Routes
Get out there and enjoy natures trails - what Mountain bikes were made for!
We have done the hard work for you! Exploring & riding the endless bridlepaths and by ways in the area to compile some of the best natural trails for you to ride. So you do not have to spend hours pouring over maps and wasting time on paths that are just not worth the effort. Our trail packs which are full of information mean that there are no hidden suprises and you can relax and get on with enjoying the fantatsic scenery and trail.
The trails offer great xc riding for all abilities, uniquely linking great riding with sites rich in historic and wildlife interest. Watch out for the Red Kites as they circle above and dance with the Ravens, catch a glimpse of a water bird hiding in the reeds as you ride past. Imagine the shepherds & drovers that have trodden the trail 100’s of years before you or just marvel at the true wilderness and beauty of the Mid Wales Countryside.
Combine this with the sheer enjoyment of just getting out there on your bike and hitting the trail and you are guaranteed the grin factor!
All rides incorporate some serious sweet flowing single track across grassy hills, stony technical track to keep you on your toes and a few climbs to make sure those lungs are working! You can’t escape a climb at some point on the ride but we have made sure that all climbs are well worth the descent!!!
The trails are suitable for all abilities as any technical sections have optional routes. You can just take it easy or push yourself hard the choice of pace is up to you to set!.
The Area
The trails are centred around the town of Llanidloes in Powys, a fantastic area with breath taking scenery and undulating terrain you will enjoy all it has to offer. Ideally situated to link with rides in the Elan Valley and Machynlleth all known as MTB mecca's. Trails leave straight from the Outdoorgirlz bike base in Oakley Park or are within a 30min drive. Trails in the area link up to Machynlleth and the Elan Valley trails so you can ride over, stay the night, explore the area and ride back.
Trail Centres
Outdoorgirlz believe in keeping to the origins of what Mountain Biking is about and that is riding as much natural trail as possible but we do also like some fun in one of the great trail centres in the area. Within 45 mins of our bike base is the Climax trail in the Dyfi Forest at Machynlleth and Nant yr Arian Trail centre towards Aberystwyth, Coed y Brenin is approx 70 mins. If you would like to try out one of these centres please just ask and we can arrange this for you.
The Climax trail could easily be added on to the Wild Wales & Machynlleth trail staying in Mach overnight at Reditreks Bunkhouse.
Trail Pack
All trails have been ridden, logged and assessed carefully. For each trail you will receive a pack full of information on what to watch out for along the trail such as historic sites and wildlife, hints and tips for riding sections of the trail, suggested points for rests and the all important lunch stop! The maps are easy to read being clear & precise with added photos of key junctions so you can check you are in the right place!
Self Guided or Guided
All trails can be easily self guided using our clear, precise and very easy to read maps incorporating photos of key junctions so you know you are in the right place! Every ride has been carefully researched and logged, in the unlikely event you have a problem just ring for back up. If you would like a guide we have an excellent local guide who can show you the way and is happy to give impromptu skills lessons! Outdoorgirlz can book the guide for you at a cost of £80 per day for a min of two to maximum of 10 persons.
Skills Sessions
If you would like to brush up or improve on your bike skills Outdoorgirlz can book our local instructor to hep you get the most out of your riding. This can be just for a half day or a full day depending on what you wish to achieve. Please ring to discuss your requirements.
The Trails!
Forests, Dams & Silver!
Terrain: Mainly grassy single track, stone & forest track, some minor roads.
Key Points: Llanidloes Market Hall, Hafren Forest, Clwyeddog Lake / Dam and Bryntail Mine.
Distance: 20 miles
Time: Full day ride
Fitness: Medium
Technicality: Ride can be altered depending on your ability from beginner to intermediate.
The route starts from our bike base and we ride on into the historic market town of Llanidloes which boasts in the centre the only surviving half timber framed market hall in Wales and is the first town on the River Severn. The first part of the ride climbs steadily on a mixture of tiny lanes and bridle paths, with breath taking views at the top. You then descend down some great track, picking up a babbling brook as you follow the single track towards the Hafren Forest. As you enter the Hafren watch out for the owl box, sometimes they warn you with their eeriy screech as you set off amongst the trees! In the Hafren we follow a mixture of forest tracks, you can choose between different grades of ride all in the same locality. We leave the fun of the Hafren behind and head on towards the Clywedog dam over open hill with stunning views as you ride along the shore and then down to the Bryntail Silver Mine. A past relic of a thriving industry but great now for a rest stop before a short sharp climb which allows us to swoop back down on some great natural trail before hitting a minor road which takes us on towards Trefegwlys and back to base.
