Mountain Biking Collection by Katherine Moore
Welsh Border to Irish Sea Bikepacking — Trans Cambrian Way
3 days
4-5 h/day
177km
3,280m
3,450m
Starting in the Welsh border market town of Knighton, and crossing through mid Wales with a route that’s anything but direct to the coastline at the mouth of the river Dyfi (Dovey in English), this popular route has it all. Forest trails, quiet lanes, singletrack, bothies and river crossings: this is the ultimate Welsh MTB adventure.
For many, the highlight will likely be the stunning Elan Valley, a network of five man-made reservoirs and six beautiful dams dating back to the early 1900's. The gravel track that hugs the hillside, contouring around Claerwen Reservoir is simply breathtaking and makes the climbing all the more worth the effort.
Make sure you keep well supplied along the route when you pass through villages with shops and cafes, as large parts of the route are relatively remote, especially towards the end on the third day. Access is good as the route both starts and ends at train stations, but if you would like to extend your stay at the end, head North to Machynlleth for a gorgeous little country town with many thriving pubs and places to stay.
A mountain bike will be the best tool for the job on the Trans Cambrian Way, although if you’re set on drop bars then a gravel bike would suffice if you don’t mind a little hike-a-bike! Make sure you take the time to visit the two bothies en route; Claerddu and Nant Rhys, and do stay in the latter on the second night for a cosy shelter in true bikepacking style. You’ll need to take a sleeping bag and mat for these, plus a stove and food for dinner and breakfast is a good idea unless you’re eating in a pub nearby. If you’ve got space for a pack of playing cards, they always go down well too!
The best time of year for the Trans Cambrian Way is in the summer months, when water levels will hopefully be lower and the terrain more easy-going. Some riders do attempt the route in the transition months and winter, but if you’d like to try this then please do be especially careful during water crossings and in remote areas.
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Trans Cambrian Way
171km
3,400m
3,580m
Last updated: November 26, 2024
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Activities
57.1km
04:52
1,100m
1,070m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
58.6km
05:27
1,170m
920m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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61.5km
05:09
1,010m
1,460m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
Collection Stats
Activities
3
Distance
177 km
Duration
15:28 h
Elevation
3,280 m
3,450 m
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