by Jeremy
There are so many superb road cycle rides to be had in mid-wales. The roads are quiet, the area is sparsely populated, there are so many hills with views and valleys with rivers and streams. We really are spoilt for choice on our doorsteps.
Here are some videos to whet your appetite:
> Cambrian Mountains Sunday ride
> Cambrian Coast Sportive 2019
To help you on your way here five of the local riders’ favourites. These rides are suitable for the reasonably fit cyclist who is not afraid of climbing and is looking for a ride that will keep them out most of the day. So get on your bike and see what happens, you won’t be disappointed:
1. Llyn Brianne Loop
Using Tregaron as a base, this beautiful circular route takes in hills, valleys, breath-taking views with an excellent lunch stop at Tywi Bridge Inn. Take the mountain road over the Cambrian Mountains towards Abergwesyn before turning off towards Llyn Brianne. The road runs along the Eastern side of the lake, drops down past the dam wall towards Lampeter via lunch/coffee at Tywi Bridge Inn, Pumpsaint, and on to Lampeter. From there its an easy run back to Tregaron along the Teifi Valley.
Distance 80 km; Climb 1570 m.
2. Elan Valley Lakes
One of the best. Starting at Devil’s Bridge you ride up past The Arch, down through Cwmystwth and up the valley along the Ystwyth river, past disused lead and silver mines before entering the Elan valley. The route takes you past the turn-off to the lakes into Rhayader, where The Old Swan Tea-room welcomes cyclists. Return past the Elan valley visitors’ centre and follow the route along three of the lakes before re-joining the road from Cwmystwyth and returning to Devil’s Bridge.
Distance 71 km; Climb 1756 m.
3. Nant y Moch & Devil’s Bridge
Starting in Aberystwyth the route takes in Clarach, the coastal town Borth, Tre’r-dol, Tal-y-bont, the remote Nant-y-Moch reservoir, Devils Bridge and then back to Aber. You will get lovely views of Borth and the coast, after which you’ll make your way back to the main road and head south again to Tal-y-bont. From here its a long climb up an alpine-like road to the top of a valley before circling round Nant y Moch. On to Devil’s Bridge where a well-earned lunch is best enjoyed at Woodland’s Cafe. After lunch the routes crosses the Devil’s Bridge itself leaving you about 20 km back to the start.
Distance 70 km; Climb 1280 m.
4. New Quay for Lunch
This ride through the back roads of Ceredigion in the heart of sheep and cattle country. Starting from Tanyresgair the road passes through the villages of Bethania, Cross Inn, Pennant, Ciliau Aeron before climbing up to Dihewyd and on to Madroilyn before aiming for the coast along the top of the hills. New Quay has many good lunch stops with views over the bay and coast line – try The Blue Bell or The Old Watch House (sit outside). Back home taking different minor roads to Bethania before following your footsteps back to Tanyresgair.
Distance 75 km; Climb 1263 km
5. On Top of the World!
Again, using Tregaron as the base, ride along the secondary road to Llandewi Brefi where you then take a minor mountain road towards Ffarmers, very steep. Rather than continuing to Ffarmers itself, you stay on the mountain road which takes you along a ridge well above the Teifi Valley before dropping down into Cwmann and then into Lampeter, where Granny’s Kitchen is a very good place to stop for coffee and or a light lunch. From there its back to Tregaron along the Teifi valley.
Distance 43 km; Climb 680 m.