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ROMANS, WILD LAKES & HILLS
Terrain: Mainly open hill, forest track, some minor roads to link
Key Points: Roman stronghold of Caersws, Llyn Mawr Nature Reserve, Ancient Standing Stone
Distance: 25 miles
Time: Full Day
Fitness: Medium
Technicality: Great open trail for all abilities, the faster you descend the harder it is!
Start off from our bike base and head up a gentle climb on stony track over the hill and swoop on down over the grassy fields to a minor road and then down to the former Roman stronghold of Caersws with several sites of old forts and roman roads. Head on through the village and out onto the old roman road and a steady climb, finally reaching the top and the tremendous views. Ride over the wild and beautiful open hill before descending down to Llyn Tarw and onto to Llyn Mawr Nature reserve. Up a short climb and you will feel as though you have arrived at the top of the world! Steadily ride across the hill on to the forestry, whizz down through the trees before coming out at the back of a local village. Await your transport back to base.
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THE KING OF WILD WALES
Terrain: Open hill, some minor roads to link
Key Points: Glaslyn Nature Reserve, Parliament House, Machynlleth Market Town
Distance: 20 miles
Time: Full Day
Fitness: Medium
Technicality: Great open trail for all abilities, optional gnarly route.
A short lift up to Staylittle where the ride starts off with a steady climb onto the wild open hill. There is a lovely decent down to a steep valley where two streams join. Follow the track to Glaslyn Nature Reserve a place of wild & harsh beauty. We then spin on down with views across to the peaks of Cader Idris & Snowdonia. From here we have a fast descent, the faster you go the more technical it gets! For the more experienced there is another route with real gnarly sections! After the descent we arrive in Aberhosan and pick up a path taking us across open fields and through the woods. Crossing a river we wind our way away along the picturesque river valley through the oak woods and then down into Machynlleth. Check out the sites of Mach including ‘Parliament House’ a 16th century town house associated with the crowning of Owain Glyndwr the King Of Wales in 1404! You will be picked up for a 45 min drive back to base.
ELAN VALLEY
Terrain: Open hill, some minor roads to link
Key Points: Red Kite Centre, Rhayader Market Town
Distance: 20 miles
Time: Full Day
Fitness: Medium
Technicality: Great open trail for all abilities.
There are so many rides around the fabulous Elan Valley Lakes & surrounding hills we cant mention them all. It is a 25 min drive from base to Rhayader the start of all rides and after discussion you can choose which ride you wish to do. If you fancy an easy cycle round the lakes on level ground or an all out lung buster with gnarly descents the area has it all.
The Red Kite centre is just out of town so why not discover the Red Kites and watch their incredible acrobatic displays .
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KERRY RING & GIANTS GRAVE
Terrain: Heather moors, woodlands and heaths.
Key Points: Ceri Forest, Cross Dyke, Kerry Ring, Giants Grave, Lord Davies
Distance: 20 miles
Time: Full Day
Fitness: Medium
Technicality: Great open trail for all abilities.
A drive of approx 30 mins brings us to the Kerry Ridgeway. This ancient path is believed to be the oldest in Wales, it could even be as ancient as Stonehenge! It holds a long tradition as a trade and drovers’ route from Wales to the lowland English markets. The route follows a ridge top overlooking Wales on the one side and England on the other. It never dips below 1000 ft above sea level, resulting in remarkable views in all directions, up to 70 miles on a clear day.
We pick up the Ridgeway and keep to it past woods and Ceri Forest across a couple of roads and then up to Two Tumps, two prehistoric mounds. We then drop down over Cross Dyke and out at Cider House. Here the Ridgeway ends and we pick up another trail, some road and again off road with a good steady climb up to Giants Grave a short dyke constructed between AD340 - 530. You are now on top of the Llandinam Hills or you could be on top of the world! Swoop on down into Llandinam and then you have a choice to keep on the minor road or follow the tracks back to base.
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Disclaimer
All the trails are suggested routes using public rights of way, Outdoorgirlz are not responisble for any aspect of the rights of way including the condition or signage. It is your responsibility to decide if you are fit enough, have the right equipment and the necessary riding skills to ride any part of a trail. Outdoorgirlz cannot be held responsible for any losses, inconvenience, damages or injury caused to you by riding the suggested trails.
