Description
The Elan Valley sits in the Cambrian Mountains in Powys, mid-Wales, and offers one of the most scenic and varied mountain biking areas in the country. For XC riding there are 1 blue, 5 reds, and 2 blacks covering everything from reservoir loops to serious epics of 60km. Two purpose-built downhill skill tracks (1 blue, 1 red) were added in 2021 and provide a fast, free-to-ride contrast to the longer natural routes. The whole area has a rugged, unspoiled feel, dotted with iconic Victorian reservoirs and dams managed by the Elan Valley Trust on behalf of Dwr Cymru Welsh Water.
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The Elan Valley sits in the Cambrian Mountains in Powys, mid-Wales, and offers one of the most scenic and varied mountain biking areas in the country. For XC riding there are 1 blue, 5 reds, and 2 blacks covering everything from reservoir loops to serious epics of 60km. Two purpose-built downhill skill tracks (1 blue, 1 red) were added in 2021 and provide a fast, free-to-ride contrast to the longer natural routes. The whole area has a rugged, unspoiled feel, dotted with iconic Victorian reservoirs and dams managed by the Elan Valley Trust on behalf of Dwr Cymru Welsh Water.
XC Trails
- The Ant Hills (Blue): Approximately 9km. Starts from Clive Powell Mountain Bikes in Rhayader. Heads out on the old Aberystwyth mountain road, crosses the Wye Valley, and loops back to Cwmdauddwr and Rhayader. Around 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Around Caban (Red): Approximately 15km, starting from the Elan Valley Visitor Centre. Loops around the reservoir and valleys.
- Roman Camp (Red): Approximately 32km starting from Clive Powell Mountain Bikes in Rhayader. Takes in the reservoir, dam, and valley. Allow 3 to 4 hours.
- Nannerth Loop (Red): Approximately 29km, starting from Cwmdauddwr car park. Covers valleys, moorland, singletrack, and reservoirs. Allow 3-plus hours.
- Golf Links (Red): Approximately 13km, starting from Cwmdauddwr car park.
- Wye Valley Loop (Red): Approximately 19km starting in Rhayader. Around 2-plus hours.
- Black Cottage (Black): Approximately 30km. Technical trail, allow 3 to 4 hours.
- Elan Epic (Black): An epic 60km route starting in Cwmdauddwr. Covers the Elan and Claerwen Valleys. Allow a full day of 7-plus hours.
Downhill Tracks
- Two purpose-built downhill skill tracks opened in July 2021, both starting from the free car park by Nantgwyllt Church.
- The Red: Approximately 1km, with drop-offs, tight bends, and bermed runs.
- The Blue: Approximately 1.5km, with fast flow, berms, and jumps.
- Both tracks are free to ride and open to the public. Built by Trail Craft and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Welsh Government.
Getting Here
- The main starting point for most XC routes is Rhayader or the Elan Valley Visitor Centre, 3 miles west of Rhayader on the B4518. Visitor Centre car park: Elan Valley Visitor Centre, Rhayader, LD6 5HP.
- The downhill skill tracks start from the Nantgwyllt Church Car Park, further along the reservoir road. This car park is free.
- Clive Powell Mountain Bikes in Rhayader serves as an informal hub for XC riders in the area.
Share
- If you have ridden any of the mountain bike trails in the Elan Valley, please share your reviews, photos, and videos to this listing.