CYCLING IN ABERYSTWYTH
There is a great variety of cycling in Aberystwyth depending on interests, fitness and ability. Being the main gateway in to the heart of Mid Wales and to all parts.
Need to hire bikes or e-bikes as part of your stay? Please contact us as we own a bike shop as well. Your bikes can be ready for you at any of our properties and we can arrange their collection at the end of your stay.
FAMILY CYCLING
The Ystwyth Trail
The Ystwyth Trail (NCN routes 81 & 82) is a predominantly off-road route spanning 21 miles from Aberystwyth to Tregaron. At its nearest point it passes 1 mile from Llanafan. The majority of the route is based on a disused railway line and is on a mixture of grit and tarmac. The off-road sections of the trail include safety gates at road crossings so it is a family friendly route and a good place to yet younger children enjoy a bit of freedom. Near to Llanilar, there are some good spots for a picnic overlooking the River Ystwyth. Further toward Tregaron, there is an additional stopping point at the Cors Caron nature reserve where there are facilities and seating. A couple of short sections of the trail can become muddy during prolonged wet weather. These are easily avoided, but ultimately not too long if you do end up needing to push. There is a free route guide to the Ystwyth Trail and we will leave a copy as part of the guest information pack provided.
For more details see The Ystwyth Trail
Rheidol Trail
At Aberystwyth, the Ystwyth Trail meets its sister, the 17-mile Rheidol Trail. This is a scenic route based mostly on quiet lanes. The route initially follows the river Rheidol upstream via car-free shared-use paths. As you break out onto the industrial estate, to your left will be Afan Outdoor Leisure, our fully equipped bike shop and service centre where you can pick up any needed part & accessories, book a workshop repair or perhaps try one of our wide range of e-bikes on a test ride. On through the industrial estate and you are soon onto lanes.
The route is a little hilly as it parallels the Vale of Rheidol Railway, but you are soon onto flatter terrain passing cow pastures before reaching the Vale of Rheidol’s Capel Bangor station. Now the lane crosses the railway and a bridge across the Rheidol where you’ll sometimes see cows having a drink. A short hill takes you to the main A44 road at Capel Bangor which you follow briefly. There are footpaths here which may be safer if riding with children. The path does swap sides so a little road crossing may be necessary.
You soon turn off onto a minor lane again and now head towards Cwm Rheidol. There is one small hill which provides a good vantage point of the valley ahead. Carry on and you’ll probably see a baby horse or 2 as you come to the village of Cwm Rheidol. Here the route forks into 2. The climb to the right is serious cycling taking you up to Devils Bridge and is not recommended for the recreational cyclist, although it is a little over a mile to walk up the nasty bit if you feel brave. Following the more sedate route, you are now passing the lake which is part of the Rheidol power scheme. Up on the hillside above watch out for passing steam trains, you might see the odd red kite wheeling overhead too! There is a visitor centre where you can stop and learn about the hydro scheme, visit the butterfly farm or get refreshments in the adjoining café. The trail carries on up the valley a couple more miles ending at some small waterfalls on the river where you might enjoy a picnic.
For more details see Rheidol Trail
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Bwlch Nant yr Arian
Bwlch Nant yr Arian is half and hour’s drive from Llanafan and offers a range of mountain bike trails to suit all abilities. Other facilities include parking, a café/visitor centre and bike washing facilities. There is also a skills park. Trails range from 3 – 22 miles in length and take in a mixture of forests and open ground with the longer routes crossing over to the shore of the Nant y Moch reservoir. Most routes encounter the famous ‘leg burner’ climb at some point which will ensure you are ready for coffee and cake when you finish. E-bikes are fairly prevalent too.
For further details visit Natural Resources
CliMachX Trail
Based in the southern section of the Dyfi forest, 5 miles north of Machynlleth is the CliMachX trail. The route is around 10 miles long and around half of it comprises of built single track. The trail is quite challenging in places and is suited to more experienced riders.
For further details visit Climachx Trail
Coed y Brenin
The other significant MTB centre in our region is at Coed y Brenin which is around 90 minutes’ drive away near to Dolgellau. This is an extensive site featuring routes from 7 – 23 miles in length over a variety of terrains many of which are rocky and challenging. Like Nant yr Arian, there is a skills area. There are also a range of amenities including parking, a visitor centre/café, a bike shop, changing facilities and bike wash area.
For further details visit Natural Resources
ROAD CYCLING
Mid-Wales boasts some great road cycling on mostly quiet roads. There are iconic climbs like the Devils Staircase, Machynlleth Mountain Road & Elan Valley. The coast road also offers some good scenery, particularly a trip north to Aberdovey and beyond, perhaps looping back via Happy Valley. Another great draw is the various reservoirs including Nant y Moch, Llyn Briane, Llyn Clywedog & the lakes of the Elan Valley.
In terms of flatter riding, you can ride a lap around the edge of the Tregaron bog or the traditional Borth loop which takes the A487 north to Tre’r Ddol and then turns to Ynyslas and Borth before re-joining the A487 in Bow Street. This tends to be ridden in either direction dependent on the prevailing wind. Closer to Llanafan there is a nice route from the B4340 turning off onto NCN route 81 and up the valley to Pontrydygroes following the river Ystwyth, from there you can loop back via New Row and Brynafan, roll down to Abermagwr and loop back on flatter roads or extend off into the bigger hills by climbing towards Cwm Ystwyth and the Elan Valley beyond. There is an active cycling club in Aberystwyth with rides for all abilities going out on a Sunday morning from the local leisure centre.
For details see Clwb Beicio Ystwyth
GRAVEL
Cycling on gravel or adventure bikes is a fast-growing discipline in its own right. When you get into it, it soon becomes clear that there are massive amounts of paths out there with barely any riding taking place. In our area, a good starting point is to head for the arch and then on into that system of gravel roads mostly related to forestry. It is possible to climb through a large wind farm and then cross all of the way to Esiteddfa Gurig or even branch on to the Sweet Lamb rally complex with further looping back towards the far end of Cwm Ystwyth and the Elan Valley Beyond. Another great route is to Climb to Ffair Rhos and then past the Teifi Pools following gravel out to and around the Claerwen Reservoir at the top of the Elan Valley system.
Looking for something a bit more structured in terms of gravel riding? These rides are something quite special although extremely tough visit Tinat.
EVENTS
Cyclefest
Every May there are a series of events to celebrate cycling in Aberystwyth over a 9-day period. There are crit races, downhill mountain biking, sportives, a hillclimb, Audax and a range of related social events.
For details visit Aber Cyclefest
Dyfi Enduro
Earlier in May is the Dyfi Enduro MTB event based around Machynlleth and the Dyfi Forest.
For details visit Dyfi Events
Audax
If long distance road cycling with a leaning towards self-sufficiency sounds appealing, then the world of Audax had a lot to offer. We organise a program of events throughout the year aimed at showcasing the best of the Mid-Wales scenery.
For details visit Audax Cymru
BIKE HIRE
NEED A BIKE DURING YOUR STAY?
If you need to hire bikes or e-bikes as part of your stay, we can assist with that as we also run a bike shop. We are able to have bikes ready for you at either of our properties and arrange their collection at the end of your stay.