Cycle Llanidloes

Seven valleys ride

Great valley rides, above and alongside the rivers and brooks, from the little Cochnant to the mighty Gwy/Wye and Hafren/Severn. The bigger, glaciated valleys give wonderful views, as do some of the climbs between the valleys.

A chance to ride along by the old railway route going through Tylwch. Two off-road stretches give views that few get to see.

Start	Llanidloes Market Hall
Total distance	13 miles (21 km)
Rating	Medium Difficult
Riding description	A few steep hills (out of Llangurig and Tylwych) but mostly gentle undulations. Hard surface except for two stretches along tracks. Both can be managed with road bikes although some may prefer to dismount on the second, especially after wet weather. Wide variety of scenery and even two, now lost, railway routes to cross. One stretch of 1.5 miles on the busy A470.
Facilities	Food and drink at Llanidloes and Llangurig. WCs at Llanidloes (The Gro) and Llangurig

Map directions

We recommend you consult Explorer 214 (Ordnance Survey 1:25,000)
Alternatively: Landranger 136 (OS 1:50,000)

Route Description

1. From the Market Hall head up Great Oak Street and turn RIGHT into High Street, past the Minerva Centre and the Angel Pub (circa 1748). Take the second turn LEFT (signed for recycling) and carry on over the bridge, where the road swings left and then right, up a hill to a small roundabout. (Highlight A)
2. At the roundabout go straight up Gorn Road. This part of the route is signed as the Glyndwr Way. This is the first of the valleys, the Cochnant.
3. Climb to the top of the hill and past the turning for Gorn Farm, off to the left.
4. Follow the road as it swings to the right and ends up in a gated farmyard. Go through the gate and follow the track past the farm to a gate at the end of a small field. Go through it.
5. Follow the bridle path, passing through some gates (leave them as you find them).
6. You will emerge on to a road. Turn LEFT.
7. Carry on for about a mile to a crossroads and go STRAIGHT. About 50 yards after the crossroads turn RIGHT up a hill and into a valley. This is the second valley, the Cydros Valley. (Highlight B)
8. After about a mile (near Oldchapel Farm) the hard surface ends. Go through the gate ahead and proceeded along the track. As the track descends it becomes rougher and may be slippery after rain. It is not for long so if in doubt get off and stroll. It is probably worth doing this to better enjoy the very fine views down the valley.
9. After a tree-enclosed stretch the track finds a hard surface again and this takes you down to the Afon Dulas and the third valley. (Highlight C) Follow the road RIGHT.
10. At the end of the road you will arrive at Tylwch (pronounced Tulluch). Turn LEFT, cross three bridges (2 water, 1 where the railway use to be) and take the road to the RIGHT by the white cottage. (Do not take the steep road just before it.)
11. You will now climb up the wide Cae-garw Valley, our fourth. Don't miss the superb views back to Tylwych. Follow the road for about 3 miles, ignoring the one right turn about half way along.
12. Turn LEFT on to the A470 which will be used to get to Llangurig. This is a busy road but will only be used for 1.5 miles. Please take care, especially in the first quarter of a mile, which is rather narrow for an A road.
13. At the roundabout take the SECOND EXIT signed for Aberystwyth (A44) to Llangurig. (Highlight D) You are now in the Wye Valley which runs from the west and then heads south (left as you enter Llangurig.)
14. In Llangurig take the RIGHT turn just before you reach the blue walled pub (The Crown). Don't be fooled into thinking it is just the pub car park. This road is also marked by Sustrans signs. You are now joining Sustrans route 81. The rest of the way back to Llanidloes will be signposted by Sustrans.
15. A steep climb (1 in 7 to 1 in 5) for about a quarter of a mile takes you out of the Wye Valley When leaving Llangurig there are fine views of the Pumlumon Mountains in the distance. These were the limit of the medieval kingdom of Arwystli. (Highlight E)
16. You will now start a scenic descent of the Brochan Valley, the sixth and final valley. (Highlight F: Brochan Valley)
17. At about 3 miles from Llangurig the road will take you to Felindre Bridge. (Do NOT take the road marked as part of the Severn way) Cross the bridge and go up the hill. At the junction turn RIGHT and follow the road into Llanidloes. You are now following the Afon Hafren / River Severn, the seventh valley and part of the longest valley in Britain.

Highlights

A. Llanidloes (Great Oak Street)

B. Valleys and glaciation

C. Afon Dulas and the railway

D. Llangurig

E. Medieval Kingdom of Arwystli

F. Brochan Valley

Llanidloes - Cycle Llanidloes