Nant y Moch loop from Machynlleth — Cambrian Mountains

Nant y Moch loop from Machynlleth — Cambrian Mountains

Hard

5.0

(1)

riders

Nant y Moch loop from Machynlleth — Cambrian Mountains

04:59

51.4km

960m

Gravel riding

Embark on the Nant y Moch loop from Machynlleth, a difficult gravel biking adventure spanning 31.9 miles (51.4 km) with a significant 3164 feet (964 metres) of elevation gain. This route, which typically takes around 4 hours and 59 minutes, treats you to expansive mountain and valley views, including the picturesque Nant y Moch Reservoir. You will navigate a variety of surfaces, from a spectacular 'balcony' gravel road and thrilling forested descents to rocky doubletrack around the reservoir and slate tracks, often encountering wet sections and large puddles.

This challenging ride demands very good fitness, as some segments may even require you to push your bike. While it offers a good challenge on a gravel bike, it is not unrideable for those prepared for its demands. Ensure you are well-equipped for varied terrain and potential wet conditions, even in summer, to fully enjoy the diverse landscapes of the Cambrian Mountains.

The Nant y Moch loop is celebrated as one of Wales's best double track trails for gravel riders, with the rocky doubletrack around the reservoir being a particular highlight. Situated within the UNESCO-designated Dyfi Biosphere Reserve, the trail showcases the natural beauty of rolling hills and moorland. The Cambrian Mountains are recognized as a premier destination for gravel riding in the UK, and this route exemplifies the region's appeal for adventurous cyclists.

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

611 m

Machynlleth Clock Tower

Highlight • Settlement

Machynlleth is a small town that's guaranteed to have more sheep than inhabitants. It's quite peaceful here, but the village still has a lot to offer. In the centre, beautiful buildings, cosy restaurants and interesting, alternative shops are waiting for you.

The area is inspiring. Just outside the town is the small summer house where Robert Plant and Jimmy Page are said to have written some songs for their band Led Zeppelin.

There are plenty of hotels and a campsite nearby.

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20.5 km

Nant Y Moch Reservoir Trail

Highlight • Cycleway

One of the best double track trails in Wales for MTB or gravel riders. Ride through the valley alongside Nant Y Moch reservoir on the traffic free road, a good challenge on a gravel bike but not unrideable. It does get pretty wet here and you'll even find big puddles in summer so go easy. Enjoy this remote area of West Wales that I like to call 'Little Scotland'.

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23.9 km

Nant-y-Moch Reservoir

Highlight • Structure

The reservoir flooded part of the valley of the River Rheidol and its headwaters and is named after the Nant-y-moch stream (in English = the pigs stream), which formerly flowed into the River Rheidol at this spot.

It's a great dark-sky spot if you're into astronomy / astro-photography.

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33.8 km

Sheep Track Bridleway Between Esgair Las and Esgair Gorddi

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

This bridleway between Esgair Las and Esgair Gorddi roughly follows a sheep track and is pretty rough. You can see from nearby Hyddgen Farm that this upland area is good for sheep grazing.

As you might imagine, it gets pretty slippery and mucky in the wet, so take care!

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41.4 km

The Chute

Highlight (Segment) • Gorge

This is normally ridden down as part of the Mach 3 route. Be careful as slippery in the wet. Further down is very narrow with a deep ravine running alongside. You don’t want to fall in!
Is mostly a ‘hike a bike’ going up it.

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