Elan Valley dam and coast extravaganza via Devil's Bridge

Elan Valley dam and coast extravaganza via Devil's Bridge

Circular Road Cycling Route

Cycling through the counties and areas of Cambrian Mountains, Ceredigion and Elan Valley.

100 miles 9500 ft Circular route
Circular RouteHillyRoadScenic
Strava
The cycle route passes through the settlements of Elan Village, Rhayader (start, Powys), Cwmystwyth (Ceredigion), Devil's Bridge (Ceredigion), Ponterwyd (Ceredigion), Tal-y-Bont (Ceredigion), Borth (Ceredigion), Tre'r-ddol (Ceredigion), Morben (Powys), Machynlleth (Powys), Staylittle (Powys), Llanidloes (Powys), Llanidloes (Powys), Rhayader (Powys), Elan Village, Rhayader (finish, Powys)
Cambrian Mountains Ceredigion Elan Valley

We start from the Elan Valley Visitor Centre where you’ll find a great cafe should you need an early morning coffee and croissant before we set off. From the car park we start this superb 100 mile circular road cycling route by passing Caban-coch dam and reservoir.

With a fantastic backdrop, we continue to skirt the stunning reservoirs and dams of Garreg-ddu, Penygarreg and Cronfa Ddwr Craig Goch along deserted quiet roads with just the odd motorcycle, sports car or two.

Next we travel north-west along the valley of Afon Rheidol, arriving at the impressive Devil’s Bridge Falls, a spectacular waterfall attraction in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains where you’ll find your last chance to stop for coffee and food for the next 20 miles.

Heading north from Devil’s Bridge we pass the Nany-y-Moch reservoir and it’s scenic damn before turning west to the coast and follow the valley of the River Leri. On arriving at the Irish Sea we arrive at the popular seaside coastal town of Borth where you’ll find plenty of ice-cream and coffee along with great sea views.

After a quick breather we head back inland along the only busy road of our route, the A487 for around 8 miles into the quirky eco-town of Machynlleth at around mile 60. A bustling market town, you’ll find plenty of cafes and coffee shops for a quick refuel; do give Clay Bakery a try, their cinnamon buns are delicious!

Next is the moment you’ve been waiting for, between Machynlleth and Staylittle is a spectacular 500m climb over 10 miles with it steepening painfully towards the top, passing Glaslyn, a remote mountain lake. At the top give those legs a rest and take a moment to soak up the panoramic views across Wales.

After a throughly enjoyable descent we’ve then a final undulating push towards the towns of Llanidloes and Rhayader before arriving back at the visitor centre in Elan Village for a well earned pint at the first pub we could find.

Cycle friendly cafes en route or just a short detour away