reserve?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 5 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the quiet country lanes, and the beautiful views of the surrounding borderlands.
When is the best time of year to go road cycling near Stanner Rocks?
The region's unique microclimate, influenced by its southeast-facing slopes, can make it pleasant for cycling across many seasons. Spring and autumn offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful foliage, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Even in winter, the area can be appealing, though conditions may vary.
Are there any circular road cycling routes available?
Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Stanner Rocks National Nature Reserve are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the popular Bike Shop loop from Evenjobb and the Very Quiet Country Lanes – Bogs Mount Castle loop from Burfa Bog.
Where can I find parking for road cycling routes in the area?
While specific parking areas for each route vary, many routes start from villages like Evenjobb or Kington, where public parking facilities are typically available. It's advisable to check the starting point of your chosen route for the most convenient parking options.
Are there places to stop for refreshments or accommodation along the routes?
The routes often pass through or near charming villages and towns like Kington, which offer cafes, pubs, and accommodation options. For example, the Rose Craft Shop & Cafe – Bike Shop loop from Evenjobb specifically mentions a craft shop and cafe, indicating opportunities for breaks.
Can I combine road cycling with exploring the Stanner Rocks National Nature Reserve itself?
While direct road cycling within the most sensitive parts of Stanner Rocks National Nature Reserve is restricted due to its steep terrain and protected rare plant life, the surrounding area is excellent for cycling. You can incorporate tracks and paths on the periphery of the reserve into your longer cycling routes, allowing you to dismount and explore the unique natural beauty on foot to reach viewpoints.
Most popular routes around Stanner Rocks National Nature Reserve
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